Planet Fitness
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fitness centers |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Michael Grondahl, Marc Grondahl |
| Headquarters | Hampton, New Hampshire , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, Spain, Australia |
Key people | Chris Rondeau (CEO) |
| Products | Gym memberships and fitness services |
| Website | planetfitness |
Planet Fitness, Inc. is a U.S.-based franchisor and operator of fitness centers, with its main office located in Hampton, New Hampshire. The organization manages close to 2,600 gyms, placing it among the top fitness franchise networks by both membership size and number of facilities. Its franchise operations extend across the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, Spain, and Australia. Planet Fitness markets itself as a "Judgement Free Zone," catering primarily to beginners and casual gym attendees.
History
Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 when Michael and Marc Grondahl took over a failing Gold's Gym franchise in Dover, New Hampshire. After shutting down that location, they launched Coastal Fitness and invited former CEO Chris Rondeau to join as a partner. In 2002, they acquired the rights to the Planet Fitness brand from Rick Berks and rebranded their business accordingly.
Rick Berks originally opened his own Planet Fitness gym in 1993 in Sunrise, Florida, eventually growing to three locations alongside a Gold's Gym franchise. The brand name was inspired by a school project titled "Fitness Planet" completed by his daughter.
By March 2015, Planet Fitness had broadened its "Judgement Free Zone" policy to permit trans women access to women's locker rooms, allowing members to use facilities consistent with their declared gender identity.
In late 2013, TSG Consumer Partners LLC joined as an equity investor, coinciding with Michael Grondahl’s departure as CEO and Chris Rondeau stepping into the role. The company made its public market debut on August 6, 2015.
In September 2024, National Fitness Partners purchased more than 20 Planet Fitness locations throughout the United States.
Marketing
The brand focuses on attracting infrequent gym visitors and those new to fitness rather than seasoned athletes. Its franchising efforts began in 2003 with the opening of its first franchise in Florida, marking the start of its expansion strategy.
Criticism and controversies
Planet Fitness utilizes a "lunk alarm"—an audible siren and flashing light triggered when members make loud noises such as grunting or dropping weights—which has been criticized by some patrons. Additionally, the company bans certain weightlifting movements like deadlifts and clean-and-jerks that many fitness professionals regard as fundamental exercises. In 2010, Men's Health named it "the worst gym in America."
During March 2020, Planet Fitness encountered criticism for continuing to collect membership fees despite widespread gym closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.