Planet Fitness is a great place to come in and do cardio. I have not found it a place to socialize or make friends. It seems busy but I have never had a hard time finding a piece of cardio equipment to use. They have weights upstairs and various other equipment in the stretching area. When you join there is an equipment orientation you can attend, but must pay for any more instruction. If you are okay doing your own thing, or just want to do cardio, PF is an economical and good choice for you. If you need instruction or a personal trainer, it is available. I have not used them and cannot comment on them.