Planet Fitness is fine for what it is but I've outgrown it. No squat racks, no deadlift platforms, the lunk alarm is embarrassing, and the gym is packed from 5-8pm every weekday.
Looking for a gym with actual free weights, squat racks, and a culture where people are serious about training but not intimidating. Not a CrossFit box — tried it, not for me.
Budget: up to $60/month. What's around here that fits this?
Crunch Fitness is a solid middle ground. More equipment than PF, actual free weight area, $25-30/month at most locations.
If you're lucky enough to have a Gold's Gym nearby, that's still the gold standard for serious lifting. Some locations are better than others though.
Local independent gyms are where it's at. Not the chain ones. Find the gym owned by one person that's been open 15 years with equipment that's older than you. Those gyms have the best equipment and the best culture.
YMCA is slept on. Some of them have surprisingly good weight rooms, plus pool, basketball courts, and sauna. $45/month for an adult membership at most locations.
Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for home gym equipment. I built my garage gym for $800 total — rack, barbell, 300lbs of plates, and a bench. Pays for itself in 14 months vs a gym membership.