Planet Fitness Gym Etiquette + 12 Essential Rules
About 11% of people avoid the gym because of bad behavior from other members. At Planet Fitness, the Judgement Free Zone only works when everyone does their part to keep it that way.
Gym etiquette is not about strict rules. It is about respecting the space and the people around you. When you follow these 12 rules, you help make Planet Fitness a better place for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Use only one piece of equipment at a time; don’t reserve machines or dumbbells for your next exercise
- Never take speaker phone calls on the gym floor, take calls outside or in the lobby
- Keep conversations brief on the gym floor; save longer chats for the locker room or lobby
The Judgement Free Zone
The Judgement Free Zone only works when members actively keep it that way. Staring at someone, filming without permission, making too much noise, or mocking others goes against everything the Judgement Free Zone stands for.
Etiquette is not about being strict. It is about keeping the gym a place where new members feel safe enough to come back.
It does not matter if you are a beginner or a veteran. Everyone is responsible for the environment they create.
One Piece of Equipment at a Time
Only use one piece of equipment at a time. Do not hold machines or dumbbells for your next exercise, even during slow hours.
A 2-to-3-minute rest between sets is fine. If someone is waiting and you have been resting longer than that, finish your set and move on.
★ Equipment hoarding is one of the most common complaints from Planet Fitness members.
Rerack Your Weights
Always put weights back where they belong when you are done. Remove plates in reverse order and return them to the correct weight slots. Do not mix 45s with 25s.
- Return barbells to the rack unloaded
- Never drop a loaded barbell
- Control the descent every time.
This keeps the gym safe and ready for the next person.
Speakerphone Calls
Speakerphone calls are not allowed on the gym floor. This is one of the most common complaints from members. If you need to take a call, step outside or go to the lobby.
- Silent texting between sets is fine
- Music through earbuds is fine
- FaceTime and video calls on the gym floor are not allowed
- Playing music through your phone speaker is not allowed
If you have to take a call during peak hours, always step outside. Your phone use affects everyone around you. Zone.
Where to Have Conversations
The gym floor is for working out. The lobby and locker room are the right places for longer conversations.
Short and quiet exchanges on the floor are fine, like asking for a spot or a quick question. Loud or long conversations disrupt everyone around you and go against the Judgement Free Zone.
Note
If you want to catch up with a friend, move to the lobby or locker room. This applies to everyone regardless of how long they have been a member.
Never Stare, Film, or Distract
Staring at other members is disrespectful and goes against the Judgement Free Zone. It is natural to glance around but extended staring makes people uncomfortable and unwilling to come back.
- Filming other members without their permission is not allowed. It is a policy violation and also a privacy issue.
- Selfies and progress photos are fine as long as no other members appear in the background. Always position yourself so others stay out of the shot.
When members feel watched or exposed, they stop coming back. Protecting their privacy protects the Judgement Free Zone for everyone.
Ask for and Give a Spot
Ask for a spot between sets, not during one. Make eye contact, keep your request short, and confirm the weight, number of reps, and any form concerns before they start.
When spotting someone, keep your hands ready but do not touch unless needed. Stay quiet, respect their breathing rhythm, and do not interrupt during heavy sets or max attempts.
Spotting works both ways. If someone spots you, offer to return the favor. It builds trust and shows mutual respect.
Dress Code
Planet Fitness requires proper athletic clothing at all times. Here is what is and is not allowed:
- Shorts must be longer than your glutes
- Athletic footwear like sneakers, cross trainers, or weightlifting shoes is required at all times
- Tank tops with very large arm holes are not allowed
- Bare feet, sandals, open toed shoes, and flip flops are not allowed
If you are not sure, go with longer coverage. Staff will ask you to change if you are not dressed appropriately and the dress code is enforced consistently for everyone.
Control Noise and Grunting
Some noise during heavy lifts is normal and expected. Controlled grunting during a tough set is fine. Loud yelling and unnecessary noise is not.
- Keep your breathing controlled and avoid shouting
- Do not drop weights loudly
- Be extra mindful during quieter hours like early morning and late evening
- If you use earbuds, keep the volume low enough to hear what is happening around you
This applies to everyone. Lifting heavy does not give you a pass to be disruptive. Respect the concentration of the people around you.
Warm Up and Stretching Space
Keep your warm up to 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours. Do not take up the stretching area for longer than needed when others are waiting.
- Put mats, dumbbells, and foam rollers back after use
- Use minimal space during dynamic warm-ups and avoid blocking cardio or weight areas
- If the stretching area is full, find an open space elsewhere
Warm up time is yours, but peak hours require you to be efficient. Do not use that time to chat or hold equipment for later.
Locker Room and Shower Courtesy
Keep showers to 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours. Rinse the shower floor after use, wipe down surfaces, and do not leave personal items scattered around.
- Keep noise low in the locker room
- Use changing areas instead of changing in front of lockers
- Clean up after yourself in bathroom stalls and flush properly
- Use lockers for your phone and wallet. Do not leave valuables unattended
The locker room is a good place to have conversations but keep the volume reasonable.
Wipe Down Equipment After Use
This one is not optional. Wipe down every piece of equipment after you use it including barbells, dumbbells, benches, machines, and cardio equipment. Use the towels or wipes provided and clean anywhere your body made contact including handles and grips.
Important
Do not wait until after your full workout to wipe down. Clean each piece of equipment right after you finish using it. For cardio machines, wipe the belt, handles, seat, and console.
This applies to everyone regardless of experience level. No exceptions.
Etiquette for Younger Members
The gym is not a place to hang out or mess around. Younger members are expected to follow the same rules as everyone else.
- Do not mock other members or stare at their form
- Do not hog equipment or take up space unnecessarily
- Keep music and conversation volume down
- Do not film other members or post videos that capture others without their permission
- The dress code applies to everyone regardless of age
If you are under 18 and your parents gave consent for you to join, make sure you understand the expectations before you walk in.
Respect and maturity are expected from every member no matter how old they are.
Peak Hours Demand Extra Discipline
Peak hours are 5 to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends. When the gym is busy, everyone needs to be a little more considerate.
- Keep rest periods shorter between sets
- Do not reserve equipment or linger after you are done
- Finish your set and move on if someone is waiting
- Keep spotting requests quick and to the point
Peak hours are when etiquette violations are the most frustrating for other members. Being efficient and considerate during busy times shows real respect for the people around you.
Role in Protecting Judgement Free Zone
Etiquette is not about rigid rules. It is about keeping the promise that makes Planet Fitness different from every other gym.
When you follow these 12 rules you help create a space where new members feel safe and welcome. If you see someone breaking the rules, let staff know. They are there to enforce these standards.
Your behavior directly affects if a new members feel comfortable enough to come back. The Judgement Free Zone only works when everyone plays their part.
