The Complete Guide to Planet Fitness Tanning Machines: Types, Rules, Safety, and Tips

or gym-goers looking to combine their workout routine with a sun-kissed glow, tanning machines at Planet Fitness offer an accessible, budget-friendly solution. Integrated directly into the PF Black Card Spa, these tanning amenities save members both time and money compared to traditional dedicated tanning salons.

However, if you are new to indoor tanning or stepping into a Planet Fitness booth for the first time, the options, digital settings, and club protocols can feel overwhelming. From classic lay-down UV beds to vertical stand-up booths and red-light therapy devices, understanding how to navigate these machines safely and effectively is key to achieving your desired results.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Planet Fitness tanning machines, including bed types, membership requirements, step-by-step instructions, safety guidelines, and expert tips for maximizing your skin’s radiance.

Planet Fitness Tanning Options: Lay-Down, Stand-Up, and Red Light Therapy

Planet Fitness clubs typically feature three main categories of light and tanning equipment inside their Black Card Spa area. While availability varies slightly by franchise location, most gyms offer a mix of high-efficiency equipment.

                 ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
                 │    Planet Fitness Black Card Spa Amenities   │
                 └──────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘
                                        │
         ┌──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┐
         ▼                              ▼                              ▼
┌──────────────────┐          ┌──────────────────┐          ┌──────────────────┐
│ Lay-Down UV Beds │          │ Stand-Up Booths  │          │ Red Light / TBE  │
│ 12-Minute Max    │          │ 9–10 Minute Max  │          │ UV-Free Rejuvenation
└──────────────────┘          └──────────────────┘          └──────────────────┘

1. Lay-Down Tanning Beds

Traditional lay-down tanning beds are designed for relaxation. Equipped with curved acrylic surfaces and multi-angle UV lamps, these machines allow you to lie back while receiving evenly distributed ultraviolet radiation.

• Best For: Members who want a relaxing, comfortable tanning session post-workout.

• Session Duration: Max times generally cap at 12 minutes per session.

• Key Feature: Adjustable facial tanners and built-in cooling fans for added comfort.

2. Vertical Stand-Up Tanning Booths

Stand-up tanning booths (often referred to as stand-up hexes or vertical towers) feature 360-degree high-intensity UV bulbs. You stand inside the cylinder, holding onto overhead bars to ensure your underarms and sides receive uniform coverage.

• Best For: Even coverage without pressure points or white spots, and faster overall session times.

• Session Duration: Max times range between 9 and 10 minutes.

• Key Feature: High efficiency and speed, perfect for a quick stop during a busy schedule.

3. Total Body Enhancement (Red Light Therapy)

While not a traditional UV tanning bed, the Total Body Enhancement (TBE) booth is one of the most popular machines in the Black Card lounge. This specialized booth uses non-UV red light waves combined with a vibrating footplate (Vibra-Shape technology).

• Primary Benefits: Stimulates collagen production, improves skin tone, and aids in post-workout muscle recovery.

• UV Rays: 100% UV-free; it will not darken your skin or cause a sunburn.

• Session Duration: Standard 12-minute automated program.

Planet Fitness Tanning vs. Traditional Salons

Rules and Regulations for Tanning at Planet Fitness

To ensure safety and compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, Planet Fitness enforces specific guidelines across all facilities.

Essential Rule: You must be a PF Black Card® member to access any tanning equipment. Guests brought via the Black Card guest pass are restricted from using spa services, including tanning beds and massage chairs.

Key Operating Policies

1. Age Limits: Members must be 18 years or older to use UV tanning beds in most jurisdictions, regardless of parental consent.

2. Frequency Cap: Federal rules prohibit more than one UV session per 24-hour period.

3. Mandatory Eye Protection: Eye protection (approved protective goggles or disposable eye caps) is strictly required. Staff members routinely verify you have goggles before activating your session.

4. Front Desk Activation: You cannot turn on a tanning machine yourself. Staff set the exact timer from the front computer console after checking your digital keytag.

How to Use Planet Fitness Tanning Beds: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

If you are stepping into the Black Card Spa for your first session, follow this clear, simple sequence to ensure a smooth visit.

Step 1: Check In at the Front Desk

Open your Planet Fitness mobile app, display your QR code digital keytag, and inform the front desk staff that you would like to use a tanning booth. Let them know whether you prefer a lay-down bed or a stand-up booth.

Step 2: Request Your Session Time

If you have fair skin or are tanning for the first time in months, start conservatively with 3 to 5 minutes. Staff will assign you a room number and set the master timer on their console.

Step 3: Prepare in the Private Room

Enter your assigned private room and lock the door behind you. You generally have a 3 to 5-minute delay before the machine automatically powers on:

• Strip down to your comfort level (swimsuit, underwear, or nude).

• Apply an indoor-approved tanning lotion (never use outdoor oils containing mineral oil or petroleum, as they damage acrylic bed surfaces).

• Put on your certified protective eyewear.

Step 4: Complete the Tanning Session

Step inside the booth or lay down on the acrylic surface. Close the canopy or door securely. Adjust internal fans or music controls as desired. When the timer expires, the UV lamps will turn off automatically.

Step 5: Clean and Sanitize

Planet Fitness provides disinfectant spray and paper towels inside every booth. Spray down the acrylic bed or stand-up handles, wipe all contact surfaces clean, discard paper towels in the trash bin, and exit the room.

Essential Safety Precautions and Skin Protection

Indoor UV tanning requires smart choices to prevent overexposure, premature skin aging, or sunburns.

• Never Skip Eye Protection: Eyelids are far too thin to block harmful UVA/UVB light. Tanning without proper goggles can lead to short-term corneal burns or long-term vision issues like cataracts.

• Build Skin Tolerance Slowly: Avoid jumping straight to maximum time limits (e.g., 10 or 12 minutes). Incrementally increase your session time by 1 to 2 minutes every few visits as your skin adapts.

• Hydrate Inside and Out: UV light dries skin tissue. Apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after your session and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Know Your Skin Type: Individuals with Type I skin (very fair skin, red hair, freckles, burns easily) should exercise extreme caution or opt for non-UV options like Total Body Enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Planet Fitness offer spray tanning?

While select global or upgraded locations feature automated spray tan booths, the vast majority of Planet Fitness branches equip their Black Card Spa with UV lay-down beds, UV stand-up booths, and UV-free Total Body Enhancement red light booths.

2. How long can you stay in a Planet Fitness tanning bed?

Session limits depend on the equipment type. Stand-up booths typically cap at 9 to 10 minutes, while lay-down beds cap at 12 minutes. Beginners should always start at 3 to 5 minutes to prevent burning.

3. Can I use the tanning beds every day at Planet Fitness?

No. Federal regulations restrict UV tanning sessions to once every 24 hours. Furthermore, dermatologists advise against daily UV tanning; allowing 48 hours between sessions gives your skin crucial time to rest and repair.

4. Can Black Card guests use the tanning machines?

No. While a PF Black Card allows you to bring a guest to work out for free, guest access excludes spa amenities such as tanning beds, HydroMassage, and massage chairs.

5. What should I wear inside the tanning booth?

Because tanning rooms are entirely private and lockable, you may wear whatever you feel comfortable in—a swimsuit, underwear, or nothing at all for an even, line-free tan.

Planet Fitness Black Card Perks Overview

This video provides a clear visual walkthrough of the PF Black Card spa benefits, including the tanning beds, massage chairs, and HydroMassage equipment.