Yes, Planet Fitness guests can tan, but their ability to do so is directly tied to the membership tier of the person who brought them. This means free guest tanning is generally not a standard Planet Fitness membership benefit, and non-members cannot tan at Planet Fitness without being a guest of a premium member. Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of Planet Fitness’s tanning policy and clarify exactly how it works for guests.
Planet Fitness is known for its “Judgment Free Zone” and its affordable membership options. Many members are drawn to the extra perks, and tanning is a popular amenity. However, the question of whether guests can enjoy these benefits is a common one, often leading to confusion. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the path for anyone looking to understand Planet Fitness tanning policy and guest tanning rules.
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Delving into Planet Fitness Membership Benefits and Tanning
Planet Fitness offers various membership tiers, and the availability of tanning services is a key differentiator. While the basic “Classic” membership provides access to gym facilities, it typically does not include unlimited tanning. The “Black Card” membership, on the other hand, is where tanning benefits truly shine.
The Black Card Advantage: What it Means for Tanning
The Planet Fitness Black Card membership is the premium offering, and it comes with a suite of attractive Planet Fitness membership benefits. Among these are:
- Unlimited Hydro-Massage Beds: Relaxation after a workout.
- Total Body Enhancement Beds: A low-pressure tanning and collagen boosting experience.
- Tanning Beds: Access to traditional tanning beds in select locations.
- Bring a Friend Anytime: This is the crucial point for guest access.
It’s important to note that not all Planet Fitness locations are equipped with tanning facilities. Therefore, even with a Black Card, you’ll need to confirm that your local gym offers these services.
Tanning Options for Planet Fitness Members
For Planet Fitness members, especially Black Card holders, tanning options for Planet Fitness members are quite varied:
- Tanning Beds: These are stand-up or lay-down tanning units that use UV light to promote a tan. Access is usually unlimited with a Black Card.
- Total Body Enhancement Beds: These are often described as a sunbed experience combined with red light therapy. They offer a less intense tanning option and are generally considered more health-conscious by some. These are also typically included with the Black Card.
Can Planet Fitness Guests Tan? The Crucial Connection
Now, let’s address the core question: Can Planet Fitness guests tan? The answer hinges entirely on the membership status of the member who is bringing the guest.
The “Bring a Friend” Rule and Its Implications
Planet Fitness’s Black Card membership allows members to “Bring a Friend Anytime.” This is where guest privileges tanning comes into play. When a Black Card member brings a guest, that guest can use the gym’s facilities alongside the member. This includes using cardio equipment, weight machines, and locker rooms.
However, the interpretation of “use the gym’s facilities” is where the nuance lies. Can guests automatically access tanning beds just because they’re with a Black Card member? Generally, no.
Here’s how it typically works:
- The Black Card member must be present with the guest. The guest cannot simply show up on their own using a member’s Black Card benefit.
- The guest cannot use tanning services independently. The tanning beds and enhancement beds are considered premium amenities tied directly to the Black Card membership.
How to Tan at Planet Fitness as a Guest: The Process
So, how to tan at Planet Fitness as a guest? It’s not as straightforward as simply walking in with a friend.
- Be accompanied by a Black Card Member: You must arrive with a friend who holds a Black Card membership.
- The Black Card Member must utilize the tanning facilities: The member can use the tanning beds or enhancement beds during their visit.
- Guest Tanning Access is NOT Automatic: While the guest is present with the Black Card member, they are not automatically entitled to use the tanning beds. The tanning benefit is for the member.
To be crystal clear: Do Planet Fitness guests pay for tanning? If the guest wants to use the tanning facilities, the most direct way is for them to become a Planet Fitness member themselves, or for the Black Card member to share their tanning benefit, which isn’t explicitly permitted by the terms and conditions. The “Bring a Friend” policy is for general gym use, not a blanket pass for all premium amenities.
Clarifying Guest Privileges: What You Can and Cannot Do
It’s essential to understand the scope of guest privileges tanning at Planet Fitness. While the “Bring a Friend” policy is a great perk, it’s designed to allow a friend to experience the gym. It’s not an unlimited pass to all services.
What a Guest Can Typically Do:
- Use the gym’s cardio equipment.
- Use the weight machines.
- Participate in group fitness classes (if offered and included in the member’s plan).
- Use locker rooms and showers.
What a Guest Typically Cannot Do (Without Their Own Membership):
- Use tanning beds.
- Use Hydro-Massage beds.
- Use Total Body Enhancement beds.
Essentially, if a service is a specific, paid-for add-on or a premium feature of a higher-tier membership (like the Black Card), guests usually don’t get free access to it just by accompanying a member.
Can Non-Members Tan at Planet Fitness?
To directly answer the question, can non-members tan at Planet Fitness? No, not directly. Planet Fitness operates on a membership model. They do not offer drop-in rates for tanning services, nor do they sell tanning passes to individuals who are not members. The only way a non-member can potentially access the tanning facilities is by being a guest of a Black Card member, and even then, the tanning access is not guaranteed for the guest.
How to Get Unlimited Tanning Access at Planet Fitness
If you’re serious about tanning and want regular access to the facilities, the most straightforward and legitimate way is to purchase a Planet Fitness membership that includes tanning.
Joining Planet Fitness for Tanning Access
- Choose the Right Membership: Sign up for a Black Card membership. Be sure to check if your local club has tanning beds available.
- Understand the Terms: Read the membership agreement carefully. It will outline the specific benefits, including tanning.
- Get Your Welcome Pack: You’ll usually receive a Black Card membership card and instructions on how to use the amenities.
- Locate Tanning Facilities: Find out where the tanning beds or enhancement beds are located within your club.
- Sign Up for Tanning Sessions (if required): Some clubs may require you to sign up for a tanning time slot, especially during peak hours.
Black Card Membership Costs and Tanning
The cost of a Planet Fitness Black Card membership varies by location but generally falls in the range of \$24.99 per month, often with an annual fee and a startup fee. This monthly fee unlocks all the Planet Fitness membership benefits, including unlimited tanning. When you factor in the cost of tanning at external salons, the Black Card membership can be a very economical option for frequent tanners.
Comparing Planet Fitness Tanning to Other Gyms
It’s helpful to see how Planet Fitness’s approach to guest tanning compares to other fitness centers. Many gyms offer day passes or trial passes that might include access to all facilities, including tanning. However, Planet Fitness’s model is built around its specific membership tiers.
| Feature | Planet Fitness Classic | Planet Fitness Black Card | Other Gyms (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tanning Beds | No | Yes (Unlimited) | Often add-on or included in higher tiers |
| Hydro-Massage | No | Yes (Unlimited) | Varies |
| Bring a Friend | No | Yes (Anytime) | Varies |
| Guest Tanning Access | No | Not directly; requires member presence for member’s use | Often through day passes or specific guest policies |
| Total Body Enh. Beds | No | Yes (Unlimited) | Varies |
As you can see, the tanning bed access for guests at Planet Fitness is very limited. The benefit is primarily for the member who pays for the Black Card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planet Fitness Guest Tanning
Let’s address some common queries to further clarify the Planet Fitness tanning policy.
Q1: Can I bring a friend to Planet Fitness and have them use the tanning beds if I have a Black Card?
A1: The Black Card membership allows you to bring a friend to use the gym’s general facilities. However, tanning bed access for guests is not automatically included. The tanning benefit is intended for the Black Card member. While your guest is with you, they cannot independently use the tanning beds. The member would have to use them, and the guest would just be present.
Q2: Do Planet Fitness guests pay for tanning if they come with a Black Card member?
A2: Generally, do Planet Fitness guests pay for tanning? Yes, if they want to use the tanning facilities themselves. They would either need their own membership or would have to pay for tanning at an external establishment. The “Bring a Friend” policy does not extend to free access to premium amenities like tanning for the guest.
Q3: Is free guest tanning a standard Planet Fitness membership benefit?
A3: No, free guest tanning is not a standard Planet Fitness membership benefit for the guest. The “Bring a Friend Anytime” perk is for general gym access. Tanning is a premium feature tied to the Black Card membership itself.
Q4: Can non-members tan at Planet Fitness?
A4: No, can non-members tan at Planet Fitness? Non-members cannot tan at Planet Fitness. Access to all facilities, including tanning, requires a valid membership.
Q5: What are the tanning options for Planet Fitness members?
A5: Tanning options for Planet Fitness members with a Black Card include unlimited use of tanning beds (stand-up and lay-down) and Total Body Enhancement beds.
Q6: How do I sign up for tanning if I am a Planet Fitness member?
A6: If you have a Black Card membership, you typically have unlimited access to tanning beds. You may need to sign up for a time slot at the front desk or through an app, depending on the club’s policy. There are usually no additional fees for tanning as long as you have the Black Card.
Q7: Are tanning beds available at all Planet Fitness locations?
A7: No, tanning bed access for guests and members is not universal. Availability of tanning beds and Total Body Enhancement beds varies by club. It is essential to check your specific Planet Fitness location for these amenities before committing to a membership.
Q8: What does the “Bring a Friend” policy really mean for guests at Planet Fitness?
A8: The “Bring a Friend” policy allows a member to bring a different person with them each time they visit, as long as they are present. The guest can utilize the gym’s standard workout equipment, locker rooms, and any other amenities included in the member’s plan except for premium services like tanning, massage chairs, or specialized training sessions that are tied to higher membership tiers or add-ons.
Q9: If I want to use the tanning beds regularly, what is the best way to do it at Planet Fitness?
A9: The most effective way to use the tanning beds regularly at Planet Fitness is to upgrade to or sign up for a Black Card membership. This membership tier is designed to offer unlimited access to tanning and other premium perks for a low monthly fee, making it cost-effective for regular users.
Conclusion: Navigating Guest Access and Tanning
In summary, while Planet Fitness is very welcoming to guests, especially through the Black Card membership’s “Bring a Friend Anytime” feature, there are clear boundaries when it comes to premium amenities like tanning. Planet Fitness tanning policy dictates that tanning services are primarily for the members who hold the appropriate membership tier.
While a guest can accompany a Black Card member to the gym, they cannot automatically use the tanning beds. The benefit of tanning is exclusive to the member. Therefore, if you’re looking for regular tanning access, the most direct and transparent route is to become a Planet Fitness member yourself and opt for the Black Card membership. This ensures you can enjoy all the Planet Fitness membership benefits without confusion or unexpected costs, including unlimited tanning as part of your package. Always check with your local Planet Fitness club for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific policies and available amenities.