Does Planet Fitness Have Tanning Beds?
Trying to squeeze tanning into your busy gym routine? It’s frustrating not knowing if your fitness membership covers more than just workouts. Wasting time searching for answers, or worse, showing up unprepared, isn’t ideal. In this post, we’ll clear it up for you: discover whether Planet Fitness offers tanning beds, plus how to access them hassle-free.
Key takeaways
- You must have a Black Card membership to use tanning beds at Planet Fitness.
- Always wear tanning goggles, sunglasses aren’t enough.
- Choose between stand-up or lay-down beds, depending on your location and preference.
- Limit tanning sessions to once every 24 hours and start slow if you’re new.
- Tanning carries health risks, use with caution and follow safety guidelines.
What is a Tanning Bed?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a tanning bed is a device that emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation to artificially tan the skin. It works by using UVA and UVB light to stimulate melanin production, mimicking the effects of sun exposure. While some people turn to tanning beds for cosmetic reasons or potential health benefits, the risks are significant and well-documented.
Health risks of tanning beds (Cleveland Clinic):
- Skin cancer: Increases risk of melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Premature aging: Accelerates wrinkles, leathery skin, and age spots.
- Eye damage: Raises risk of cataracts and ocular melanoma.
- Minimal benefit for SAD: Unlike bright light therapy, UV light doesn’t stimulate mood-regulating brain regions.
Potential benefits :
- Vitamin D synthesis through UVB exposure.
- Improved cardiovascular health via nitric oxide release (vasodilation).
- Temporary mood boost due to elevated endorphins.
Safety tips:
- Always wear protective goggles.
- Limit session time and frequency.
- Monitor skin changes and consult a dermatologist.
Does Planet Fitness Have a Tanning Bed?
Planet Fitness does offer tanning beds, but they’re only available with the Black Card membership, which starts at $24.99 per month. If you have the Classic membership, tanning isn’t included. The Black Card also comes with perks like unlimited guest access, use of massage chairs, half-price cooler drinks, and access to any Planet Fitness location.
Are Planet Fitness Tanning Beds Open 24 Hours?
Planet Fitness tanning beds are available to use once every 24 hours, though the gym itself may be open 24/7 at some locations. However, using tanning beds too often can harm your health. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form.
What is the Age Requirement for Tanning at Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness requires members to be at least 18 years old to sign up on their own, but teens aged 13 to 17 can join with a parent or guardian. If you’re interested in using tanning beds, you must be 18 years old and have a PF Black Card® membership.
What’s the Difference Between Stand-Up and Lay-Down Tanning Beds?
Stand-up and lay-down tanning beds both provide full-body UV exposure, but they work a little differently. In a lay-down bed, your body touches the surface, which can cause pressure points and lead to slightly uneven tanning on areas like your back and shoulders. Stand-up beds avoid this by having you stand, allowing UV light to reach your body evenly from all sides, including harder-to-tan areas like your sides and underarms.
At Planet Fitness, the type of tanning bed available depends on the location. Some locations offer both stand-up and lay-down options. Ask the front desk which type they have and what the time limits are. Stand-up beds usually have a maximum session of 9–10 minutes, while lay-down beds may go up to 12 minutes. If you’re new to tanning, start with a short session, around 5 minutes, and adjust based on how your skin reacts.
What Safety Precautions Should You Take While Tanning at Planet Fitness?
According to Medical News Today, tanning can be enjoyable but carries health risks due to UV exposure. To tan more safely, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoid tanning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., stay hydrated, and limit session time. Planet Fitness offers tanning beds with Black Card membership, but caution is advised, especially for those with sensitive skin or medical conditions.
Are Tanning Goggles Required at Planet Fitness?
Yes, you must wear tanning goggles at Planet Fitness to protect your eyes from UV rays. Regular sunglasses are not enough. You can buy goggles at the gym or online. It’s also recommended to use tanning lotion to protect your skin and help with tanning. Some people use stickers to cover sensitive areas when tanning nude.
Can You Tan Before or After Your Workout at Planet Fitness?
It’s best to use the tanning bed after your workout, not before. Post-workout, your pores are more open and your blood circulation improves, which helps your skin absorb UV rays better. Tanning afterward also helps relax your muscles. Just be sure to hydrate and prep your skin properly,shower, exfoliate, and avoid oils.
What Are the Health Risks of Using Tanning Beds?
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Using tanning beds might give you a glow, but the health risks are serious, especially when it comes to skin cancer. A 20-year study on over 73,000 women found that frequent tanning bed use during high school and college significantly increased the risk of basal cell carcinoma. Another review confirmed that indoor tanning is strongly linked to melanoma and other skin cancers, especially in those who started young.
Premature Skin Aging and Wrinkles
Using tanning beds might give you a quick glow, but it can speed up how fast your skin ages. According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes long-term damage to your skin by triggering oxidative stress and altering how your skin cells work. Over time, this process,known as photoaging,leads to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of skin elasticity. The researchers found that repeated UV exposure disrupts enzyme activity in skin cells, which accelerates aging at a cellular level,even if the tan looks good temporarily.
Eye Damage and Vision Issues
One of the most overlooked risks of tanning beds is the damage they can cause to your eyes. Here’s how it happens: tanning beds emit strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and when your eyes are exposed to this light without proper protection, it can lead to the formation of free radicals in the eye tissues. These free radicals damage proteins and fats in the lens and retina, which over time may contribute to cataracts and retinal degeneration. A global study, on UV exposure found that long-term ultraviolet light exposure is linked to serious eye conditions like cataracts, due to these harmful processes. Even more concerning, research on young adults who use tanning beds showed that many tanned without wearing goggles, dramatically increasing their risk of eye damage. The study, also found that minors were more likely to tan unsafely and suffer burns, proving that risky tanning habits start early and have lasting effects on eye health.
Addiction to Tanning (Tanorexia)
According to Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, tanning addiction,also known as tanorexia,can involve real changes in the brain, similar to drug addiction. Despite risks like premature aging and skin cancer, many still crave tanning due to mood-boosting effects. To prevent or manage this, use sunless alternatives, seek therapy, and practice daily sun protection. Understanding your triggers and focusing on self-acceptance are key steps toward breaking the cycle.
Burns and Skin Damage from UV Exposure
Tanning beds use artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, similar to the sun, which can damage your skin. This UV exposure can cause burns, skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer by harming the DNA in your skin cells. UVA rays from tanning beds can cause your skin to wrinkle and burn, while UVB rays damage the skin’s surface, leading to sunburns and spots. To protect yourself, follow safety tips like limiting your tanning sessions, always using protective goggles to shield your eyes, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What Steps Do You Follow to Use a Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness?
- Get a Black Card: Must have a Planet Fitness Black Card membership to access tanning beds and amenities like red light therapy at Planet Fitness.
- Be Age-Eligible: You must be at least 18 years old to use tanning beds.
- Check In at Front Desk: Â Use the Planet Fitness app to scan your digital keytag at check-in.
- Request to Tan: Â Let a staff member know you want to use a tanning bed.
- Choose Bed Type: Pick from stand-up, lay-down, or hybrid beds (varies by location).
- Set Time Limit: Decide your session length,start with 5 minutes if you’re new.
- Enter the Booth: Go to your assigned booth and prepare before the bed starts.
- Remove Clothing & Jewelry: Undress to your comfort level and apply tanning lotion if desired.
- Wear Tanning Goggles: Eye protection is required, show goggles to staff if asked.
- Clean Up After Use: Sanitize the bed if needed using provided spray and paper towels.
