Planet Fitness is a low-cost gym with free small-group training. HipTrain is a coach just for you, live on video. Here is how to choose.
Full disclosure: HipTrain wrote this page, and we're one of the two options here. So yes, we're biased. We've kept every fact about Planet Fitness to what Planet Fitness and named news sources publish, and the links are at the end.
Choose Planet Fitness if you want a low-cost gym with machines and free small-group sessions led by club trainers, and you can get there easily. Choose HipTrain if you want a coach focused only on you, live on video, without leaving home. Planet Fitness costs much less: Classic memberships start at $15 a month. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month for a live private session every week. Some people do both.
HipTrain is live personal training on video. You answer a two-minute questionnaire, and we match you with a coach who fits your goals and your calendar. Sign-up to first session can happen in under a day.
Your coach is with you for the whole session, just the two of you. They watch your form, change exercises when something doesn't feel right, and build each workout around your body and your goals. It's the same coach every time, and you can switch anytime. No gym or equipment needed. You can chat between sessions and reschedule anytime in the app.
"I LOVE my trainer! He is leading me to improve my stamina and balance after hip replacement at a cost I can afford. Also I appreciate the ease of adjusting our schedule and that he is ok with 30 minute sessions." (Helene B., Google review)
Planet Fitness is a chain of gyms built around its "Judgement Free Zone." You work out on your own with cardio and strength equipment. Planet Fitness says Classic memberships begin at $15 a month and PF Black Card memberships begin at $24.99 a month, with a $49 annual fee, and that memberships may include a 12-month commitment. Prices vary by location. In May 2026, the company said it was pausing a planned national Black Card price increase.
For coaching, Planet Fitness offers PE@PF (Physical Education at Planet Fitness). Planet Fitness says certified trainers show you around the gym, teach you the cardio and strength machines, lead small-group training sessions, and can design an exercise program for you. PE@PF has no extra cost for members. Sessions include a New Member Orientation and a 30-Minute Express Circuit, and you sign up in the Planet Fitness app or at the front desk.
Planet Fitness does not publish national pricing for paid 1-on-1 personal training. If you want private sessions at a club, ask that location.
Here are the published prices.
Over a year, a Classic membership comes to about $229 ($15 x 12, plus the $49 fee), and Black Card about $349. One 30-minute HipTrain session a week for a year is $713.88 ($59.49 x 12). Planet Fitness is clearly cheaper.
The difference is what you get. Planet Fitness gives you a gym and free group help. HipTrain gives you a private coach, live, every session. HipTrain is also HSA / FSA eligible, which can lower your real cost if your plan approves it. See all our plans in the pricing section, or compare with private gym trainers in HipTrain vs an in-person trainer.
If you want gym machines, a place to go, and the lowest monthly price, Planet Fitness is the better deal. We don't offer in-person sessions or equipment. You need to show up on camera at a booked time. We also have far fewer reviews than big brands (29 App Store ratings), a small coach roster, and no nutrition coaching or big on-demand library.
Planet Fitness offers PE@PF, free small-group training led by certified trainers, at no extra cost for members. It's group help in the club, not private 1-on-1 coaching. Prices for paid private training aren't published nationally.
Planet Fitness says Classic memberships begin at $15 a month and PF Black Card at $24.99, plus a $49 annual fee. Prices vary by location, and some memberships include a 12-month commitment.
HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible (here's how). We didn't find HSA or FSA terms published by Planet Fitness. Check your own plan before you buy.
Planet Fitness, by a lot, at $15 to $24.99 a month plus the annual fee. HipTrain starts at $59.49 a month, which covers a live private session with your own coach every week.
Want to see if live coaching fits you? Try your first HipTrain session free. No credit card needed.
We checked pricing and features for every service here in October 2026. They change often, so double-check before you sign up.