Your First Time in a Planet Fitness Tanning Bed
You walk into Planet Fitness, ready for your workout, and you notice the sign for the Black Card Spa. Among the amenities is something that piques your curiosity: tanning beds. Maybe you want a bit of color before a vacation, or perhaps you’re looking for that post-workout glow. But the process seems a bit mysterious. How do you actually use them? What are the rules? And is it included in your membership?
If you’ve found yourself wondering about the tanning beds at Planet Fitness, you’re not alone. Many members are unsure how to access and use this popular Black Card perk. The good news is, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything from checking your membership level to your first session, ensuring you know exactly what to do.
Understanding Planet Fitness Tanning Bed Access
Before you can even think about stepping into a tanning bed, you need to confirm your access. Planet Fitness operates on a tiered membership system, and tanning is not available to all members.
The classic and PF Black Card memberships are the two primary tiers. The classic membership, often promoted at $10 per month, gives you access to your home club’s workout equipment and amenities like the HydroMassage beds. However, it does not include tanning. To use the tanning beds, you must be a PF Black Card member.
The Black Card membership, typically around $24.99 per month, unlocks the full suite of amenities. This includes access to any Planet Fitness location worldwide, the ability to bring a guest every time you work out, use of massage chairs and HydroMassage beds, and crucially, unlimited use of tanning beds. Always double-check your membership details on the Planet Fitness app or with a staff member at the front desk to avoid any confusion.
What Type of Tanning Beds Are Available?
Planet Fitness primarily offers stand-up tanning beds, also known as vertical tanning booths. These are common in many gyms and salons because they are hygienic and space-efficient. You stand inside the booth during your session, and the tanning lamps surround you.
Some locations may also have traditional lay-down tanning beds, but the stand-up variety is the standard. The beds use UV lamps to stimulate melanin production in your skin, giving you a tan. It’s important to understand that these are not spray-tan or sunless tanning options; they use ultraviolet light, just like the sun.
The Step-by-Step Process for Your First Session
Using a tanning bed at Planet Fitness is a simple process, but there are specific steps to follow. Here is a clear, actionable guide for your first time.
Step 1: Check In and Inquire at the Front Desk
When you arrive at the gym, check in as you normally would with your key tag or app. Then, let the staff member at the front desk know you’d like to use a tanning bed. They will verify your Black Card membership status. This is also your chance to ask any initial questions you might have about availability or procedures at that specific location.
The staff will guide you to the Black Card Spa area, which is typically a separate, private section of the club. They may provide you with a key or a code for the tanning room door, or simply point you in the right direction if it’s an open area.
Step 2: Prepare in the Designated Area
The Black Card Spa area will have private changing rooms or stalls. This is where you prepare for your session. Planet Fitness does not provide tanning lotions, so you must bring your own if you choose to use one. Using a quality indoor tanning lotion can help moisturize your skin and may enhance your tan, but it is not mandatory.
It is crucial to remember that you must wear protective eyewear. The UV rays from tanning beds can cause serious damage to your eyes, including corneal burns and long-term issues like cataracts. Planet Fitness should provide disposable protective goggles. If you don’t see them, ask a staff member. Never, under any circumstances, enter a tanning bed without proper eye protection.
You should also remove all jewelry and makeup before your session. Makeup can block UV rays and create an uneven tan, and metal jewelry can become hot.
Step 3: Setting Up the Tanning Bed
Enter the private tanning room and close the door. Inside, you’ll find the control panel for the bed. The staff should give you a brief overview, but the controls are usually simple. There will be a button to start the session. Most Planet Fitness tanning beds have a preset timer based on the bed’s intensity level.
For your very first session, the golden rule is to start slow. Even if you tan easily outdoors, indoor tanning lamps can be more intense. A typical starting session for a beginner might be between 3 to 5 minutes. You can ask the front desk for a recommendation based on your skin type and the specific equipment they have.
Once you press start, the lamps will turn on, and the session will begin. In a stand-up bed, you will stand in the center of the booth, with your arms slightly away from your body to ensure even exposure. The session will automatically end when the timer runs out, and the lamps will turn off.
Step 4: After Your Tanning Session
When the session ends and the lamps are off, you can exit the booth. Gather your belongings from the changing area. It’s a good practice to apply a moisturizer or after-tan lotion to help soothe and hydrate your skin. Drink plenty of water, as tanning can be dehydrating.
Be sure to return any protective goggles to the designated bin if they are reusable, or dispose of them properly if they are disposable. Wipe down any surfaces you touched in the changing area as a courtesy to the next member.
Essential Safety and Etiquette Tips
Using a tanning bed responsibly is non-negotiable. Your health and the experience of other members depend on it.
Understanding the Risks and Limits
The World Health Organization classifies UV tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans. Regular use increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. It also accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, leathery texture, and sun spots.
Because of these risks, it is vital to limit your sessions. Do not tan every day. A common recommendation is to wait at least 48 hours between sessions to allow your skin to recover. Never exceed the maximum recommended exposure time for your skin type. More is not better; it’s dangerous.
Gym Etiquette for the Black Card Spa
The tanning area is a shared, private space. Good etiquette ensures everyone has a positive experience.
– Be mindful of your time. Do not linger in the changing room or tanning booth longer than necessary, especially during peak hours.
– Clean up after yourself. Wipe down surfaces, dispose of trash, and leave the space as you found it.
– Respect privacy. The area is designed for changing; keep conversations low and be discreet.
– If there is a sign-up sheet or a digital queue system for the tanning beds, use it. Do not assume a bed is free just because the room door is open.
Troubleshooting Common Questions and Issues
Even with a guide, you might run into specific questions or hiccups. Here are solutions to common scenarios.
What If the Tanning Bed Doesn’t Start?
If you press the start button and nothing happens, first check that the door is completely closed. Most tanning beds have a safety switch that prevents operation if the door is ajar. If the door is secure and it still won’t start, there may be a technical issue or a required cool-down period between sessions. Do not attempt to fix it yourself. Simply exit the room and notify the front desk staff immediately.
Dealing with Uneven Tan Lines or Burns
An uneven tan often occurs from not standing in the correct position or wearing clothing or jewelry that blocks UV rays. For your next session, ensure you are centered in the booth and have removed all barriers. If you experience a minor burn (red, tender skin), treat it like a sunburn. Use aloe vera gel, take a cool bath, and stay out of any UV light, including tanning beds and direct sunlight, until it fully heals. If you develop severe blistering, fever, or chills, seek medical attention.
Can You Tan After a Workout?
Yes, many members choose to tan after their workout. In fact, it can be a convenient way to combine amenities. However, always shower and dry off completely before your tanning session. Sweat and moisture on your skin can create a barrier, leading to an uneven tan and potentially causing the skin to overheat. Take the time to cool down, shower, and prepare your skin properly in the changing area.
Making the Most of Your Membership
Tanning is just one part of the Black Card Spa experience. To fully utilize your membership, explore the other amenities available in this area. After a tanning session, consider using the HydroMassage beds or the massage chairs to relax your muscles. This combination can make your gym visit feel like a comprehensive wellness session.
Remember, the goal is to feel good. If you choose to use the tanning beds, do so infrequently and with extreme caution. Your long-term health is far more important than a temporary tan. For a safer alternative, consider sunless tanning lotions or sprays, which can provide color without the associated UV risks.
Your next steps are clear. Confirm your Black Card membership, pack your gym bag with protective goggles and lotion, and speak confidently with the front desk staff on your next visit. By following this guide, you can navigate the process smoothly, prioritize your safety, and decide if this amenity is a worthwhile part of your fitness routine.
