Hey there, students! Let’s face it—college life is expensive. Between tuition, books, rent, and late-night pizza, every dollar counts. So, when it comes to staying active and healthy, the big question often is: where can I work out without emptying my wallet? You’ve likely seen Planet Fitness ads all over. Their promise of a cheap, “Judgment Free Zone” seems appealing. But is it really free for students?
That’s a question we get all the time, and the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s a bit more like a secret handshake with a special code. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to dive deep into everything you need to know about Planet Fitness for students. We’ll cover the famous free summer pass, break down the membership costs, and give you a ton of insider tips on how to make the most of this popular gym.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide if Planet Fitness is the perfect fit for your student budget and fitness goals.
The Short Answer: Is Planet Fitness Free for Students?
The direct answer to this question is: no, not all year round. Planet Fitness has a popular program. It offers free gym access for certain students at specific times each year. This program is a game-changer for many young people and is likely what you’ve heard about.
The Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass: Your Best Bet for Free Gym Access
Every summer, Planet Fitness rolls out its “High School Summer Pass” program (formerly known as the “Teen Summer Challenge”). This initiative allows high school teens (typically ages 14-19) to work out for free at any of their locations across the U.S. and Canada. This program usually runs from around June 1st to August 31st.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to stay active during their summer break. Planet Fitness sees it as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle and introduce a new generation to a positive gym experience. For students, it’s a chance to use high-quality equipment, join group classes, and get into a fitness routine without spending a single dime.
The High School Summer Pass usually includes:
- Unlimited access to any Planet Fitness location for the entire summer.
- Free fitness training led by certified trainers.
- You can earn scholarships and other prizes. Some years, they offer scholarships to teens who participate.
Check the official Planet Fitness website each spring. The start and end dates, along with age requirements, can change slightly each year.
What’s the Catch? A Quick Look at the Rules
While the High School Summer Pass is an amazing deal, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind:
- Age Matters: This program is specifically for high school-aged teens, typically between 14 and 19. If you’re a college student over this age, you won’t be eligible for the free pass.
- Parental Consent: If you’re under 18, or the legal age in your area, a parent or guardian must be there to sign the waiver with you when you sign up. This is a standard safety and legal procedure.
- No Black Card Perks: As a free pass holder, you can’t enjoy Black Card benefits. This means no guest access, no tanning beds, and no visits to other clubs beyond where you signed up.
For college students who are not in high school anymore, the free summer pass isn’t an option. But don’t worry! Planet Fitness still offers one of the most budget-friendly membership models you can find, which we’ll explore next.
Beyond the Free Summer Pass: All Your Planet Fitness Membership Options
Even if you’re not eligible for the free summer pass, Planet Fitness is still a great option for students because of its incredibly low prices. They have two main membership tiers, both of which are designed to be easy on your wallet.
The Classic Membership: A Budget-Friendly Solution
This is the most basic and affordable membership plan. It’s often advertised for as low as $10 a month. For many students, this is the perfect solution.
What you get with the Classic Membership:
- Unlimited access to your home club: You can work out as much as you want, whenever you want, at the single location you signed up at.
- Free Wi-Fi: A small but important perk for many students who want to stream music or videos while working out.
- Free fitness training: Join small group sessions led by certified trainers at your home club. This is a huge value for anyone looking to learn the ropes of the gym.
The Classic Membership suits students living near one Planet Fitness location. It’s great for those who don’t need extra features. It’s an unbeatable price for what you get.
The Planet Fitness Black Card: Is It Worth It for Students?
The Planet Fitness Black Card is the premium membership option, and while it costs a little more, it comes with a ton of perks. The price is usually around $25 a month.
What you get with the Black Card Membership:
- Access to any Planet Fitness around the world is a big perk for students. It helps when they travel for holidays, weekend trips, or while commuting between home and campus. You can work out at any of their thousands of locations.
- Bring a guest for free: You can bring one guest with you to the gym every time you go. This is a fantastic way to motivate a friend or a study buddy to work out with you.
- Use of tanning beds and massage chairs: This is one of the more unique perks of the Black Card. It’s great for students who want to unwind and relax after a stressful week of classes.
- Half-price cooler drinks: You get discounts on the drinks at the front desk.
If you value flexibility, like working out with a friend, or want extra perks, consider the Black Card. Even at $25 a month, it’s still cheaper than many other gym options.
How to Join and What to Expect on Your First Visit
Joining Planet Fitness is super easy. You can sign up online or in person at the front desk. To join in person, just bring your photo ID, and a credit card or bank account info for the monthly payments. If you’re under 18, remember to bring a parent or legal guardian.
On your first visit, you’ll be given a tour of the facility and shown how to use the equipment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The staff is there to help and wants you to feel comfortable.
A Student’s Guide to Making the Most of Planet Fitness
So, you’ve got your membership (or your free summer pass). Now what? Here’s how to make the most of the Planet Fitness student discount. This depends on your age and the facilities available.
A Tour of the “Judgment Free Zone”: What You’ll Find Inside
Planet Fitness is known for its “Judgment Free Zone” motto. This means it aims to create a friendly and non-intimidating space. You won’t find super intense bodybuilders or people yelling during their workouts. Instead, you’ll find a clean, friendly atmosphere with a great selection of equipment.
- Cardio: There are always a ton of cardio machines, so you’ll never have to wait long for a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike.
- Strength: You’ll find a wide variety of resistance machines that are easy to use and target every muscle group. They also have a good selection of dumbbells and barbells.
- The 30-Minute Express Circuit: This is a fantastic option for students who are short on time. It’s a quick, guided circuit workout that takes only half an hour.
- Hydromassage and Tanning: For Black Card members, these are perfect for a quick break and some relaxation.
Group Fitness and the PF App: Your Free Resources
One of the best free perks of a Planet Fitness membership is the free group fitness classes. They offer a variety of classes led by certified trainers, from cardio and strength-focused workouts to stretching and abs. The schedule is usually posted in the gym and on the mobile app.
Speaking of the app, it’s a must-have for any member. You can use it to:
- Find classes and schedules.
- Access on-demand workouts that you can do anywhere, anytime.
- Track your workouts and progress.
- Scan your digital membership card.
The Dos and Don’ts of the Gym: A Student’s Etiquette Guide
For many students, the gym can feel a little scary at first. Here are a few simple tips to help you feel more confident and fit in:
- Do: Wipe down your equipment after you use it. This is a basic rule of gym etiquette and keeps the space clean for everyone.
- Don’t: Drop weights or slam them loudly. The “lunk alarm” (a siren that sounds when someone makes too much noise) is a gentle reminder of this rule.
- Do: Wear proper athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Don’t: Hog a machine for a long time, especially if the gym is busy. Try to be mindful of others.
- Do: Ask a staff member for help if you have a question about a machine. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Build Your Own Workout Plan
If you’re a beginner, getting started can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a simple plan:
- Warm-up: Start with 5-10 minutes of light cardio to get your blood flowing.
- Strength: Choose 3-4 machines that target different muscle groups (e.g., legs, chest, back, shoulders). Do 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps on each machine.
- Cardio: Finish with 20-30 minutes of cardio on a treadmill, elliptical, or bike.
- Cool-down: Stretch for 5-10 minutes to help your muscles recover.
And remember, you can always ask a trainer for a quick tour or workout plan!
Comparing Your Options: Planet Fitness vs. Campus Gyms
As a student, you mainly choose between Planet Fitness and your university gym. This is also called the campus gym or student recreation & fitness center. Let’s compare them.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Planet Fitness Pros:
- Cost: It’s one of the cheapest options available.
- Availability: There are thousands of locations, and with the Black Card, you can go to any of them.
- Atmosphere: The “Judgment Free Zone” is great for beginners and people who get gym anxiety.
Planet Fitness Cons:
- No Student-Specific Discounts: Aside from the summer pass, they don’t have a standard Planet Fitness student discount.
- Location: While there are many locations, there might not be one right on your campus.
- Equipment: They don’t have heavy-duty equipment like squat racks and platforms, which more advanced lifters might need.
Campus Gym Pros:
- Location: It’s usually right on campus, making it incredibly convenient between classes.
- Included in Tuition: The fee is often already part of your student fees, so it feels “free.”
- Community: It’s a great place to meet other students and participate in intramural sports.
Campus Gym Cons:
- Crowded: It can get extremely crowded, especially during peak hours.
- Cost (Hidden): The cost is bundled into your tuition, so you’re paying for it whether you use it or not.
- Hours: Some campus gyms have limited hours, especially on weekends or during breaks.
When to Choose Planet Fitness vs. Your University’s Rec Center
- Choose Planet Fitness if… If you live off-campus, want the lowest price, prefer a friendly vibe, or need to work out at various spots,
- Choose your Campus Gym if… If you live on campus, want to join intramural sports, are an advanced lifter, or seek more activities like a pool or climbing wall,
The Final Verdict: Is Planet Fitness the Right Choice for Your Student Budget?
For many students, Planet Fitness is a fantastic choice. The High School Summer Pass is a great deal for teens. Plus, the Classic membership has a low monthly cost. This makes it affordable for college students on a tight budget. While there may not be a specific, year-round Planet Fitness student discount, the value you get for the price is hard to beat.
Planet Fitness is great for high school students who want free summer workouts. It’s also a good choice for college students seeking affordable health options. It offers a simple, friendly space to help you achieve your goals. It’s an investment in your physical and mental health that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the High School Summer Pass available every year?
A: Planet Fitness has offered this program for several years and it has become a staple of their summer promotions. While there’s no guarantee, it’s very likely to return each year.
Q2: Can I get a student discount on a regular Planet Fitness membership?
A: Planet Fitness does not have a standard, year-round student discount policy. However, their prices are already so low that the Classic membership is often cheaper than discounted rates at other gyms.
Q3: Do I need to sign a contract with Planet Fitness?
A: Yes, all memberships require you to sign a contract, but they are often month-to-month or have a one-year commitment. Be sure to read the fine print to understand the cancellation policy and any annual fees.
Q4: Can I bring a friend with the Classic membership?
A: No, the Classic membership only allows access for the person who signed up. To bring a guest for free, you would need to upgrade to the Black Card membership.
Q5: What is the “lunk alarm” and should I be worried about it?
A: The lunk alarm is a siren that sounds when someone makes loud grunting noises or drops weights. It’s a gentle reminder to maintain the gym’s “Judgment Free Zone” atmosphere. As long as you’re respectful of others, you won’t have to worry about it.
