Planet Fitness is a great place to work out, and because it is open 24/7, it’s a very convenient way to stay in shape.
Planet Fitness also has tanning beds, and members who have a Black Card can use these beds as much as they like and whenever they like.
While the tanning experience at Planet Fitness can be different from what you might get at other salons, many people prefer it because it’s fast and convenient.
If you are considering it, here is what you should know about the Planet Fitness tanning beds.
Are Planet Fitness Tanning Beds Good?
Most people find Planet Fitness tanning beds to be good.
They are easy to use, are available for use at all times, and they seem to provide a nice tan overall.
Of course, as with any service or piece of equipment, there are both pros and cons to using them.
Some of the things that make Planet Fitness tanning beds so popular with some members make them problematic for others.
If you are already a member of Planet Fitness, you may be able to talk to a staff member to learn more about the tanning bed and possibly even try them out before you decide if you want to buy the Black Card and start using the beds regularly.
What Is The Planet Fitness Tanning Process Like?
The first time you tan at Planet Fitness, you will need to fill out a paper with your skin analysis.
You will simply answer a few questions about the color of your skin and how often you are in the sun.
This will let you know what type of bed is best for you and how long it is safe to stay inside a tanning bed.
You will then need to choose the type of bed you want to use.
You can book your tanning sessions, or you can walk in to see if there are any available at the time you need.
Wait in line for your tanning bed, and when it is available, undress and get in the bed.
Some Planet Fitness facilities have staff members who will start the tanning bed for you, but most will simply direct you on how to start it and leave you to do it yourself.
Be sure to apply any lotions or bronzers you wish to use before you turn on the tanning bed and have your eye protection on properly.
How Much Does It Cost To Tan At Planet Fitness?
Unlike many tanning salons that ask you to pay by the visit, you can pay one monthly membership fee at Planet Fitness and get unlimited tanning.
There is an extra fee aside from your regular fitness membership.
You will need to purchase something called the Black Card.
This provides members access to the tanning bed and comes with many other perks as well.
The cost of this card can vary by location but typically costs around $23 a month.
What Are The Different Types Of Tanning Beds At Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness does offer different tanning beds for users.
You will find three different types of tanning beds at most facilities.
Keep in mind that not every Planet Fitness is the same and may not have the same types of beds or even the same bed options.
1. Lie-Down Beds
These are the most common types of tanning beds that most people are used to using.
You simply open the lid, set the timer, close the lid, and hit the start button.
The bed has lights on both the top and bottom sections, so you get an even tan all over your body.
These beds are easy to use, and they are comfortable because they allow the user to lie down and rest while getting tan.
2. Stand-Up Beds
These beds work like the lie-down beds.
They have bulbs all around that help tan every part of the body.
Some people prefer these beds because they are more spacious.
People who are claustrophobic, tall, or overweight may also find these beds more suitable and comfortable.
The controls for these beds are usually located right outside the entrance on a small panel.
You can start the tanning bed and then step inside to use it.
3. Spray Tans Booths
Some Planet Fitness facilities have spray tanning booths.
These booths spray a mixture of bronzer and lotions that adhere to the body and darken the skin.
The spray tan can last for several weeks and can be applied in layers each day to make it darker and more even each time.
The spray tan can be washed off eventually.
What Are The Pros Of Tanning At Planet Fitness?
Many people who use Planet Fitness for tanning have great experiences and enjoy being able to tan in the same location where they work out.
Here are some of the Pros of tanning at Planet Fitness.
1. Fast
One of the biggest advantages of using Planet Fitness tanning beds is that they are fast and convenient.
If you are already at Planet Fitness doing a workout, you won’t have to drive to a different location to go tan.
You can just tan before or after your workout.
Because the facility is open 24/7, everyone can use the bed at any time.
This means they are likely to be busy at any time of the day.
You won’t need to worry about waiting in a line or calling in to get a reservation before you can tan.
2. No Time Restrictions
There are no time restrictions for the amount of time you can use the tanning bed at Planet Fitness.
You can use them as long as you want.
People who are experienced tanners find this to be a huge advantage.
When you go to a salon, you usually have to let them know how long you plan to tan, and the price of the tanning sessions is based on that time.
There is nobody to question how long you tan, and it’s up to you to decide how long is long enough for you.
3. Easy To Use
Whether you are new to tanning or are an experienced tanner, you will appreciate that the tanning beds at Planet Fitness are very easy to use.
Unlike at tanning salons, where a staff member is there to turn the tanning bed on, set a timer, and turn it off, you will have to do this yourself at most Planet Fitness locations.
There may be staff available to assist you if you have problems and need some help.
4. Available Anytime
Sometimes it can be hard to schedule your tanning appointment ahead of time at a traditional tanning salon, but when you tan at Planet Fitness, you don’t have to worry about that.
Since Planet Fitness is open 24/7, the tanning beds are also available any time of day.
You can go in before work, after work, or even in the middle of the night to tan if you want.
This also means reduced waiting times.
5. Included With Black Card
There is no extra cost for tanning at Planet Fitness if you have the Black Card.
Unlimited tanning is included as part of the Black Card price.
You won’t have to worry about paying for these services or even taking any cash or a credit card with you when you arrive to go tanning.
This makes it easier for you to tan at the last minute or stop by Planet Fitness any time you want to tan, even if you don’t have your wallet or purse with you.
6. Bed Options
Planet Fitness does offer different types of tanning beds.
The models and styles can vary based on location, but in general, they are all very similar.
You will find lie-down beds, stand-up beds, and even spray tan booths at most Planet Fitness locations.
You can choose the type you want to use, but you will have to guide yourself through operating these tanning beds.
What Are The Cons Of Tanning At Planet Fitness?
Even though Planet Fitness tanning facilities have a lot of advantages, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of before you decide if this is the right type of tanning for you.
1. Hygiene
One of the biggest downsides of using Planet Fitness tanning beds is that they are not always cleaned properly and sometimes not at all.
While there are staff members who are responsible for cleaning the bands and ensuring they are hygienic, not all of them know how to clean the tanning beds properly or take the time to do it.
They do encourage members to also clean the tanning beds before and after using them and offer bottles of cleaning solutions to do so.
Tanning beds can harbor bacteria, fungi, and germs, so it’s always smart to clean the bed before and after you use it, even if you think the staff members at Planet Fitness are also cleaning the beds.
2. Dress Code
Planet Fitness has a pretty lenient dress code which means you don’t really know what people are wearing in the tanning beds.
Some salons have strict rules that say users must wear their swimsuits or undergarments.
Planet Fitness does not have these same restrictions, and some members may prefer to use the tanning beds without any clothing.
If you are not comfortable using a bed after someone else who was naked, you may find this problematic.
3. Bulbs Don’t Last
A lot of people use the tanning beds at most Planet Fitness locations.
People who may not typically use a tanning bed may decide to use one as Planet Fitness members because it’s free and easily accessible.
There are also no time restrictions when it comes to using the tanning beds at Planet Fitness.
These things mean that the bulbs may be used up faster than normal, and there’s no guarantee that the facility is changing the bulbs as they should.
You may not tan well if the bulbs are old.
4. No Time Restriction
Even though some people see the no time restriction as a good thing, it can also be a negative one.
Sometimes the beds can be full, and if the people using them are in no hurry or prefer to have long tanning sessions, it can leave you waiting for a while.
These longer sessions also mean the bulbs go bad quickly, and the tanning beds are hotter when it is your time to get in.
5. No Staff
There’s no staff in the tanning bed area to start and stop your bed or cater to your needs the way the staff at a tanning salon may.
While there are staff members in the gym who can help you if you have an issue while tanning and even some who clean and check in from time to time, don’t expect these tanning beds to be the same as a full-service tanning salon.
6. Security
If you are nervous about someone walking in on you while tanning or don’t like leaving your stuff outside the door unattended while you tan, you may not be a fan of the Planet Fitness tanning experience.
There is no security to watch over you or your personal items.
While the facilities are still safe, if you are tanning late at night or if you are tanning alone, you may be a little nervous when you realize there is no security or personnel around to help you if there is an altercation.
How Is The Planet Fitness Tanning Experience Different From Other Tanning Salons?
The Planet Fitness tanning experience is slightly different from what you may find at a traditional tanning salon.
There is no dedicated staff for the tanning section of Planet Fitness, and for the most part, members are on their own when it comes to operating the tanning bed, knowing how long they are in it, and cleaning the bed.
Because there is nobody keeping track of who uses the bed or how long they are used, the bulbs may get a lot of use, and they may not get changed as often as they should.
Bulbs that go bad are more likely to cause uneven tanning and can even cause sunburns.
If you choose to tan at Planet Fitness, you will be on your own for most of the process.
Staying Safe While Tanning A Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness tanning beds are just as risky as any other tanning bed.
Tanning can increase your risk of developing skin cancer and cause premature aging.
If you insist on using a tanning bed at Planet Fitness, keep these tips in mind to stay safe.
1. Use Eye Protection
UV rays aren’t just harmful to the skin, but they can also harm your eyes.
It can be hard to keep your eyes closed the whole time you are tanning, so wear tanning goggles to protect your eyes if you want to leave them open.
2. Timing
Many people want to get a tan as quickly as possible, but staying in too long can lead to skin damage and be harmful.
It can also cause you to burn, which can make your skin peel and cause you to lose your tan.
Start with a 10-minute session, and then add five minutes when you think you have developed a base tan.
It’s best to avoid staying in the tanning bed for more than 30 minutes at a time.
3. Hydration
Staying hydrated will help keep your skin from drying out and allow your tan to last longer.
Tanning beds can dehydrate your body, which can be dangerous.
Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after you tan to ensure you do not become dehydrated while in the tanning bed.
4. Lotions
Choose your tanning lotion wisely.
You may want to start with sunscreen until you develop a base tan.
You can also use a bronzer, or you can use other lotions and tanning products that will help you tan faster, develop a darker tan, or even help your tan last longer.
Always read the ingredients and directions on the bottle of the lotion you choose to ensure your skin does not have a bad reaction while using it in the tanning bed.