Does Planet Fitness Have Tanning Services? 💪
Planet Fitness is one of the largest gym chains in the United States, known for affordable memberships and a "Judgement Free Zone" philosophy. If you're considering a Planet Fitness membership and wondering whether tanning is part of what they offer, here's what you need to know about their actual amenities and how they compare to facilities that combine fitness and tanning services.
What Planet Fitness Actually Offers
Planet Fitness does offer tanning services at many of its locations, but not all. The availability and specifics depend heavily on which club you're considering. The chain operates a tiered membership model, and tanning access is typically bundled into mid-tier and premium membership levels rather than included in their base package.
Most Planet Fitness locations feature:
- Standard beds (the flat, enclosed tanning units)
- Stand-up booths (vertical tanning chambers)
- Premium beds at select locations
The exact equipment, number of beds, and availability varies by facility. Some locations have extensive tanning suites; others have minimal or no tanning equipment at all. This inconsistency is important: you cannot assume any Planet Fitness location offers tanning without verifying with that specific club first.
How Tanning Access Works at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness uses a membership tier system. Here's how tanning typically fits into their structure:
Black Card (Premium Membership) This is the highest-tier membership and usually includes unlimited tanning at most locations. It also provides guest privileges, access to other Planet Fitness clubs, and premium equipment like massage chairs and hydromassage beds.
PF Black Card Plus (Premium+) Some markets offer an enhanced version with even more amenities, which may include priority tanning access or premium bed options.
Day Pass or Base Membership Entry-level memberships generally do not include tanning. Members can often purchase tanning add-ons or day-pass tanning separately, but these involve additional fees beyond the membership cost.
Location Variations Tanning availability is not standardized. Newer or recently renovated locations are more likely to have multiple beds; older facilities or those in lower-demand markets may have minimal tanning options or none at all. You'll need to check directly with your local club.
What Influences Your Actual Experience
Several factors determine whether Planet Fitness tanning is right for your situation:
Geographic and Facility Differences Urban locations with higher membership density often have more extensive tanning amenities than rural or smaller clubs. Some franchises may prioritize different equipment investments than others.
Membership Level Alignment If you want unlimited tanning access, you'll need to pay for the Black Card tier. If you're comparing the cost of a Planet Fitness membership plus tanning to a standalone tanning salon, the math changes depending on how often you plan to tan and which membership tier fits your other fitness goals.
Frequency and Convenience The real value of gym-based tanning comes down to whether you're already going to the gym regularly. If tanning is a secondary benefit to your primary fitness routine, having it at the same location saves time. If tanning is your primary goal, a dedicated tanning salon may offer more focused service and equipment options.
Bed Quality and Rotation Equipment maintenance and age matter. Newer beds typically deliver more consistent results and may have better features (like cooling systems or adjustable intensity). Older beds may require longer sessions or produce uneven results. You won't know the condition of equipment until you visit.
Comparing Planet Fitness Tanning to Standalone Options
Understanding the broader tanning landscape helps you make a realistic comparison.
| Factor | Planet Fitness Tanning | Dedicated Tanning Salon |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Available at select locations; varies by club | Designed solely around tanning; consistent focus |
| Equipment variety | Standard and stand-up options; limited premium beds | Wider range of bed types and technology levels |
| Pricing | Bundled into membership; add-on costs for lower tiers | Pay-per-session or memberships; more transparent tanning-only pricing |
| Convenience | Co-located with gym if already a member | May require separate trip |
| Expertise | Staff primarily focused on fitness | Tanning specialists; potentially more product knowledge |
| Maintenance | Dependent on club traffic and budget | Tanning-focused facilities may prioritize equipment upkeep |
Neither option is objectively "better"—it depends on your priorities and how tanning fits into your overall wellness routine.
Important Health Considerations ⚠️
Before choosing tanning through any provider, understand that tanning beds carry health risks recognized by medical organizations. The FDA classifies UV tanning devices as Class II medical devices; the American Academy of Dermatology advises against their use. Indoor tanning exposure increases skin cancer risk and accelerates skin aging.
Whether you're using Planet Fitness beds or a dedicated salon, frequency, skin type, and protective measures all affect outcomes. This is information to weigh independently of where the tanning service is located.
How to Verify Tanning Services at Your Local Planet Fitness
Since availability varies significantly:
- Visit the Planet Fitness website and use their club locator to find your nearest location.
- Call or visit the specific club to ask whether they offer tanning and what membership tier includes it.
- Ask about the equipment — how many beds, what types, and when they were last serviced.
- Request a tour or day pass to evaluate the facility and equipment condition yourself.
- Compare membership costs — calculate whether the Black Card tier price makes sense for you when factoring in other amenities you'll actually use.
The Bottom Line
Planet Fitness does offer tanning at many locations, but it's not a guarantee at every club, and access depends on your membership level. The service is an add-on benefit rather than the facility's primary focus, which means the tanning experience is secondary to their gym operations.
Your decision should rest on a few practical questions: Are you already interested in a Planet Fitness gym membership for fitness reasons? Does tanning access at that location fit your routine? Does the Black Card price (or add-on tanning costs) align with your budget compared to alternatives? These answers depend entirely on your individual circumstances, priorities, and how often you'd realistically use either service.