PE@PF Training Program (Small Group Classes)
PE@PF stands for Physical Education at Planet Fitness.
Most gym members have no idea this program exists. PE@PF is completely free with every Planet Fitness membership and gives you access to certified trainers at no extra cost.
In this guide I will walk you through what PE@PF is, how it works, what results to expect, and how to get started.
Key Takeaways
- PE@PF is completely free with all memberships. One on one personal training elsewhere costs $50 to $150 or more per session in 2026
- Sessions are kept to small groups of 10 to 15 members so the trainer can correct your form and give you real attention
- Members who attend 2 or more sessions a week lose an average of 8 to 12 pounds over 12 weeks and stick to their workouts 25 to 40% more consistently than people who train alone
What PE@PF Actually Is
PE@PF combines three things:
✦ Gym orientation for new members
✦ Trainer led strength classes
✦ Personalized exercise program design.
It is built to remove the intimidation that keeps a lot of people away from gyms.
What makes it different from regular group fitness classes is that it uses actual Planet Fitness equipment like machines, dumbbells, cables, and barbells. It focuses on building confidence with gym basics, not mastering a specific workout style like spin or yoga.
Important
It is available to all membership tiers at no extra cost. Planet Fitness wants structured training to be accessible to everyone, not just people who can afford personal training.
PE@PF vs. Paid Personal Training
PE@PF is free with your membership. One on one personal training at Planet Fitness costs $50 to $150 or more per session in 2026.
Four sessions a week of paid personal training would cost you $200 to $600 a month compared to zero for PE@PF.
The difference is that PE@PF puts you in a group of 10 to 15 members with one trainer. You still get form corrections and a program, but not the same level of individual attention as one on one coaching.
A lot of members use PE@PF to build confidence first and then move to paid personal training later if they want more advanced programming.
The Four PE@PF Class Types
PE@PF offers four class formats, each designed for different goals and fitness levels. Here’s how to choose based on what you’re trying to achieve.
Upper Body
Focuses on arms, chest, back, and shoulders. Expect 6-8 exercises targeting these muscles with dumbbells, cables, and machines.
★ Best for building upper body strength and muscle. Intermediate+ difficulty; beginners should pair this with a Core class first to build foundational stability.
Lower Body
Targets legs, glutes, and hip stability using compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and lunges. All fitness levels welcome; trainers provide modifications for beginners.
★ This class burns high calories and builds strength. Ideal if weight loss is your goal or you want to develop lower body power.
Core
Focuses on abdominal and stability work. Beginner-friendly with low intimidation factor. Trainers emphasize form correction heavily in Core classes.
★ Best for members new to gyms, post-injury, or seeking functional fitness without high intensity.
PF Burn
A cardio-strength hybrid combining machine cardio intervals with strength circuits. High-intensity and best for fat loss and cardiovascular conditioning. Requires moderate fitness baseline, but modifications are available.
★ This class delivers the highest calorie burn of the four types.
A typical weekly schedule for beginners:
Days
- Monday
- Wednesday
- Friday
Calss Format
- Core
- Lower Body
- PF Burn
Rotate all four types to target different muscle groups and prevent boredom.
PE@PF Working
Booking Your Class
✦ Open the Planet Fitness app
✦ Go to the Classes tab
✦ Select your location and preferred time.
You can see trainer bios, class details, and how many spots are left. Book at least 24 to 48 hours in advance and you will get a confirmation email with the trainer’s name and class details.
On Class Day
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early and check in at the front desk or through the app. The trainer will assign you a station based on your fitness level and walk you through the session.
A typical class runs 45 to 60 minutes with a warm up, 30 to 40 minutes of strength or cardio work, and a cool down at the end.
During the Session
The trainer demonstrates each exercise and walks around to correct your form in real time. You can expect verbal cues and hands on adjustments with your consent.
This live feedback is what makes PE@PF different from following a workout video on your own.
Cancellations and No Shows
- Cancel through the app at least 4 hours before class.
- Three no shows will result in a temporary booking suspension.
- If a class is full, join the waitlist and the app will notify you if a spot opens up.
PE@PF Classes Trainers
All PE@PF trainers are certified through accredited organizations like NASM, ACE, or ISSA and hold CPR and AED certification. Many also specialize in areas like injury recovery, nutrition, or senior fitness. Check trainer bios in the app to find the right fit for you.
The trainer to member ratio is one trainer per 10 to 15 members, which means you get real attention and form corrections during every session.
Trainers give feedback as personal coaching, not criticism, so there is no need to feel self-conscious about being corrected.
Results Members Achieve
Members who attend PE@PF 2 or more times a week lose an average of 8 to 12 pounds over 12 weeks when combined with nutrition changes.
Note
People who train alone without structure typically lose 4 to 6 pounds in the same period. Group training also helps you stick to your routine 25 to 40% more consistently than solo workouts.
For muscle building, members using PE@PF 2 to 3 times a week with enough protein see 3 to 5 pounds of muscle gain over 8 to 12 weeks.
Results depend on how often you show up, how consistent you are, and what you eat. Trainers recommend pairing PE@PF with solo workouts and dietary changes for the best outcome.
First 12 Weeks Progression
The first 12 weeks are about building a solid foundation. Here is how to approach each phase to get the most out of PE@PF.
Weeks 1-4 (Orientation Phase)
Attend Core or mixed class types 2-3x/week. Focus on learning equipment, form, and building confidence. Same trainer and time slot helps, they’ll learn your baseline and adjust cues accordingly.
Weeks 5-12 (Specialization Phase)
Pick 2-3 class types aligned with your goals. If weight loss is the goal, rotate Lower Body and PF Burn. Add 1-2 solo workouts per week to supplement group training.
Month 4+
Continue PE@PF indefinitely (many members do, it’s free and effective) or upgrade to paid personal training if you want one-on-one customization or sport-specific programming.
Common Mistakes Trainers Correct
- Squatting too shallow. Trainers will cue you to go deeper until your hips drop below your knees
- Rounding your back on deadlifts. Trainers will tell you to keep your chest up and adjust your starting position
- Shrugging your shoulders on rows. Trainers will remind you to keep your shoulders down and back
- Rushing through reps. Trainers will slow you down and focus on control over speed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is PE@PF available at all locations?
Yes, but frequency varies. Most locations run 11-14 sessions daily; smaller clubs run 6-8. Check your local club schedule in the app.
Can I attend PE@PF with a day pass?
No. PE@PF is only for active Planet Fitness members. Day pass and guest visitors cannot attend.
Can I bring a guest to the PE@PF Class?
Only if they’re a Planet Fitness member. PF Black Card holders can bring one guest to the gym, but that guest cannot attend PE@PF without their own membership.
What if I have an injury?
Tell your trainer at check-in. Most PE@PF trainers provide exercise modifications for injuries, post-surgery recovery, and mobility limitations. Some locations have trainers specializing in injury recovery.
Do sessions count toward app badges?
Yes. The Planet Fitness App tracks PE@PF attendance and may award badges depending on your club’s digital program. Check your app for local challenges.
Leaving with…
PE@PF takes away the biggest reason most people struggle at the gym that is, not knowing where to start. You get certified trainers, structured classes, form corrections, and a supportive community, all included with your membership at no extra cost.
Download the Planet Fitness app, book a Core or Lower Body class, and show up 5 minutes early. Tell the trainer it is your first time and let them take it from there.
