Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey: Is It Actually the Best Gym for Your Budget?

Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey: Is It Actually the Best Gym for Your Budget?

You've probably driven past it a thousand times. It’s nestled right there in the Westmont Plaza on Cuthbert Boulevard, sitting between the rows of retail shops that define the Haddon Township and Westmont corridor. People call it the "Judgement Free Zone," but let’s be real—when you’re looking for a gym in South Jersey, you aren't just looking for a slogan. You want to know if the machines are broken, if the showers are gross, and if you’re going to get stuck in a contract that’s harder to escape than an escape room.

Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey isn't a boutique CrossFit box. It’s not a high-end athletic club with eucalyptus towels. It is, basically, the workhorse of the local fitness scene.

For ten bucks a month—or twenty-some if you want the bells and whistles—it provides a place to sweat without the intimidation factor that usually comes with those "meathead" gyms where everyone is slamming weights and grunting like they're in a Viking movie. But is it the right fit for you? Honestly, that depends on what you're trying to achieve at 6:00 AM on a Tuesday.

What to Expect Inside the Westmont Location

Walking into the Westmont branch, the first thing you notice is the purple. It’s everywhere. It’s a specific vibe. This location specifically serves a huge demographic—you’ve got high school kids from Haddonfield and Collingswood, retirees keeping their joints moving, and the 9-to-5 crowd trying to burn off a stressful day at the office.

The layout is pretty standard for the franchise, but the Westmont footprint is surprisingly efficient. You’ve got rows upon rows of cardio equipment—treadmills, ellipticals, and those stair climbers that feel like an instrument of torture after five minutes. They have a "30-Minute Express Circuit," which is honestly a lifesaver if you're time-crunched. It’s a green-light, red-light system where you move from station to station. It’s simple. It works. It takes the guesswork out of "what do I do next?"

One thing that sets this location apart is the staff. Unlike some corporate gyms where the front desk person acts like they’re doing you a massive favor by scanning your app, the Westmont crew is generally pretty chill. They actually seem to care if the place is clean. You’ll see them roaming with spray bottles and yellow cloths constantly. In a post-2020 world, that's not just a "nice to have," it's mandatory.

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The Gear: What’s on the Floor?

If you are a powerlifter looking to squat 500 pounds, just stop reading right now. You won’t find a squat rack here. You won't find a deadlift platform. Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey relies heavily on Smith Machines.

For the average person, a Smith Machine is great. It’s safer. It keeps the bar on a fixed track. But for the purists, it's a dealbreaker. They also have a massive selection of dumbbells, though they usually top out at 75 pounds. Again, for 90% of the population, 75-pound dumbbells are more than enough to get the job done.

  • Cardio Row: Probably 40+ treadmills. You rarely have to wait, even during the post-work rush.
  • Strength Machines: Mostly Life Fitness or Hammer Strength. They are well-maintained.
  • The Black Card Spa: This is the "hidden" gem. Hydromassage beds, massage chairs, and total body enhancement booths.

The Membership Math: Is the Black Card Worth It?

Let’s talk money because that’s usually why people end up here. The "Classic" membership is famously cheap. It’s the price of two fancy lattes in Collingswood. But there’s a catch—or rather, a limitation. You can only use the Westmont location.

If you travel a lot or want to hit the gym near your job in Philly or Cherry Hill, you need the PF Black Card.

The Black Card at Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey gives you "perks." You get the massage beds. You get the tanning beds (if you’re into that). Most importantly, you can bring a guest for free every single time. If you have a workout buddy, the Black Card basically pays for itself because you’re splitting the value of two memberships into one price point.

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However, don't forget the "Annual Fee." This is the one that catches everyone off guard. About eight weeks after you sign up, they’ll hit your account for around $49. It’s standard practice for the chain, but if you aren't expecting it, it feels like a punch to the gut. Always read the fine print on the start date for that fee.

Dealing with the Crowd: Peak Times in Westmont

South Jersey loves a good routine. If you show up at the Westmont Plaza location at 5:30 PM on a Monday, be prepared. It’s busy. It’s "waiting for a bench" busy.

The "Crowd Meter" on the Planet Fitness app is actually surprisingly accurate for this location. Check it before you leave your house. If it says it’s "crowded," believe it. The sweet spot for this gym is usually mid-morning (around 10:00 AM) or late at night. Since they aren't 24/7 at all locations anymore (check the current hours, as they've shifted recently), you have to time your sessions if you value personal space.

Real Talk About the "Lunk Alarm"

You’ve heard about it. The blue light that flashes and the siren that wails if you drop your weights or grunt too loud.

Does it actually happen at Westmont? Rarely.

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The staff doesn't want to set that thing off any more than you want to hear it. It’s awkward for everyone. Usually, they’ll only trigger it if someone is being legitimately disruptive or aggressive. If you're just working hard and a little bit of air escapes your lungs, nobody is going to shame you. The "Judgement Free" thing is more about making sure the person who hasn't stepped foot in a gym in ten years feels comfortable walking through the door.

The Location Advantage

One of the biggest pros of Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey is actually the surrounding area. It’s efficient. You can hit the gym, then walk over to the grocery store, grab a coffee, or hit the pharmacy in the same shopping center.

Parking is usually a breeze because the lot is massive, though it can get a little dicey near the holidays when everyone is shopping at the nearby stores. But compared to trying to find a spot in downtown Haddonfield? It’s a dream.

Actionable Steps for Joining

If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a membership, don't just walk in and pay full price. There are almost always "joining fee" waivers.

  1. Check the App First: Most of the time, you can find a referral link from a friend that drops the startup fee to $1.
  2. Tour the Facility: Go during the time of day you actually plan on working out. If you plan on going at 6:00 PM, go see how many people are there at 6:00 PM before you sign.
  3. Download the App: You need it to check in anyway, but the "digital keytag" is way better than carrying a plastic one on your keychain.
  4. The "Cancelation" Reality: If you decide to quit, you usually have to do it in person or via certified mail. You can't just click "cancel" in the app. It's a bit old-school, so just be prepared for that one-minute conversation at the front desk.

Ultimately, Planet Fitness Westmont New Jersey is exactly what it claims to be: an affordable, clean, and accessible place to get your heart rate up. It won't turn you into an Olympic lifter, but it will help you stay active without draining your bank account. If you live in the Haddon Township area and need a low-friction way to stay in shape, it’s hard to find a better value proposition.