What are the tanning options at Planet Fitness? Planet Fitness offers two primary tanning options: lay-down tanning beds and stand-up tanning booths. Can I use the tanning beds if I have a basic membership? No, access to tanning facilities is typically included with the Planet Fitness Black Card membership or as an add-on to certain other membership tiers. Who is the tanning service for? The tanning service is for Planet Fitness members who have the appropriate membership level and wish to achieve a tanned look.
Planet Fitness, known for its “Judgment Free Zone” philosophy and affordable gym memberships, also offers a popular tanning service. Many members are curious about how this service works, what it entails, and what they need to know to use it safely and effectively. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Planet Fitness tanning experience, covering everything from the types of machines available to membership requirements and essential rules.
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Planet Fitness Tanning Options: What’s On Offer?
When you become a Planet Fitness Black Card member, you unlock access to a range of amenities, and tanning is a significant perk for many. Planet Fitness provides two main types of tanning equipment designed to help members achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harsh rays of natural sunlight.
Planet Fitness Tanning Beds
These are the classic lay-down tanning units. They are enclosed chambers where you lie down for your tanning session.
- How They Work: Tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) lamps to emit UVA and UVB rays. These rays penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Over time, this process leads to a tan.
- Design: Planet Fitness typically uses modern, comfortable tanning beds. They are usually spacious enough to lie down fully and often have features like built-in fans for comfort during the session.
- Intensity: The tanning beds at Planet Fitness are generally considered medium-pressure. This means they provide a good balance between tanning effectiveness and the risk of burning, especially for those new to tanning.
Planet Fitness Tanning Booths
For those who prefer to stand, Planet Fitness also offers stand-up tanning booths.
- How They Work: Similar to tanning beds, tanning booths utilize UV lamps. However, the lamps are positioned vertically, allowing you to stand upright. This design ensures that your entire body is exposed to the UV rays evenly.
- Design: These booths are enclosed cylindrical or octagonal structures with a door. You stand inside, and the lamps surround you.
- Benefits: Many users find stand-up booths more convenient as they don’t require lying down, which can feel restrictive for some. They also offer a more even tan for some individuals, as it’s easier to maintain an even distance from the lamps.
Planet Fitness Tanning Membership: Accessing the Glow
Access to the tanning facilities at Planet Fitness is not a standard feature of all membership tiers. It’s primarily tied to their premium membership.
The Black Card Membership
The Planet Fitness tanning membership is typically included with their Black Card membership. This membership level offers a host of benefits beyond just gym access, including:
- Unlimited access to your home club.
- Unlimited access to all other Planet Fitness locations.
- Use of all amenities in your home club.
- Tanning (using the tanning beds and booths).
- HydroMassage beds.
- Locker room showers and day lockers.
- Guest privileges (bring one guest per visit).
Planet Fitness Tanning Cost
For members who have the Black Card membership, there is no additional Planet Fitness tanning cost. The tanning service is bundled into the monthly fee of the Black Card membership. This makes it an attractive option for those who want regular tanning sessions without paying for separate tanning salon visits.
For members with lower-tier memberships (like the Classic Card), tanning is not included. They would need to upgrade to a Black Card membership to access these facilities. There isn’t a standalone tanning membership option; it’s an integrated benefit of the higher-tier membership.
Getting Started: Your First Tanning Session
Once you have the appropriate membership, stepping into the tanning area at Planet Fitness is straightforward. However, there are specific procedures and rules to follow.
Booking Your Session
Planet Fitness tanning beds and booths generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You typically don’t need to book a session in advance. You can head to the tanning area and wait for a unit to become available. Some clubs might have a sign-up sheet or a waiting system if multiple people are waiting, but this can vary by location.
What to Bring
When you go for a tanning session, consider bringing a few items to enhance your experience and ensure you adhere to the Planet Fitness tanning rules:
- Swimsuit or Underwear: You can choose to wear a swimsuit, underwear, or nothing at all during your tanning session. However, you must wear something to protect sensitive areas if you are concerned. Some members prefer to wear old underwear as tanning lotions can stain fabrics.
- Towel: While some facilities may provide disposable towels, it’s always a good idea to bring your own towel to wipe yourself down after the session and to place on the tanning bed or booth surfaces for hygiene.
- Protective Eyewear: This is crucial. UV rays can damage your eyes. Planet Fitness usually provides disposable eye protection (goggles or eye covers) in the tanning area. If you have your own preferred tanning goggles, you can use those.
- Planet Fitness Tanning Lotion: While not strictly mandatory, using Planet Fitness tanning lotion or a specialized tanning accelerator can significantly enhance your results. These lotions help your skin absorb UV rays more effectively and can moisturize your skin, reducing dryness and peeling. Planet Fitness often sells tanning lotions and accelerators at their front desk, though you are welcome to bring your own.
The Tanning Process: Step-by-Step
- Locate the Tanning Area: Tanning facilities are usually located in a separate, designated area within the gym.
- Enter the Unit: Once a tanning bed or booth is free, enter it. Ensure the door or lid is securely closed.
- Prepare: Remove your clothing and put on your protective eyewear. If using a tanning lotion, apply it evenly to your skin. Avoid applying it to the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, as it can cause orange discoloration.
- Start the Session: The tanning machines at Planet Fitness are automated. They typically have a timer and start automatically once you’re inside and the door is closed. Some units may have buttons inside for controlling fans or music.
- Session Duration: The length of your tanning session is pre-set. For new tanners, sessions are usually shorter (e.g., 5-10 minutes) to gauge your skin’s reaction. As you build a base tan, sessions might increase in duration, but always follow the machine’s recommendations and your skin’s tolerance.
- Exiting the Unit: When the session is complete, the lights will turn off. Exit the unit, dispose of any used eye protection or wipes, and dry off if necessary.
Maximizing Your Tan: Tips and Tricks
To get the most out of your tanning sessions and ensure a smooth experience, consider these tips:
Using Planet Fitness Tanning Lotion
Planet Fitness tanning lotion is formulated to enhance your tan. These lotions often contain:
- Tanning Accelerators: Ingredients like tyrosine help stimulate melanin production, leading to a deeper, darker tan more quickly.
- Bronzers: Some lotions contain natural or DHA bronzers that provide an immediate color boost. Be aware that bronzers can transfer to clothing, so wear older attire.
- Moisturizers: UV exposure can dry out the skin. Moisturizing ingredients keep your skin hydrated, which is essential for a longer-lasting, even tan and helps prevent peeling.
Bringing Your Own: If you prefer to use your own tanning lotion, ensure it’s specifically designed for tanning beds or booths. Lotions meant for outdoor sun tanning may contain SPF, which will block UV rays and prevent you from tanning.
Frequency and Progression
- Start Slowly: If you’re new to tanning, begin with shorter sessions and fewer days per week (e.g., 2-3 times a week).
- Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts. If you experience redness or discomfort, reduce your session time or frequency.
- Build Gradually: As your skin develops a base tan, you can gradually increase session length or frequency, always staying within safe limits. Overdoing it can lead to burns and skin damage.
- Maintenance: Once you achieve your desired tan, you can reduce the frequency to maintain it.
Exfoliation is Key
Before your tanning session, especially if you haven’t tanned in a while, exfoliating your skin is beneficial.
- Remove Dead Skin: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing the UV rays to penetrate more evenly and reach fresh skin.
- Prevent Patchiness: This helps prevent patchy tanning and promotes a smoother, more uniform color.
- Timing: Exfoliate at least 24 hours before your tanning session, not immediately before, as this can irritate the skin.
Planet Fitness Tanning Rules: Safety First
Planet Fitness is very strict about its tanning rules to ensure member safety and the longevity of their equipment. Adhering to these rules is paramount.
General Tanning Rules
- Membership Requirement: Only Black Card members or those with specific upgrade packages can use the tanning facilities.
- Time Limits: Sessions are timed. Do not exceed the recommended duration for the machine.
- Protective Eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear is mandatory for every session to protect your eyes from UV damage.
- No Tanning Lotions with SPF: Do not use lotions designed for outdoor sun tanning that contain SPF, as they will block UV rays. Only use tanning-specific lotions or accelerators.
- Cleanliness: Wipe down the tanning bed or booth with the provided sanitizing solution and paper towels after each use to maintain hygiene for the next user.
- No Outside Lotions/Oils: Generally, you are not permitted to use lotions, oils, or sprays not specifically designed for tanning beds/booths. Check with your local club for specifics, but it’s best to assume only approved tanning lotions are allowed.
- Frequency Limits: Some clubs may have daily or weekly limits on tanning sessions to prevent overuse and skin damage. Planet Fitness often limits tanning to once per day.
- Age Restrictions: Typically, you must be at least 18 years old to use the tanning facilities. Some states may have different regulations.
What Happens if You Break the Rules?
Violating Planet Fitness tanning rules can result in consequences, including:
- Temporary Suspension: You might be temporarily banned from using the tanning facilities.
- Membership Termination: For repeated or severe violations, your membership could be terminated.
- Responsibility for Damage: You may be held responsible for any damage caused to the tanning equipment due to improper use.
Planet Fitness Tanning Benefits and Side Effects
Like any form of tanning, both indoor tanning at Planet Fitness and natural sun exposure come with potential benefits and risks.
Potential Planet Fitness Tanning Benefits
- Cosmetic Appeal: The most common reason people tan is for cosmetic reasons – to achieve a tanned appearance that can make the skin look healthier and smoother.
- Vitamin D Production: UV radiation, particularly UVB rays, is essential for the body to produce Vitamin D. However, short periods of incidental sun exposure are usually sufficient for most people’s Vitamin D needs. Tanning beds are not the recommended or safest way to obtain Vitamin D.
- Mood Enhancement: Some individuals report feeling better or more energetic after tanning sessions, which can be attributed to the mood-lifting effects of UV exposure (similar to seasonal mood changes).
Potential Planet Fitness Tanning Side Effects and Risks
It’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with UV tanning, regardless of the setting.
- Skin Burns: Overexposure can lead to painful sunburns, characterized by redness, swelling, and peeling.
- Premature Skin Aging: Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to photoaging, which includes wrinkles, fine lines, sunspots (age spots), and a leathery texture to the skin.
- Eye Damage: UV radiation can cause serious eye problems, including cataracts, photokeratitis (corneal burns), and potentially increase the risk of ocular melanoma. This is why protective eyewear is mandatory.
- Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) classify tanning devices that emit UV radiation as carcinogenic to humans. Regular use of tanning beds and booths increases the risk of developing all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Skin Dryness and Irritation: Over-tanning can lead to dry, flaky, or irritated skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about tanning at Planet Fitness:
Q1: How often can I use the Planet Fitness tanning beds?
A1: Generally, you can use the tanning facilities once per day. However, it’s recommended to allow at least 24-48 hours between sessions, especially when you are starting out, to allow your skin to recover and minimize the risk of burns. Always listen to your body and your skin.
Q2: Do I need to clean the tanning machine after use?
A2: Yes, it is a mandatory Planet Fitness tanning rule. You must clean the tanning bed or booth with the provided sanitizing solution and paper towels after each use. This is for hygiene and to protect the equipment.
Q3: Can I bring my own tanning lotion?
A3: You can bring your own tanning lotion, but it must be specifically designed for indoor tanning beds and booths. Lotions with SPF or those not formulated for UV tanning can damage the Planet Fitness tanning machines and will prevent you from tanning effectively. Planet Fitness usually sells suitable tanning lotions at the front desk.
Q4: What happens if I don’t have a Black Card membership?
A4: If you do not have a Black Card membership, you cannot access the tanning facilities. Tanning is an exclusive amenity for Black Card members. You would need to upgrade your membership to enjoy these benefits.
Q5: Are the tanning beds at Planet Fitness safe?
A5: While tanning beds offer a controlled environment for tanning, they still emit UV radiation, which carries risks. The Planet Fitness tanning machines are designed with safety features, but overexposure can still lead to burns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It’s crucial to follow all Planet Fitness tanning rules, use protective eyewear, and not exceed recommended session times.
Q6: What is the difference between a tanning bed and a tanning booth at Planet Fitness?
A6: The main difference is the position you are in during the tanning session. Tanning beds are lay-down units, while tanning booths are stand-up units. Both use UV lamps to tan your skin. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.
Q7: Can I get a tan in one session at Planet Fitness?
A7: While you might see some immediate color from bronzers in certain lotions, achieving a visible tan typically takes multiple sessions over days or weeks. Your skin needs time to produce melanin in response to UV exposure.
Q8: Does Planet Fitness offer spray tans?
A8: No, Planet Fitness does not offer spray tanning services. Their tanning options are limited to the UV tanning beds and booths.
Conclusion
Planet Fitness offers a convenient and affordable way for its Black Card members to achieve a tanned look through its tanning beds and booths. By understanding the Planet Fitness tanning options, the requirements of a Planet Fitness tanning membership, and adhering strictly to Planet Fitness tanning rules, members can safely enjoy the benefits of indoor tanning. Always prioritize skin health, use protective eyewear, and be mindful of the potential Planet Fitness tanning side effects. Whether you choose a tanning bed or a booth, a well-applied Planet Fitness tanning lotion can enhance your results, but responsible usage is key to a positive experience.