Inside Planet Fitness: A Complete Overview of the Wallet-Friendly Gym

Planet Fitness Membership

Planet Fitness offers 2 membership options in general: Classic Membership and the PF Black Card® Membership. Both types of members enjoy unlimited access to the PF home club, along with access to free Wi-Fi, free in-club fitness training sessions, and the PF mobile app.

How Much Does Planet Fitness Membership Cost?

Although Planet Fitness is known for its quite affordable prices, all its membership plans come with a $49 Annual Fee along with a Startup Fee ranging from $1 to $59.

Classic Membership has two pricing tiers: CLASSIC and CLASSIC NO COMMITMENT. What’s the difference?

• CLASSIC: The monthly base fee is $10, totaling $120 per year. With the Annual Fee, it adds up to $169. Keep in mind that there can be a one-time startup processing fee, which may vary between $1 and $59.
• CLASSIC NO COMMITMENT: $29 Startup Fee plus a $15 monthly base fee. Including the Annual Fee, the total cost for the year is $258.

But here’s the thing – if you choose the CLASSIC membership with a 12-month commitment, you’ll have to pay a $58 buyout fee for early cancellation.

For the PF Black Card Membership, it costs $1 to sign up, with an Annual Fee of $49 and a monthly fee of $24.99. So, your wallet will be $349.88 lighter for the year.

These rates may vary depending on the specific location, but you can always check with your local Planet Fitness gym for any special deals. You can also try your luck on Reddit, using someone else’s referral code for discounts.

What’s Included in Planet Fitness’ Classic Membership?

Below is what’s available to the Planet Fitness basic members:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Unlimited visits to the PF fitness center where you’re enrolled, excluding other PF locations
• Free in-club fitness training: You can enjoy individual workouts or join the brand’s PE@PF program, led by professional trainers with CPR/AED certification. This includes free small-group training sessions. Trainers can give you a tour of the gym, guide you on how to safely use fitness equipment, and customize a workout plan based on your fitness goals, medical and exercise background.
• The Planet Fitness app workouts: Sometimes, you just can’t make it to the gym, or you prefer to do a quick workout at home. With the Planet Fitness app, members can find exercise and equipment tutorials for an instant workout.
• Potential cost savings: How? Planet Fitness has a referral program that allows members to save up to three months of membership fees per year. For each new member they refer, members can get one month of free membership, up to a maximum of three referrals. The referred friends can join with a $1 deposit and no commitment, giving them the flexibility to decide if Planet Fitness is right for them.

What’s Included in Planet Fitness’ Black Card Membership?

The PF Black Card is the one they really push. You might have noticed it being advertised more prominently, with additional benefits offered, or through special promotions and incentives to encourage sign-ups.

So, is it worth the higher cost? Let’s break down what perks the Planet Fitness Black Card offers:

• Access to any of Planet Fitness’ 2500+ gyms worldwide. Note: While it’s “worldwide,” it’s not unlimited. Outside their membership’s designated home club area, each location can be visited up to 10 times per month. Beyond this limit, you’ll need to pay a $5 franchise fee similar to what classic members pay when visiting other gyms.
• Bring a friend anytime.
• Access to hydro massage (select locations only).
• Use of massage chairs.
• Use of total body enhancement devices (select locations only).
• Use of tanning beds.
• 50% off ice-cold beverages.

How To Cancel Planet Fitness Membership

Cancel In Person Or Via Mail

Fun fact: While Planet Fitness is very user-friendly in many aspects (think about all the perks it offers to encourage you to join), canceling your membership is not as convenient and considerate. In this age of the internet where almost everything can be done online – shopping, socializing, working – canceling your membership at this franchise fitness center seems a bit outdated.

According to most users’ feedback, there are only two effective ways to go about it:

• Visit the front desk of your home club: You’ll need to go in person, fill out a cancellation form, and submit it to the front desk staff.
• Send a letter: You can also opt to write a letter (yes, you heard it right, a physical letter, not an email), explaining your intent to cancel your membership and mail it to your main gym. It’s advisable to send it via certified mail to ensure it’s safely delivered. Then, you’ll need to wait for the gym to receive and process your cancellation request.

Your Planet ID membership number will be required. If you choose to cancel by mail, you can find a free template at howtocancelplanetfitness.com. The website was created by Matt, a former PF member who had to cancel his membership due to a move. In short, you can’t cancel your membership over the phone, through the PF website, or via email. However, in some lucky cases, you might be able to contact your registered gym, as their policy may have adjusted to allow online or phone cancellations.

* Update: According to feedback from Reddit users, online cancellation is supported in some areas, with the highest success rate reported in California. The key takeaway is to cancel using the website rather than the mobile app.

Things to note when canceling your PF membership

Policy Checking: Before canceling your Planet Fitness membership, review the club’s cancellation policy to understand any specific requirements or procedures.

Cancellation Timing: Be aware of the deadline for canceling your membership, especially regarding the monthly membership fees and annual fees. As updated by Planet Fitness, to stop deductions on the 17th of each month, the club needs to obtain written notice by the 10th of the month, either in person or by mail. Cancellations may take up to 7 business days to process. The cutoff date for annual fees is the 25th of the month before the fee date.

Cancellation Fees: Check if there are any fees associated with canceling your membership. If your membership has a minimum term and is canceled before the contract term ends, you may need to pay a $58 early termination fee.

Confirmation Method: Based on feedback from most of the Planet Fitness gym users, canceling in person is considered the fastest as well as most effective way.

Identity Verification: Bring your membership card or provide sufficient identity information to confirm your identity when canceling your membership.

Cancellation Confirmation: After canceling, make sure to obtain written confirmation or a receipt from Planet Fitness to confirm the cancellation of your membership.

Payment Monitoring: Keep an eye on your bank account to ensure that Planet Fitness stops deducting payments after your cancellation.

Membership Upgrade/Downgrade/Suspension

Membership Suspension:
If you want to temporarily pause your membership instead of canceling it altogether, you can consider suspending your account.

Suspending your membership for up to three months due to medical reasons is a service offered by many PF workout centers. But wait, since rules may vary by club, it’s best to call or visit your local club to inquire about the details from the staff.

Membership Downgrade:
If you want to downgrade your membership instead of canceling it, you’ll also need to visit in person and have the front desk staff assist you.

Membership Upgrade: Easy peasy! It can be done online. Just open the upgrade page in your browser and follow the instructions. You may need to enter your Planet Fitness Keytag number during the process.

Membership Comparison Overview

 * Note: The buyout fee only applies when you enroll in a 12-month commitment and cancel before the contract term ends.

Feature	Classic Membership	PF Black Card Membership	Classic Membership (no commitment)
Free Wi-Fi	✓	✓	✓
Unlimited visits to home club	✓	✓	✓
Access to all Planet Fitness gyms worldwide	✗	✓(10 visits/month)	✗
In-club fitness training	✓	✓	✓
Bring a friend anytime	✗	✓	✗
Hydro massage (select locations)	✗	✓	✗
Massage chairs	✗	✓	✗
Total body enhancement (select locations)	✗	✓	✗
Tanning beds	✗	✓	✗
50% off select beverages	✗	✓	✗
Startup Fee	$1-$59	$1	$29
Monthly Fee	$10	$24.99	$15
Annual Fee	$49	$49	$49
Estimated Total Annual Cost	$169-$228	$349.88	$258
* Buyout Fee	$58	–	–

What equipment and facilities does Planet Fitness typically offer?

Spoiler alert: Planet Fitness has over 25 equipment options. But if you’re a hardcore bodybuilder, you might not find its exercise gear up to your standards. They’ve got dumbbells up to 80 lbs (in 5-lb increments) and the Smith machine with weights ranging from 15-20 lbs. But don’t expect to find free weight barbells for bench pressing, squat racks, or lift platforms. Simply put, it’s more of a cardio-junkie’s paradise.

What Cardio Equipment can be found at Planet Fitness:

You might find recumbent bikes and ARC trainers at some PF clubs, but here are the ones you’ll typically encounter:

• Treadmill: This bad boy mainly works your leg muscles, like your quads, calves, and glutes. It also gets your heart pumping and boosts your stamina. Heck, it even revs up your metabolism! Regular treadmill workouts can do wonders for your heart health, immunity, and stress levels.
• Elliptical Machine: The elliptical is like a full-body dance party for your muscles, hitting your thighs, calves, glutes, back, and arms. It’s easy on the joints, making it a breeze for beginners. Plus, it’s a metabolism booster and balance enhancer.
• Rowing: It’s all about the back, waist, arms, and shoulders, plus it gives your heart a solid workout. It might take a bit of practice, but once you nail the form, it’s smooth sailing. Rowing is also great for circulation, stress relief, and catching some z’s.
• Stair Climber: Using this device just fires up those thigh muscles, tones the glutes, and strengthens your core. It’s a heart-pumping, leg-burning workout that boosts your cardio, flexibility, and lower body strength.
• Stationary Bike: Targets your quads and calves, while also firming up your glutes and core. With minimal impact on your joints, it’s perfect for anyone. Pedaling boosts your heart health, metabolism, and mood. Plus, it’s a killer leg workout that leaves you feeling unstoppable.

What Strength Equipment Can Be Found At Planet Fitness

As the brand’s director of public relations, McCall Gosselin, has pointed out, Planet Fitness was created for the other 82.5%—those who are neither bodybuilders nor frequent gym-goers. So, what you’ll find at PF, aside from rows upon rows of cardio equipment, is mostly basic weight training equipment designed to target specific muscle groups.

Here’s a breakdown:

Equipment Name	Muscles Used	Benefits
Chest Press Machine	Shoulders, Chest, Triceps	Increases strength in chest, shoulders, and triceps; improves upper body stability
Lat Pulldown Machine	Back, Latissimus Dorsi, Biceps	Strengthens back muscles, improves posture, reduces back pain
Shoulder Press Machine	Deltoids, Pectoralis Major, Trapezius, Triceps	Enhances shoulder stability, strengthens upper body
Smith Machine	Quadriceps, Glutes	Strengthens quadriceps and glutes, shapes buttocks
Seated Leg Press Machine	Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Hips, Quadriceps	Increases lower body strength, improves muscle stability
Cable Machine	Abdominals	Strengthens abdominal muscles, improves core stability
Assisted Pull-Up Machine	Abdominals, Biceps, Brachialis, Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major, Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Trapezius	Enhances upper body strength, improves back and shoulder stability
Total Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) Equipment	Back, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, and rear deltoids	Strengthens core muscles,  enhances posture and performance in activities like running or weightlifting

FAQ

What is the Lunk Alarm at Planet Fitness?

The Lunk Alarm is a warning system in Planet Fitness gyms designed to alert or warn members about inappropriate behavior or noise. It is not automatic; instead, management and staff can activate it manually by pressing a button.

Why does it exist? The Lunk Alarm is for maintaining the unique culture and fitness atmosphere of Planet Fitness. The chain prides itself on being a “Judgment Free Zone,” encouraging everyone to work out without fear of discrimination. Therefore, the Lunk Alarm serves as an intervention mechanism to prevent excessively loud or rude behavior, such as excessive grunting or dropping weights.

How do people feel about it? Some reckon the Lunk Alarm is only used in specific situations, such as when the gym is about to close or in serious cases, like someone intentionally dropping weights. As a result, it’s not actually used often unless it’s to give members a reminder or warning. However, there are also complaints like this: “I think what I’m doing is basically making the minimum noise required to move the weight…”. So, some gym goers may feel uncomfortable or disgruntled, thinking the alarm could unnecessarily embarrass or shame them.

How to cancel Planet Fitness membership online?

Online cancellation is available in select locations, with California showing the highest success rate. And you’re likely to succeed by using the website instead of the mobile app. Here’s a quick run-through of how to do it:

1. Log in to your online account via the Planet Fitness site.
2. Update your address and change your home club to a location in California via Google Maps.
3. Wait until you receive the email notification about the home club change.
4. Look for the cancel option in your account settings, usually found under “Membership” or “Account Management.”
5. If you encounter any issues, consider using a free VPN app.

What are guests allowed to do at a Planet Fitness gym?

Black Card members can bring one friend each time they visit. If you want to bring children, they need to be 13 years or older, and you must be their parent or guardian. Guests are only allowed to use basic fitness equipment and cannot access amenities like tanning beds, hydro massage chairs, or the total body enhancement pod, which are exclusive to the Black Card spa.

Additionally, PF recommends inviting your workout buddy through the brand app. They will be prompted to complete a short online registration and then receive a digital club access pass.

Does Planet Fitness have childcare?

While daycare services used to be common with basic memberships at many gyms, PF does not provide them.

Being the best mom means taking care of yourself too. Many moms find that staying fit brings them happiness, boosts their confidence, and makes their time with their children more fulfilling!

Here are some fitness brands you can trust, with childcare services:

• YMCA
• Lifetime Fitness
• LA Fitness
• 24-Hour Fitness
• Gold’s Gym
• Equinox
• Burn Boot Camp

Does Planet Fitness Have a Steam Room, Sauna, or Hot Tub?

If you’re hoping for a steam room, sauna, or hot tub at Planet Fitness, you might be out of luck. Even though the gym has over 2000 locations worldwide, it’s all about keeping things simple when it comes to fitness. Adding fancy amenities like saunas would drive up costs, and that could mess with the low membership fees that draw in its crowd.

If you prefer gyms with sauna and steam room facilities, here are a few options to consider:

• LA Fitness: A mid-range gym that often features steam rooms and saunas. It may be pricier than Planet Fitness but not as luxurious as Equinox. Membership fees usually start at $29.99 per month plus a $99 initiation fee. Check your local LA Fitness website to see if they offer saunas at specific locations.
• 24-Hour Fitness: This gym chain offers sauna and steam room facilities at some locations. Membership fees vary depending on the location and membership type but typically range from $30 to $50 per month.
• YMCA Gym: A community-oriented gym that typically offers sauna and steam room facilities based on location.
• Equinox: Known for its luxurious amenities including sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and spa center, all members have access to these facilities at any location. Membership fees typically range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the location and membership type.

But I heard that Planet Fitness has an Infrared Sauna？

The Total Body Enhancement machine/Beauty Angel is touted to have the benefits of an Infrared Sauna. However, that’s not the case. Even though it uses Red Light Therapy, it cannot provide infrared wavelengths exceeding 900nm, while infrared saunas typically utilize wavelengths of 1000nm or higher. You can learn more here: What Is Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness

Does Planet Fitness have a pool?

People want gyms with pools, but Planet Fitness hasn’t gone that route. It’s kind of strange, but the brand’s focus is on being budget-friendly. Pools are just too expensive to build and maintain.

How do tanning beds at Planet Fitness work?

Planet Fitness offers free tanning beds for its Black Card members. To get started, grab a sign-up sheet at the front desk. The staff will ask you what type of bed you want and how long you plan to tan. If you’re new to tanning, ask them how long you should go for. Don’t overdo it. Also, make sure to wear eye protection.

You may find three types of tanning beds at the chain, though availability may differ by location:

• Reclining Tanning Beds: These are perfect for comfortably lying down while getting your tan, ideal for those who want to relax during the tanning process.
• Standing Tanning Booth: These have higher radiation intensity and allow for more freedom of movement. They’re also considered more hygienic than lay-down beds.
• Spray Tanning Booth: These provide an instant golden glow without UV exposure. The effect lasts about a week. However, be aware that certain areas of the body, like fingers, toes, and body curves, may get an uneven tan.

Friendly reminder:
Using indoor tanning beds may increase your risk of skin cancer. Before using such equipment, it’s important to consult with a doctor about whether it’s suitable for your skin condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), indoor tanning increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. Even a single session of indoor tanning can increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 29%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and melanoma by 20%.

How much does the bar at Planet Fitness weigh?

Most Planet Fitness gyms feature a row of fixed barbells, ranging up to 60 pounds with increments of 10 pounds. Unfortunately, there are no free weight barbells at this chain. Instead, they have the Smith machine, which is essentially a barbell on a fixed track. The weight of the barbells is marked on the side of the machine. So, you can check them out: most of them are between 15-20 lbs. Some PF locations might have heavier barbells; users have reported Smith machines weighing up to 35 lbs at their location. The heaviest weights at Planet Fitness are the 80 lb dumbbells in the free weight area. However, some clubs limit their dumbbells to lighter weights of 50-60 lb.

What is Planet Fitness HydroMassage?

The hydro massage beds at Planet Fitness are located in the Black Card spa. Using them after a workout can help relieve muscle soreness and tension. For example, if you’ve been on the treadmill for a while, you can target the bed to massage your legs. Similarly, if your workout focused on chest, back, and arm exercises, you can focus the bed on your upper body.

How do they differ from regular massage chairs? Regular massage chairs use mechanical components like rollers, nodes, and airbags to provide a massage-like sensation. In contrast, hydro massage beds use water jets, offering a gentler and more relaxing experience.

To use the hydro massage bed, you need to check in with the front desk staff and then make a reservation. Depending on your Planet Fitness location, there may be a console where you can book your appointment by scanning your membership card or QR code. Once you’re at the designated hydro massage bed, sanitizing it for hygiene is recommended. Then, voila! You’ll enjoy a refreshing 10-minute mood boost.

Does Planet Fitness have red light therapy?

A big YES! Planet Fitness does have red light therapy available through their Total Body Enhancement machine. It is said that this Beauty Angel is great for skin health and muscle recovery. While it offers some benefits, it may not be as miraculous as some claim. In fact, its effectiveness in muscle recovery is somewhat debated. To learn more about PF’s red light therapy and its potential benefits, I recommend checking out this article:

Reality Behind the Hype: What Is Total Body Enhancement at Planet Fitness