In 1992, Planet Fitness founders Michael and Marc Grondahl acquired a struggling Gold's Gym franchise in Dover, New Hampshire.[6] They eventually closed that original location, opened a gym called Coastal Fitness and brought on a third partner, former CEO Chris Rondeau.[7][6] In 2002, they purchased the rights to the name Planet Fitness from Rick Berks and renamed their franchise.[6]
Berks had started his own Planet Fitness gym in 1993 in Sunrise, Florida, and eventually expanded it to three clubs, along with a Gold's Gym franchise.[8][9]The company name was derived from his daughter's school project, which was titled "Fitness Planet".[10]
As early as March 2015, the "Judgement Free Zone" policy was expanded to allow trans women to use the women's locker room. The policy states that "members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity."[11]
In the fall of 2013, TSG Consumer Partners LLC became an equity partner in the Planet Fitness franchise.[12] Michael Grondahl, co-founder of Planet Fitness stepped down as CEO, and was succeeded by Chris Rondeau.[13][14] The company went public on August 6, 2015.[15]
In September 2024, National Fitness Partners acquired over 20 Planet Fitness Clubs across the United States.[16]
Marketing
Planet Fitness' business model focuses on the needs of occasional or first-time health club members, rather than more experienced members,[17] and depends on many members rarely showing up.[18] According to a Planet Money episode from 2014, "half of the Planet Fitness members don't ever go to their gyms."[19] In 2003, Planet Fitness opened its first franchised location in Florida.[20]
Planet Fitness has alienated many serious weightlifters. The gym utilizes a "lunk alarm", which is a loud siren and rotating light that may be used when a gymgoer grunts too loudly or drops weights.[21]
Planet Fitness has been criticized for prohibiting certain weightlifting exercises—such as deadlifts and clean-and-jerks—that many experts believe are highly effective.[22] In 2010, Men's Health magazine called Planet Fitness "the worst gym in America."[22]
In March 2020, the company was criticized for charging its customers membership dues despite the nationwide closure of all of its facilities due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.[23]
