How to Cancel Your Planet Fitness Membership: A Comprehensive Guide
Planet Fitness is one of the most popular gym chains in the United States and beyond. With its affordable pricing, welcoming atmosphere, and no-judgment policy, it has attracted millions of members. However, life circumstances change, and many find themselves wondering how to cancel their Planet Fitness membership. Whether you’ve met your fitness goals, are moving away, or need to cut back on expenses, this guide will walk you through all the steps needed to successfully cancel your Planet Fitness membership, as well as other options you might want to consider.
Why Do People Cancel Their Planet Fitness Membership?
There are several reasons why someone might want to cancel their membership. Some of the most common include:
Cost: Even though Planet Fitness offers affordable membership plans, financial situations can change. Some members might need to cut back on discretionary spending, and gym memberships often fall under this category.
Relocation: Moving to a new city or state where there is no nearby Planet Fitness might force you to cancel your membership. Even if there is a Planet Fitness nearby, you might prefer a different gym that offers better services or is closer to your new home.
Health Issues: Injuries, surgeries, or chronic illnesses can prevent people from continuing their workout routines. In such cases, keeping a gym membership doesn’t make sense, and canceling is the best option.
Lack of Use: Many people sign up for gym memberships with the best intentions but gradually stop going. If you find that you haven’t been using your Planet Fitness membership, you might want to cancel it rather than continue paying for a service you aren’t using.
Switching to Another Gym: Some members may decide to switch to a different gym for various reasons, such as wanting more advanced equipment, fitness classes, personal trainers, or a different atmosphere.
Seasonal Workouts: Some individuals only need gym memberships during certain times of the year, like during the winter when it’s harder to exercise outside. They might want to cancel their membership during the warmer months when they can exercise outdoors.
Whatever your reason for canceling, it’s important to know the steps and policies associated with the process. Let’s begin by understanding the types of memberships that Planet Fitness offers, as this can impact the cancellation process.
Planet Fitness Membership Types
Planet Fitness offers two main types of memberships, and knowing which one you have will help you navigate the cancellation process. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Basic Membership (No Commitment)
This is Planet Fitness’s most basic plan and is often marketed as the “$10 per month” membership. It provides access to your home club and its facilities but doesn’t include access to other Planet Fitness locations or the perks that come with higher membership tiers.
- Key Features: Access to home club only, limited amenities.
- Best for: People who only want to use the gym occasionally or who live close to their home club.
2. Black Card Membership
The Black Card membership costs a bit more than the basic membership but comes with additional perks. Black Card members can access any Planet Fitness location across the country, use the gym’s massage chairs, tanning beds, and other premium facilities. Additionally, Black Card members can bring a guest with them to the gym at no extra cost.
- Key Features: Access to all locations, use of premium amenities, ability to bring a guest.
- Best for: Frequent gym-goers, people who travel often, or those who want access to a variety of fitness options and locations.
Understanding your membership type is essential because it may affect cancellation fees, contract terms, and how your cancellation is processed. Now that we’ve covered the membership options, let’s dive into the cancellation process itself.
The Planet Fitness Cancellation Process
Canceling your Planet Fitness membership can be done in two main ways: by visiting your home club in person or sending a written cancellation request by mail. Unfortunately, Planet Fitness does not offer an online cancellation option at this time, which can be frustrating for some members. Below, we will explain both methods in more detail, including how to avoid any potential issues.
1. Canceling Your Planet Fitness Membership In Person
The most straightforward way to cancel your membership is by visiting your home club. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Visit Your Home Club You need to cancel your membership at the Planet Fitness location where you originally signed up, also known as your “home club.” If you go to a different Planet Fitness location, they may not be able to process your request. Make sure you have your membership ID or keytag handy, as they will need it to find your account.
Step 2: Speak to a Staff Member Once at the gym, head to the front desk and ask to speak to someone about canceling your membership. Most staff members are trained to assist with cancellations, so this part should be relatively quick.
Step 3: Fill Out a Cancellation Form The staff member will likely ask you to fill out a cancellation form. This form will request your name, contact information, and the reason for your cancellation. Be sure to fill it out accurately.
Step 4: Get a Cancellation Confirmation After you have submitted your form, ask for a cancellation confirmation. This could be a written confirmation or an email sent to your registered address. Having a record of the cancellation is important in case there are any future billing disputes.
Step 5: Monitor Your Account for the Next Billing Cycle It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your bank account or credit card statements for the next month or two. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still be charged after canceling. If this happens, contact the gym immediately to resolve the issue.
2. Canceling Your Planet Fitness Membership by Mail
If visiting your home club in person isn’t feasible, you can cancel your membership by mail. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Write a Cancellation Letter The first step in canceling by mail is to write a cancellation letter. This letter should include your full name, membership ID number, the location of your home club, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your membership. It’s also a good idea to include your contact information in case the gym needs to get in touch with you.
Here’s a sample of what the letter could look like:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Today’s Date]
Planet Fitness [Club Location]
[Club Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Membership Cancellation Request
Dear Planet Fitness Team,
I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my Planet Fitness membership, effective immediately. My membership ID number is [Your Membership ID]. Please process this cancellation request as soon as possible and confirm the cancellation by phone or in writing.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Step 2: Send the Letter via Certified Mail Once you have written the cancellation letter, send it to the address of your home club. Make sure you send it via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This ensures that you have proof the letter was delivered, which can be crucial if there are any future billing disputes or issues with the cancellation.
Step 3: Wait for Confirmation After mailing the letter, it may take a few days or even a week for the club to process your cancellation request. Planet Fitness should send you a confirmation of your cancellation, either by email or letter. If you don’t receive confirmation, it’s a good idea to follow up with the gym to ensure that the cancellation was processed.
Step 4: Monitor Your Bank Statements Just like with in-person cancellations, keep an eye on your bank account to make sure no further payments are being processed. If you notice any additional charges after cancellation, contact the gym immediately.
Understanding Planet Fitness Cancellation Fees and Contract Terms
When it comes to canceling your Planet Fitness membership, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not you are still under contract. Some memberships are “no-commitment,” meaning you can cancel at any time without penalty. However, other memberships come with a contract, typically lasting for 12 months. If you’re still under contract, canceling early might result in a cancellation fee.
1. No-Commitment Memberships
If you have a no-commitment membership, canceling is straightforward. There are no cancellation fees, and you can cancel at any time. These memberships are ideal for people who are unsure how often they’ll use the gym or for those who prefer the flexibility of canceling whenever they choose.
2. 12-Month Contract Memberships
If you signed up for a 12-month contract, you are generally locked into paying for the full year. Canceling before the end of your contract might result in a cancellation fee, which could range from $58 to the remaining balance of your contract. The exact terms of cancellation will depend on the specifics of your membership agreement, so it’s important to review the contract you signed when you first joined.
3. Medical or Health-Related Cancellations
If you need to cancel your membership due to a medical condition or injury that prevents you from using the gym, Planet Fitness may waive the cancellation fee. To qualify for this, you may need to provide a doctor’s note or other proof of your medical condition. It’s best to check with your home club to see what their specific requirements are for medical cancellations.
4. Relocation-Related Cancellations
If you are moving to an area that does not have a Planet Fitness location within a reasonable distance, the gym may also waive the cancellation fee. Again, you may need to provide proof of your new address, so be prepared to show documentation such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mail forwarding confirmation from the post office.
Can You Freeze Your Planet Fitness Membership Instead of Canceling?
In some cases, you may not want to cancel your membership altogether, but you might need to take a break from going to the gym. Planet Fitness allows members to “freeze” their membership for certain reasons, typically medical or health-related. This option puts your membership on hold, meaning you won’t be charged during the freeze period, but you also won’t have access to the gym’s facilities.
How to Freeze Your Membership
To freeze your membership, you’ll need to visit your home club and speak to a staff member. You may be required to provide proof of the reason for freezing your account, such as a doctor’s note. Keep in mind that freezing your membership is not a long-term solution, and most freezes are temporary, usually lasting for a few months.
Freezing your membership can be a good option if you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with a temporary health issue, but you plan to return to the gym in the future. However, if you know you won’t be using the gym for an extended period, it might be better to cancel your membership instead.
What Happens After You Cancel Your Membership?
Once you’ve successfully canceled your Planet Fitness membership, you will no longer have access to the gym’s facilities. Your account will be closed, and you should no longer be billed. However, there are a few things to keep in mind after canceling:
Billing Issues: Even after you cancel, it’s possible that a billing issue could arise. Mistakes happen, and sometimes you might find that Planet Fitness has continued to charge you even after your membership was canceled. If this happens, contact your home club immediately and provide them with proof of your cancellation, such as a cancellation confirmation letter or email.
Rejoining Planet Fitness: If you decide to rejoin Planet Fitness in the future, you can sign up for a new membership at any time. However, you may have to pay the enrollment fee again, even if you were a previous member. This fee is usually waived for new members during promotions, so if you’re considering rejoining, it might be worth waiting for one of these promotions.
Access to Other Planet Fitness Locations: If you had a Black Card membership and were using multiple Planet Fitness locations, canceling your membership will end your access to these gyms. If you ever decide to return, you’ll need to re-enroll, and you may not have access to the same perks you enjoyed as a Black Card member.
Common Problems When Canceling Planet Fitness Memberships
While canceling your membership should be a straightforward process, there are some common problems that members face. Here’s how to handle them:
1. Continued Billing After Cancellation
One of the most frustrating issues is when Planet Fitness continues to charge you after you’ve canceled your membership. If this happens, make sure to check if the cancellation was processed correctly. Contact your home club with proof of cancellation, and request a refund for any incorrect charges.
2. Difficulty Canceling by Mail
Some members have reported difficulty canceling by mail, either because the gym claims they didn’t receive the letter, or the cancellation was not processed correctly. To avoid this issue, always send your cancellation letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This way, you have proof that the letter was delivered, which can help resolve any disputes.
3. Miscommunication with Staff
Another common issue is miscommunication between members and gym staff. In some cases, staff might not process the cancellation correctly, or there might be confusion about cancellation fees or contract terms. To avoid this, make sure to ask for a written confirmation of your cancellation and keep a copy for your records.
4. Cancellation During Promotions
If you joined Planet Fitness during a promotional period, such as a no-commitment or discounted sign-up offer, there might be additional terms and conditions tied to your membership. These terms could include specific cancellation fees or restrictions on when you can cancel. Be sure to read the fine print of your membership agreement to understand any potential hurdles to canceling.
Legal Considerations When Canceling Gym Memberships
In some cases, canceling a gym membership can turn into a legal issue. While this is rare, it’s important to understand your rights as a consumer.
1. State and Local Laws
Many states have consumer protection laws that regulate gym memberships. These laws might include provisions on cancellation policies, fees, and contract terms. For example, some states require gyms to allow cancellations for medical reasons or if the gym member moves to a location that is far from any gym branches. If you feel that Planet Fitness is not honoring your cancellation request or is charging you unfair fees, it might be worth looking into your state’s specific laws regarding gym memberships.
2. Dispute Resolution
If you are unable to resolve a billing dispute with Planet Fitness, you may need to escalate the issue. Most gym contracts include a dispute resolution process, such as mediation or arbitration, which can help settle the disagreement without going to court. If all else fails, you might need to take legal action, but this should be a last resort.
Final Thoughts on Canceling Your Planet Fitness Membership
Canceling your Planet Fitness membership doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Whether you choose to cancel in person or by mail, following the steps outlined in this guide will help ensure that your membership is canceled smoothly and without issues. Always double-check your billing and keep a record of your cancellation in case any problems arise in the future.
It’s also worth considering other options, such as freezing your membership, if you’re unsure about canceling permanently. If you ever decide to return to Planet Fitness, you can always sign up for a new membership and enjoy the perks of their affordable and judgment-free environment.
Finally, if you’re thinking about leaving Planet Fitness but still want to stay active, there are plenty of other ways to maintain your fitness routine. Whether you choose to join another gym, try outdoor workouts, or follow an at-home fitness plan, the most important thing is to stay committed to your health and wellness goals.
