Can you use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness without a membership? No, you generally need a “Black Card” membership to access the tanning beds at Planet Fitness.
If you’re a Planet Fitness member looking to add a bronzed glow to your skin, you’re likely curious about their tanning options. Planet Fitness offers various amenities, and their tanning beds are a popular perk for many Black Card members. This guide will walk you through how to use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness safely and effectively, ensuring you get the best results possible.
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Exploring Planet Fitness Tanning Options
Planet Fitness offers two main ways to achieve a tan: traditional tanning beds and spray tans.
The Tanning Bed Experience at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness tanning beds are typically found in dedicated rooms, often separate from the main workout area. These are typically Level 1 tanning beds, which are designed for introductory tanning. This means they use lower levels of UV exposure compared to some high-powered beds found in dedicated tanning salons. This is generally a good starting point for most people.
Planet Fitness Mystic Tan
For those who prefer a sunless tan, Planet Fitness also offers the Planet Fitness Mystic Tan. This is an automated spray tan booth that provides a quick and even application of tanning solution. It’s a great alternative for those who want to avoid UV exposure altogether or are looking for an instant tan. We’ll touch on this later, but our main focus today is on the tanning bed experience.
Getting Started with Planet Fitness Tanning
Before you hop into a tanning bed, it’s crucial to prepare and follow the specific rules and guidelines Planet Fitness has in place.
What You Need: The Black Card Membership
To use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness, you need to have a Planet Fitness Black Card membership. This membership tier includes access to all Planet Fitness locations, unlimited guest privileges, and, importantly, unlimited access to tanning and massage chairs. If you have a basic membership, you won’t be able to use the tanning facilities.
Planet Fitness Tanning Rules: What You Must Know
Planet Fitness has specific rules to ensure safety and maintain the cleanliness of their tanning areas. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these before your first session.
- Booking and Time Limits: Some clubs may require you to book a tanning session in advance, especially during peak hours. There will also be a strict tanning bed time Planet Fitness allows per session, usually around 10-15 minutes, depending on the bed and your skin type. Do not exceed the recommended tanning bed time Planet Fitness sets.
- Hygiene: Always use the provided cleaning supplies to wipe down the tanning bed before and after your session. This ensures a clean environment for everyone.
- Protective Eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear is non-negotiable. You’ll typically find these provided in the tanning room or you may need to purchase them. Never tan without eye protection.
- Frequency: Planet Fitness recommends a tanning schedule, which usually means not tanning more than once every 24 hours. Over-tanning can lead to burns and long-term skin damage.
Preparing for Your Tanning Session
Proper preparation is key to achieving an even tan and protecting your skin.
Before You Tan: Pre-Session Steps
- Exfoliate: A day or two before your first tanning session, gently exfoliate your skin. This removes dead skin cells, allowing for a more even tan and preventing patchiness. Pay attention to rough areas like elbows and knees.
- Shave: If you typically shave, do so at least 24 hours before tanning. Shaving right before can open pores and lead to an uneven tan.
- Avoid Lotions and Perfumes: On the day of your tanning session, avoid applying any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or makeup to the areas you plan to tan. These can create barriers and lead to blotchy results.
What to Bring to Planet Fitness Tanning
- Protective Eyewear: As mentioned, this is crucial.
- Swimsuit or Underwear: You can choose to tan in your birthday suit or wear a swimsuit or underwear. Be aware that any fabric will block the UV rays, leaving tan lines.
- Towel: To dry yourself off after cleaning the bed and to cover yourself.
Using the Planet Fitness Tanning Bed Safely
Safety should always be your top priority when using any UV tanning equipment.
Understanding Tanning Bed Safety Planet Fitness Guidelines
Planet Fitness tanning beds are designed for general use, but they still emit UV radiation. Adhering to safety protocols is paramount.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medications that increase photosensitivity (like certain antibiotics or acne treatments), consult your doctor before using tanning beds.
- Know Your Skin Type: Everyone’s skin reacts differently to UV exposure. Fair-skinned individuals with a tendency to burn should be extra cautious and start with shorter sessions.
- Never Overuse: Stick to the recommended tanning bed time Planet Fitness provides. More is not better when it comes to UV tanning.
- Avoid Other Sun Exposure: Do not expose yourself to natural sunlight on the same day you use a tanning bed. This can increase your risk of sunburn.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tan at Planet Fitness
- Enter the Tanning Room: Locate the tanning room and ensure it’s unoccupied.
- Prepare the Bed: Use the provided sanitizing spray and paper towels to clean the acrylic surfaces of the tanning bed. Wipe down any surfaces you might touch.
- Dress Appropriately: Decide if you’re tanning nude or wearing minimal clothing. Remember that any clothing will block UV rays.
- Put on Eye Protection: Securely place your protective eyewear over your eyes. Make sure it covers your eyelids and the surrounding area completely.
- Apply Tanning Lotion (Optional but Recommended): More on this in the next section!
- Enter the Bed and Close the Lid: Follow the instructions for operating the specific tanning bed. Most have a simple button to start the lamps.
- Relax and Tan: Lie comfortably for your allotted tanning bed time Planet Fitness has set. Try to relax and avoid moving around too much, as this can lead to uneven tanning.
- Exit the Bed: Once the timer goes off, the lamps will shut down. Carefully exit the tanning bed.
- Clean Up: Use the provided sanitizing spray and paper towels to clean the bed again. Dispose of used towels properly.
- Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after your session, especially if you used any tanning lotions.
Maximizing Your Tan: Using Planet Fitness Lotion
While not strictly mandatory, using a specialized tanning lotion can significantly enhance your results and protect your skin.
Why Use Planet Fitness Lotion?
Planet Fitness tanning lotions, often referred to as “tanning intensifiers” or “accelerators,” are formulated to work with UV tanning beds.
- Moisturization: Tanning can be drying. These lotions help keep your skin hydrated, which is crucial for an even and lasting tan. Dry skin tends to shed faster, causing your tan to fade quicker.
- Tanning Accelerators: Many lotions contain ingredients that can help “accelerate” the tanning process, meaning you might achieve a darker color with less exposure time.
- Skin Conditioning: They often contain vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin.
Types of Tanning Lotions
- Intensifiers: These are typically the most basic lotions, designed to moisturize and prepare your skin for tanning. They use natural bronzers and moisturizing ingredients.
- Accelerators: These contain ingredients like tyrosine, which can help stimulate melanin production, potentially leading to a darker tan.
- Tingle Lotions: These create a warming or “tingling” sensation on the skin due to ingredients like cinnamon or capsaicin. They promote microcirculation, which can result in a very deep tan. Use these with extreme caution and only if you’re an experienced tanner, as they can cause redness and irritation.
- Bronzers: These lotions contain cosmetic bronzers (like DHA, the same ingredient in self-tanners) that provide an instant color boost and can deepen your tan.
How to Apply Planet Fitness Lotion
Apply tanning lotion evenly to your entire body before you get into the tanning bed.
- Apply in Sections: Work on one body part at a time to ensure complete coverage.
- Rub It In: Massage the lotion into your skin as you would with regular moisturizer.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Be careful around areas where skin is thinner or more sensitive.
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands after applying lotion to prevent your palms from tanning.
Important Note: Planet Fitness may sell their own brand of tanning lotions or recommend specific types. Check with the front desk for availability and recommendations. You can also bring your own compatible tanning lotions.
Achieving the Best Results
Beyond just using the bed, a few extra steps can help you get the most out of your Planet Fitness tanning sessions.
Post-Tanning Care
After your tanning session, your skin still needs attention.
- Rinse if Necessary: If your lotion has bronzers that could streak, it’s sometimes recommended to rinse off after tanning. However, many modern lotions are designed to absorb fully. Check the product instructions.
- Moisturize: Apply a good quality, tan-extending moisturizer after your shower. This will help keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking its best for longer.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Building Your Tan Gradually
Consistency and patience are key to a natural-looking tan.
- Start Slow: Especially if you’re new to tanning beds, begin with the shortest recommended tanning bed time Planet Fitness offers.
- Increase Gradually: As your skin builds a base tan, you can slowly increase your tanning bed time Planet Fitness allows. Don’t jump to the maximum time immediately.
- Listen to Your Skin: If your skin feels irritated or looks red, take a break from tanning.
Alternatives: The Planet Fitness Spray Tan
For those who want to avoid UV rays, the Planet Fitness Mystic Tan offers a convenient spray tan solution.
How the Planet Fitness Mystic Tan Works
The Mystic Tan is an automated booth that sprays a fine mist of DHA-based tanning solution onto your body.
- Preparation: Similar to tanning beds, it’s best to exfoliate and shave 24-48 hours prior to your spray tan. Avoid lotions and perfumes on the day of.
- In the Booth: You’ll typically wear a disposable hair cap and go into the booth. The booth will guide you on how to stand for optimal coverage. It often has voice prompts to instruct you to turn or pose.
- After the Spray: You’ll need to let the solution dry completely. The booth usually has a warm air dryer. You’ll typically need to wait several hours (often 6-8) before showering to allow the tan to develop fully.
- Results: A spray tan provides a cosmetic tan that lasts several days to a week.
Key Differences: The Mystic Tan is a sunless tanning option, meaning it doesn’t involve UV exposure. It provides an instant color, whereas a tanning bed develops a tan over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about using Planet Fitness tanning beds.
Q1: How many times a week can I use the Planet Fitness tanning bed?
A: Planet Fitness generally recommends not tanning more than once every 24 hours. Building your tan gradually is safer and yields better results. So, while you could go daily, it’s safer to space it out, perhaps 3-4 times a week for building and then 1-2 times a week for maintenance, depending on your skin’s response.
Q2: Do I need to bring my own tanning lotion?
A: You can bring your own tanning lotion specifically designed for tanning beds. Planet Fitness may also sell or have their own brand of tanning lotions available for purchase. It’s recommended to use a tanning lotion to help moisturize and enhance your tan.
Q3: Is it safe to use tanning beds at Planet Fitness?
A: Tanning beds, including those at Planet Fitness, use UV radiation, which carries risks like premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. However, Planet Fitness beds are typically lower-level, and by following safety guidelines, wearing protective eyewear, and not overusing them, you can minimize these risks. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Q4: Can I use the tanning bed if I have a sunburn?
A: Absolutely not. Never use a tanning bed if you have a sunburn or any broken skin. This can cause further damage and pain.
Q5: What if the tanning bed isn’t working?
A: If you encounter any issues with a tanning bed, report it to the front desk immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Q6: How long do I have to wait before showering after using the tanning bed?
A: Unlike spray tans, you don’t typically need to wait to shower after using a UV tanning bed. However, if you used a lotion with bronzers, you might want to rinse off after your session, as per product instructions.
Q7: Can I get a tan through my regular clothing?
A: No, any clothing will block UV rays. You’ll need to wear a swimsuit or go nude to get a tan on those areas. Be mindful of tan lines if you wear a swimsuit.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently and safely enjoy the tanning amenities offered with your Planet Fitness Black Card membership, achieving a beautiful, bronzed glow. Remember that moderation and safety are key to a healthy tanning experience.