I am a member of Planet Fitness. I go anywhere from zero to three times a week.
On Tuesday I decided to try their 30 minute “express” workout. I usually try to spend no more than 30 minutes there anyway, so this fit. Here are the rules from their website:
The PF 30-Minute Express Circuit combines 10 strength machines and 10 cardio-step stations. You can start anywhere in the circuit but you must go in sequence. The circuit operates on a green light/red light system. When the light turns green, you begin exercising for 60 seconds. Once this time has elapsed, the light turns red for 30 seconds (your cue to stop exercising and move to the next station). At the end of 30 minutes, you will have completed the circuit and received a full-body workout.
This is a very straightforward set of rules, and very familiar if you are an unfortunate victim of the Curves exercise centers. A minute to do a thing, 30 seconds to move to the next thing and set it up/rest, a minute to do the thing. The machines are numbered, there is an order. While you can start at any station, there is an order. AN. OR. DER.
You can witness the behavior of people in that PF Express section and 100% understand why we as a society are in the state we’re in. Much like Curves, it’s the wild west out there. If a machine on the main exercise floor is taken, a gym rat will come in and use one of the express ones for 5 minutes. People are chatting and not moving machines. People are out of order. THIS WHOLE COURT’S OUT OF ORDER!
But despite having to go around people and change up the order (THERE IS AN ORDER, PEOPLE!) it was a solid 30 minute workout for me. I was sweating and got a full body workout. I have 3 AI-generated workouts1 that I rotate through but I think this will replace my “whole body” workout.
- I like ChatGPT. I think in order to understand new technology, you have to use it to see what it can and can’t do. I’m one of those people who use it to assist with writing emails, because sometimes I have a hard time keeping things concise while maintaining a friendly tone. ↩︎
This is why I stay at home… people get on my nerves.
& you’re so right – the PERFECT view on why we have half the country who plays by a different set of “rules” – ones they make up as they go