What Planet Fitness Membership Covers

Planet Fitness is a gym chain with locations across the United States and Canada. A standard membership gives you access to cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and group fitness classes at your home gym location. Most memberships also include access to all other Planet Fitness locations, so you can work out at any branch if you travel or move.

The chain operates on a low-cost model. Monthly dues are typically between $10 and $25 depending on your location and membership tier, though some locations charge more. You pay a one-time enrollment fee when you join, which ranges from $0 to $50 at most gyms. Planet Fitness does not charge long-term contracts — you can cancel anytime, though you may need to give 7 to 14 days' notice depending on how you pay.

Planet Fitness locations include amenities like locker rooms, showers, tanning beds, massage chairs, and a hydration station. Many gyms also have a small cafe area. The chain is known for a "judgment-free zone" policy, meaning staff enforce rules against intimidating behavior and loud grunting.

Key Takeaways

  • A Planet Fitness membership costs between $10 and $25 per month in most areas, plus a one-time enrollment fee of $0 to $50.
  • Your membership works at any Planet Fitness location, not just the one where you signed up, so you can visit different gyms if you travel.
  • You can cancel anytime without a contract, but you typically need to give 7 to 14 days' notice in writing or through the app.
  • The gym provides cardio machines, weights, free weights, group classes, locker rooms, and showers at all locations.
  • Planet Fitness charges extra fees for some services like personal training, hydration upgrades, and premium membership tiers.

Membership Tiers and What Each One Includes

Planet Fitness offers two main membership levels: the Black Card and the standard membership. The standard membership is the lower-cost option and includes gym access, most classes, and use of most facilities. The Black Card is a premium tier that costs more per month and adds benefits like guest privileges, access to massage chairs and tanning beds, and priority access to certain amenities.

Pricing varies by location. A standard membership might cost $10 per month in one city and $25 in another, depending on the gym's overhead and local market. The Black Card typically costs $5 to $10 more per month than the standard rate at your location. Both tiers charge the same enrollment fee, though Planet Fitness sometimes runs promotions that waive or reduce it.

Some locations offer a third option called the Day Pass, which lets you visit once without a membership. Day Pass prices vary but typically range from $10 to $15. This option is useful if you want to tour the gym or work out once while traveling.

How to Sign Up and What Documents You Need

You can sign up for a Planet Fitness membership in person at any gym location or online through the Planet Fitness website. To join, you will need a valid photo ID and a payment method — either a debit card, credit card, or bank account for automatic monthly billing. You will also need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email.

When you sign up in person, staff will walk you through the membership agreement, show you the gym, and help you set up your account. You will receive a membership card (physical or digital) that you scan or show at the front desk each visit. If you sign up online, you will receive login credentials for the Planet Fitness app, where you can manage your account, book classes, and check in remotely at some locations.

Planet Fitness requires you to be at least 18 years old to join on your own. Minors (ages 13 to 17) can join with a parent or guardian present, and some locations allow younger children to use the gym with adult supervision during specific hours.

Canceling Your Membership

You can cancel your Planet Fitness membership anytime without penalty. The process depends on how you pay. If you signed up online or through the app, you can cancel through your account settings or by calling the gym's member services line. If you signed up in person, you can cancel by visiting the gym in person, calling, or sending a written request.

Most locations require 7 to 14 days' written notice before your cancellation takes effect. If you give notice on the 15th of the month, your last charge will be on the 1st of the following month, for example. If you do not give proper notice, you may be charged for an additional month. Planet Fitness will not refund the enrollment fee you paid when you joined.

If you move or travel for an extended period, you can freeze your membership instead of canceling. A freeze typically lasts 1 to 3 months and pauses your monthly charges without canceling your account. You will need to contact your gym location to set this up.

Using the Planet Fitness App and Checking In

The Planet Fitness app lets you manage your membership, book group fitness classes, check in to the gym, and track your visits. You can read it on iOS or Android. After you sign up, log in with your email and password to access your account.

The app shows your membership status, billing history, and upcoming class schedules at your home gym and other locations. You can reserve spots in group classes like yoga, cycling, or strength training up to several days in advance. Some classes fill up quickly, so booking early improves your chances of getting a spot.

At the gym, you can check in using the app, your membership card, or your phone number at the front desk. Checking in is required each visit and helps Planet Fitness track attendance and send you personalized offers. The app also shows you which locations are currently open and their hours.

Group Classes and Personal Training

Group fitness classes are included in your membership and cover activities like yoga, Zumba, cycling, strength training, and cardio kickboxing. Class schedules vary by location, but most gyms offer classes throughout the day and evening. You can view the schedule in the app or at the gym's front desk.

Personal training is available at most Planet Fitness locations but costs extra. A personal trainer can create a workout plan tailored to your goals, teach you proper form on equipment, and provide motivation during sessions. Pricing for personal training varies widely by location and trainer experience. Some gyms offer a free introductory session or consultation with a trainer.

If you are new to the gym, staff can give you a free orientation that shows you how to use the main equipment and explains gym policies. This is different from personal training and does not cost extra.

Guest Privileges and Bringing Someone With You

If you have a standard membership, you can bring one guest per visit at no extra charge. Your guest must be accompanied by you during their entire visit and cannot work out alone. Guests do not need to sign up or provide payment.

If you have a Black Card membership, you can bring guests more frequently and at some locations can grant them independent access. Check with your specific gym location about their guest policy, as it can vary.

If someone you know is interested in joining, they can take a tour of the gym before committing to a membership. Tours are free and usually take 10 to 15 minutes. Staff will show them the equipment, locker rooms, and answer questions about membership options.

Common Fees and Extra Charges

Beyond your monthly membership fee, Planet Fitness charges for several optional services. Personal training sessions typically cost $20 to $50 per session depending on the trainer and location. A package of 10 sessions usually costs less per session than paying for individual ones.

Hydration upgrades, such as premium water bottles or electrolyte drink mixes, cost extra. Tanning and massage chair use may be included with a Black Card but cost extra for standard members. Some locations charge for childcare services if they offer them.

Late fees explore if your payment method declines or if you do not cancel properly before your next billing date. If you want to change your payment method or billing address, you can do this through the app or by contacting your gym location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my membership at any Planet Fitness location?

Yes, your membership works at all Planet Fitness locations in the United States and Canada. You can work out at a different gym each day if you want. However, you will have a designated "home gym" where you signed up, and some premium features or class reservations may be limited to that location depending on your membership tier.

What happens if I forget my membership card?

You can check in using the Planet Fitness app, your phone number, or a photo ID at the front desk. You do not need your physical card every time. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement through the app or at your gym location, though there may be a small replacement fee.

Do I have to commit to a long-term contract?

No. Planet Fitness does not require contracts. You can cancel anytime, though you need to give 7 to 14 days' notice depending on your location. Your membership will continue until you officially cancel, so you will be charged each month until you do.

Can I pause my membership if I am traveling or injured?

Yes. Most Planet Fitness locations allow you to freeze your membership for 1 to 3 months. During a freeze, you will not be charged monthly fees, but your account remains active. Contact your home gym location to set up a freeze.

What is the difference between the standard membership and the Black Card?

The Black Card costs more per month and includes guest privileges, access to massage chairs and tanning beds, and priority access to some amenities. The standard membership covers gym access and group classes but may have limited access to premium features. Pricing for both tiers varies by location.