Planet Fitness Tanning Beds: How They Work, Rules, Costs & Tips

Indoor tanning remains one of the most popular perks included with a premium gym membership. Among national fitness chains, Planet Fitness stands out by providing access to high-quality tanning amenities alongside traditional exercise equipment Planet Fitness Tanning Beds. However, using a tanning bed at a commercial gym for the first time can feel intimidating if you do not know what to expect.

Whether you want to build a base tan before a vacation or maintain a bronzed glow year-round, understanding how Planet Fitness tanning beds operate ensures a seamless, safe, and effective experience. This detailed guide breaks down membership requirements, equipment types, safety rules, preparation steps,LA Fitness Membership and best practices to help you get  optimal results .

Membership Requirements: Who Can Use Planet Fitness Tanning Beds?

Tanning amenities at Planet Fitness are not available to standard Classic membership holders. Access to the tanning area is an exclusive benefit reserved for PF Black Card® members.

The PF Black Card Advantage

Upgrading to a Black Card membership grants unlimited access to home and guest locations, along with premium spa amenities including hydromassage chairs, Total Body Enhancement booths, and UV tanning beds.

Age Restrictions and Regulations

Planet Fitness enforces strict age policies based on local, state, and federal laws:

• Under 18 Years Old: In most regions, individuals under 18 are legally prohibited from using UV indoor tanning devices, even with parental consent.

• 18 Years and Older: Members who are 18 or older can use tanning beds after signing an electronic tanning waiver at the front desk.

• Identity Verification: Staff members verify your age via photo ID during your initial sign-up for tanning access.

Types of Tanning Beds Available at Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness locations feature commercial-grade tanning units designed to suit different body types, preferences, and skin sensitivity levels. While equipment varies slightly by location, you will generally encounter two primary bed configurations.

+-------------------+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Feature           | Lay-Down Tanning Beds             | Stand-Up Tanning Booths          |
+-------------------+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Best For          | Relaxation, base tans, leg color  | Even coverage, fast sessions     |
| Average Time Limit| 10 to 12 Minutes Max              | 9 to 10 Minutes Max              |
| Pressure Points   | Shoulders/tailbone (occasional)   | None (full 360-degree exposure)  |
| Bulb Setup        | Curved acrylic canopy & bench     | Vertical high-output lamp columns|
+-------------------+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+

1. Lay-Down Tanning Beds

Lay-down units feature a curved acrylic bench and a matching canopy overhead. They provide high-intensity UV light balanced across UVA and UVB spectrums.

• Pros: Highly relaxing; allows you to lie down after an intense workout.

• Cons: Body contact points on the shoulders, lower back, and heels can occasionally cause faint pressure spots if you do not shift positions during the session.

2. Stand-Up Tanning Booths (Vertical Tanning)

Stand-up booths utilize 360-degree vertical lamp arrays. Users stand inside the enclosed booth holding overhead handles.

• Pros: Highly hygienic with no body-to-surface contact; eliminates pressure spots; provides even coverage under the arms and along the sides of the torso.

• Cons: Requires standing for the full duration of the session.

Planet Fitness Tanning Rules and Guidelines

To protect members and ensure fair access, Planet Fitness enforces specific

operational rules across all franchises.

1. The 24-Hour Rule: Federal safety standards prohibit individuals from tanning more than once within a 24-hour period. The Planet Fitness check-in system tracks your time automatically, preventing back-to-back check-ins.

2. Mandatory Eye Protection: You must wear FDA-compliant UV protective eyewear (tanning goggles or approved disposable eye shields) during every session. Front desk staff will ask to inspect your goggles before activating the bed. Standard sunglasses are insufficient because UV rays easily penetrate non-tanning lenses.

3. Approved Lotions Only: Only indoor tanning lotions formulated for UV beds may be used. Outdoor sunblock, mineral oils, and baby oils are strictly forbidden because they damage the acrylic shields of the tanning beds.

4. Clean-Up Responsibility: Members are expected to wipe down the tanning bed surface using the provided disinfectant spray and paper towels immediately after their session concludes.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness

If you are using the equipment for the first time, follow this standard step-by-step workflow:

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. CHECK-IN        Scan your PF Black Card keytag at the front desk and request    |
|                    a tanning session.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                         │
                                         ▼
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2. SET DURATION    Select your bed type and set a session time matching your skin |
|                    type (5 mins recommended for beginners).                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                         │
                                         ▼
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3. ROOM PREP       Enter the private tanning room, lock the door, show eye gear   |
|                    if requested, and apply indoor tanning lotion.                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                         │
                                         ▼
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4. TANNING         Put on goggles, enter the bed, and press start. The timer     |
|                    begins automatically after 3–5 minutes.                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                         │
                                         ▼
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5. SANITIZE        Wipe down all contact surfaces with provided disinfectant,     |
|                    dress, and exit the room.                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Session Time Recommendations

Do not start at the maximum time limit. Your skin needs time to build melanin resistance gradually:

• Fair / Sensitive Skin (Type I & II): Start with 3 to 5 minutes.

• Medium / Olive Skin (Type III & IV): Start with 5 to 7 minutes.

• Darker Skin (Type V): Start with 7 to 8 minutes.

Incrementally add 1 to 2 minutes every few sessions as your skin adjusts, provided you experience no redness or irritation.

How to Maximize Your Tanning Results Safely

Getting an even, long-lasting tan requires proper skin preparation before you step into the booth and consistent care after you leave.

Before Your Session

• Exfoliate 24 Hours Prior: Remove dead skin cells in the shower using an exfoliating mitt or body scrub. This creates a smooth skin surface, allowing UV rays to penetrate evenly.

• Avoid Perfumes and Deodorants: Heavy fragrances, makeup, and chemical deodorants can react with UV light, causing uneven pigmentation or photo-allergic reactions.

• Apply Indoor Tanning Lotion: Apply a quality indoor tanning lotion right before getting into the bed. Indoor lotions hydrate the skin, accelerate melanin production, and help UV rays reflect into the dermis more effectively.

During Your Session

• Adjust Position Regularly: If using a lay-down bed, slightly bend your knees and move your arms away from your body mid-session to prevent pale lines under the arms and thighs.

• Use Built-in Fans: Most Planet Fitness beds feature adjustable cooling fans. Keep the airflow moderate to maintain comfortable body temperatures and prevent excessive sweat accumulation on the acrylic board.

After Your Session

• Moisturize Daily: UV rays dry out the outer dermal layers. Apply a body lotion after tanning and daily between sessions to lock in moisture and extend your tan’s lifespan.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your session to maintain cellular hydration.

• Wait Before Showering: If your tanning lotion contains bronzers or DHA accelerating agents, wait at least 2 to 4 hours before showering to allow color development to complete.

Health Considerations and Safety Reminders

While indoor tanning provides rapid cosmetic results, responsible usage is critical for long-term health.

• UV Exposure Risks: Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB radiation, which can accelerate premature skin aging (wrinkles, dark spots) and increase the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma.

• Avoid Overexposure: Never attempt to burn in pursuit of a faster tan. Burning damages skin cells and causes peeling, which destroys color progress. If your skin feels warm, tight, or tender after a session, reduce your exposure time or wait several days before tanning again.

• Medication Interactions: Certain prescription drugs—including specific antibiotics, acne treatments (such as isotretinoin), and blood pressure medications—increase photosensitivity. Always consult a physician if you take prescription medications before using UV equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is tanning included with a basic Planet Fitness membership?

No. Tanning bed access is exclusive to PF Black Card® members. Classic membership holders must upgrade their plan to use tanning amenities.

2. How often can I use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness?

You can tan once every 24 hours. Planet Fitness enforces this rule using automated check-in software to comply with health and safety standards.

3. What should I wear inside the tanning bed?

You can wear a swimsuit, underwear, or tan fully nude depending on your personal comfort level, as every tanning room is completely private. However, you must wear approved protective goggles at all times regardless of attire.

4. Can I use regular outdoor sunblock or tanning oil in the beds?

No. Outdoor sunblocks, baby oils, and mineral oils can damage the acrylic surfaces of the tanning beds and impair UV transmission. Only use lotions formulated specifically for indoor tanning beds.

5. How long does a typical Planet Fitness tanning session last?

Sessions last between 3 and 12 minutes depending on the machine type and your skin tolerance. Stand-up booths usually max out at 9 to 10 minutes, while lay-down beds cap at 12 minutes. Beginners should always start around 5 minutes.

6. Do I need to make an appointment to use the tanning beds?

Most Planet Fitness locations operate tanning on a first-come, first-served basis. You check in at the front desk upon arrival. During peak gym hours, there may be a short wait for an open booth.