Some things are better together… and exercise is one of them. Having a gym buddy can help you work harder, boost your motivation, and keep you accountable.
Getting those gains as a group definitely gives you an edge, but it’s not always clear how accomodating your gym will be when you invite a friend.
If you’re a Planet Fitness member, you’re in luck! These popular franchises have a generous guest policy, allowing you to bring a buddy whenever you need that extra push. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about Planet Fitness’ guest policy.
Getting a Planet Fitness guest pass
First things first, if you want to bring a guest to your next sweat session, you’ll have to check your membership status.
Only Planet Fitness Black Card members can get guest passes, but these come with unlimited guest privileges. So it doesn’t matter if your friend wants to show up once a week or tag along every single day… they can work out as often as you do, thanks to your Black Card membership.
Simply show up, sign them in, and get moving!
Planet Fitness guest rules / policy
Like any exercise studio, Planet Fitness equipment and facilities require following the gym’s rules and policies.
Have a best friend who’s itching to jump on the treadmill, a colleague who wants to show off in the squat rack, and a spouse who can’t wait to join a cardio class? They’ll have to take their turn – Black Card members can only bring one guest at a time.
Every guest must be over 18 (kids aged 13-17 are welcome to visit – if accompanied by a parent or guardian), and they don’t automatically have access to all the Black Card membership perks. Check with your gym to see what’s covered and what incurs an additional charge.
Also, bear in mind that some gyms limit class size and equipment use, so if it’s a particularly busy time, your guest may have to sit it out and come back when it’s not so crowded.
For a more streamlined booking process, download the Planet Fitness Mobile App. This easy-to-use platform allows you to set up your own account, log in, and send your guest an electronic invite.
The App notifies your guest that they’re invited and asks them to register via a short online form. They then receive a digital key tag allowing them to show up at their nearest club and enjoy fast, contact-less check-in.
Just like members, guests are expected to be considerate of other gym-goers and abide by the following rules:
- Don’t leave gym bags or clothing on the gym floor, where it can trip up or intrude on other user’s space
- Avoid revealing, offensive, or intimidating clothing
- Keep personal items in a locker
- Wipe down equipment after use
- Return weights to their proper place
- Store water bottles and other equipment safely out of aisles and walkways
- Adhere to the Planet Fitness ‘judgment-free’ ethos – no critical comments, hostile or aggressive actions, confrontational behavior, or intimidation.
What are the guest perks?
Planet Fitness guests can use the gym’s wide range of cardio, strength training, and functional exercise equipment. There may be a limit on usage at times of high capacity, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local gym for any restrictions.
Want to skip the crowds? You can check ahead via the Planet Fitness App thanks to its ‘crowd meter feature.’ The crowd meter will tell you at a glance if your local gym is filling up so you can head to another or save leg day for later in the week.
Planet Fitness has more than 2,000 clubs worldwide, and Black Card members with accompanying guests are welcome at all franchises (so you’re not stuck to one gym). If it’s too busy or not convenient, simply log into the app to find another club nearby and switch it up.
What if I’m not a Planet Fitness Black Card guest?
Don’t know anyone with a Black Card? You can still give Planet Fitness a try, thanks to its day pass scheme.
This allows non-members to purchase a day pass and enjoy full access to the facilities before deciding whether to take on full membership. If you decide to purchase a membership, the price of the day fee will go towards your membership dues, provided you join within 30 days.
Day pass guests must be over 18 and provide legal photo I.D at check-in.
Get fit with friends
Studies show that you don’t just enjoy exercise more when you work out with a friend; you’re also better at it.
Teaming up improves your performance and makes you more motivated. It also decreases your stress levels and encourages healthy, happy social bonding.
So next time you hit Planet Fitness for that awesome aerobics class, a challenging circuit session, or weight training marathon, enlist some company. Call a friend, drag your partner off the couch, persuade a family member to spot you…. give the gift of a Planet Fitness guest pass and treat yourself and your workout wingman (or woman!) to better health.