You know that feeling when you drive past the old Shopko building on 17th Street and wonder if the parking lot is always that packed? That’s the reality of Planet Fitness Idaho Falls. It’s basically the heartbeat of the local fitness scene for anyone who isn't trying to break an Olympic powerlifting record. People go there. A lot of people.
If you’re looking for a place where you can grunt like a prehistoric beast while dropping 500-pound deadlifts, honestly, this isn't your spot. Go to a warehouse gym for that. But for the rest of us—the folks just trying to get thirty minutes on a treadmill without feeling judged by a guy in a stringer tank top—it’s actually kind of a relief.
The Vibe at the Idaho Falls Location
Walking into the Planet Fitness Idaho Falls location, the first thing you notice is the purple. It is everywhere. It’s loud. But the atmosphere is surprisingly chill. It’s located at 1445 E 17th St, which is pretty much the center of the universe if you’re doing errands in town. Because it’s a high-traffic area, the "Crowd Meter" on their app is actually your best friend.
Don't ignore that app. Seriously.
If you show up at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, you’re going to be waiting for a Smith machine. It’s just the law of the land in Idaho Falls. However, if you’re a 6:00 AM person or a late-night owl, the place feels massive and empty. The staff is generally young, local kids who are polite enough, though they’re usually busy wiping down counters or checking people in at the front desk. It doesn't feel like those high-pressure gyms where someone is trying to sell you a $200-a-month personal training package the second you step through the door.
What Equipment are We Talking About?
It’s a massive sea of cardio. Rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. If you just want to get your heart rate up while watching HGTV, you’ll never have a problem finding a machine.
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But let’s talk about the weights.
- Dumbbells: They go up to 75 pounds. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For most of us doing bicep curls or lateral raises, it’s plenty.
- The Smith Machines: There are no free-standing squat racks. This is the "Planet Fitness Way." Everything is on a track. It's safer for beginners, but it feels a bit restrictive if you’re used to a traditional barbell.
- The 30-Minute Circuit: This is a dedicated area with a green-light/red-light system. It’s surprisingly effective if you’re in a rush. You hit a machine, go for a minute, move when the light changes. No thinking required.
The Membership Math: Is the Black Card Worth It?
Most people in Idaho Falls seem to gravitate toward the Black Card, and it’s not just for the status of having a slightly cooler-looking piece of plastic. It’s about the "extras."
The basic "Classic" membership is usually around ten bucks a month plus fees. It gets you in the door. That’s it. But the Black Card—which usually runs around $25—is where the actual perks live. In the Idaho Falls club, the Black Card Spa area is actually pretty decent. They have the HydroMassage beds, which basically feel like a pressurized car wash for your back. After a long shift at the hospital or a day out at the INL, sitting on one of those is worth the extra ten dollars alone.
You also get the tanning beds and the Total Body Enhancement booths (Red Light Therapy). Does Red Light Therapy actually work? Science says it might help with collagen and minor inflammation, but honestly, most people just like the ten minutes of quiet time. Plus, with the Black Card, you can bring a guest for free every single time. If you have a workout buddy, you basically split the cost of one membership and you're both set.
The Infamous Annual Fee
Let’s be real about the "hidden" cost. People always get mad when that $49 (or whatever the current rate is) annual fee hits their bank account in the second month. It’s in the contract. Read the fine print. You’re going to get charged that fee once a year on top of your monthly dues. Don’t act surprised when it happens.
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Dealing with the "Lunk Alarm"
You’ve probably seen the commercials. The big siren that goes off if you drop weights or grunt too loud. Does it actually happen at Planet Fitness Idaho Falls?
Rarely.
The staff doesn't want to set that thing off; it's awkward for everyone. Usually, they’ll only trigger it if someone is being intentionally obnoxious or unsafe. I’ve seen guys moving decent weight on the Smith machines without a peep from the alarm. Just don't scream like you're in a Spartan battle and don't slam the plates down like you're trying to crack the foundation. Common sense goes a long way here.
Local Convenience and the Idaho Falls Lifestyle
One of the best things about this specific location is the proximity to everything else. You can hit the gym, then walk over to Albertson's or Target. It fits into a busy "East Side" life.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours because that lot is shared with other businesses. My advice? Park a little further out toward the street. You’re going to the gym anyway—consider the extra 40 steps your warm-up.
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Cleanliness Standards
Idaho Falls residents have high standards for cleanliness, and honestly, this PF usually keeps up. Because of the "Judgment Free Zone" branding, there’s a huge emphasis on everyone wiping down their own machines. There are cleaning stations every few feet with yellow spray bottles and paper towels. Use them. It’s the unspoken social contract of the gym. If you leave a sweat puddle on the leg press, people will definitely judge you, "judgment-free zone" or not.
Misconceptions About Planet Fitness
People love to bash this gym. They call it a "pizza gym" because of the "Free Pizza Mondays" (which, by the way, have been mostly phased out or are very rare now).
"It's not a real gym."
"You can't get results there."
That's nonsense. Your muscles don't know if the 25-pound dumbbell you’re lifting is purple or chrome. If you show up and put in the work, you’ll get fit. The limitation isn't the equipment; it's usually the person's routine. If you need a specialized platform for Olympic lifting, yeah, you're in the wrong place. But for weight loss, general toning, or just staying active during the Idaho winters, it’s more than enough.
The Shower Situation
If you’re planning on showering before heading to work, the locker rooms in the Idaho Falls branch are generally well-maintained. They have individual changing curtains so you don't have to have a "locker room moment" with a stranger. It’s private, clean, and the water pressure is better than you’d expect for a budget gym.
Actionable Steps for Joining Planet Fitness Idaho Falls
If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a membership, don't just walk in and pay whatever they ask. There are ways to do this smarter.
- Check the Crowd Meter: Download the Planet Fitness app before you even join. You can see how busy the Idaho Falls location is in real-time. If it’s at "8 out of 10" bars and you hate crowds, stay home.
- Wait for the $1 Down Deals: They run promotions almost every other month where the startup fee is only a dollar. If they’re asking for $40 or $50 to start today, wait two weeks. The deal will come back.
- Take the Tour: Walk in and ask for a tour. Don't feel pressured to sign up on the spot. Check out the locker rooms and the specific machines you like to use. Make sure the cables aren't frayed and the place smells okay to you.
- The Cancellation Clause: Understand that PF usually requires you to cancel in person or via certified mail. You can't just click a button on the app to quit. It’s a bit old-school and annoying, but knowing that ahead of time saves you a headache later.
- Utilize the Free Training: They have a "PePF" (pronounced "pep") program where a trainer will show you how to use the machines. If you're new, use this. It’s included in your membership, and it keeps you from feeling lost.
Planet Fitness Idaho Falls isn't a hardcore bodybuilding temple. It’s a community hub where people of all shapes and ages are just trying to move a little more. It’s affordable, it’s clean, and it’s right in the middle of town. If that fits your life, it's a solid bet. Just remember to bring your own headphones—the gym radio can be a bit repetitive.