Uncovering the Numbers: Planet Fitness’ Membership Count Per Location

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Planet Fitness has taken the fitness world by storm with its unique approach to health and wellness. With its signature purple and yellow branding and “Judgement Free Zone” mantra, the gym chain has gained an immense following. But just how many members does Planet Fitness have per location? This question has sparked curiosity among both fitness enthusiasts and industry experts. In this article, we will delve into the success of Planet Fitness and uncover the staggering numbers behind their growing membership base. Whether you’re a current member or simply intrigued by this popular fitness franchise, prepare to be amazed by the impressive reach of Planet Fitness.

Understanding the Membership Structure at Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is one of the largest health and fitness clubs in the world, with over 1,800 locations in the United States, Canada, and other countries. The company has gained popularity among people of all ages and fitness levels due to its affordable membership fees, laid-back atmosphere, and no-judgment policy. But have you ever wondered how many members are actually part of this fitness behemoth?

At Planet Fitness, the membership structure is divided into three types: Black Card, Classic, and PF+.

Black Card Membership

The Black Card membership is considered premium and offers additional perks compared to other types of memberships. This includes access to all Planet Fitness locations worldwide, unlimited use of massage chairs and tanning beds, as well as discounted rates on various services such as drinks and personal training sessions. The Black Card also allows you to bring a guest for free every time you visit the gym.

So how many members opt for the Black Card? According to Planet Fitness’ annual report for 2020, approximately 15% of their total memberships were Black Cards. With over 13 million members worldwide at that time, it can be estimated that around 1.95 million Planet Fitness members had a Black Card.

Classic Membership

The most popular type of membership at Planet Fitness is the Classic Membership. This gives you access to your designated home club location only. You can visit this club as many times as you want during its operating hours but are not allowed to bring a guest for free. Classic Memberships are further divided into two categories – Standard (one location only) and No Commitment (ability to cancel anytime).

As per their annual report for 2020, approximately 84% of their total memberships were Classic Memberships. That means around 10.92 million members had either a Standard or No-Commitment Classic Membership.

PF+ Membership

In 2019, Planet Fitness introduced their third membership type – PF+. This membership combines the perks of the Black Card and Classic Memberships by providing access to all Planet Fitness locations like the Black Card, but without the additional perks such as tanning beds and discounted rates.

Although this type of membership is relatively new, it has gained popularity among members who do not necessarily want the full benefits of a Black Card but still want the flexibility of visiting any location. In 2020, PF+ accounted for around 1% of their total memberships. That means approximately 130,000 members had this type of membership.

The Astonishing Growth in Planet Fitness’ Membership Numbers

Since its inception in 1992, Planet Fitness has experienced incredible growth in its membership numbers. In just three decades, it has become one of the largest gym chains globally and shows no signs of slowing down.

In just ten years (from 2010 to 2020), Planet Fitness’ total membership increased from approximately 2 million to over 13 million – a whopping growth rate of over six times! Furthermore, they experienced a significant surge in memberships during the pandemic year 2020 when they added over 500,000 new members despite temporary closures due to COVID-19.

The company’s goal is to continue expanding its reach by opening new locations and converting existing gyms into Planet Fitness clubs. This will certainly result in an even higher number of members per location in the future.

The Magic Behind Planet Fitness’ Success

There are several factors that have contributed to Planet Fitness’ remarkable success and continuously growing membership numbers. Let’s take a look at some key factors that set them apart from other fitness chains.

Affordable Memberships

Unlike many gym chains that charge exorbitant prices for membership, Planet Fitness offers affordable monthly fees for all types of memberships. This has made it accessible to individuals from all walks of life, attracting a diverse range of members. Their no-commitment option is especially appealing to those who are hesitant to make a long-term financial commitment.

Inclusivity

The most significant selling point of Planet Fitness is its no-judgment policy and inclusive environment. This has created a comfortable space for individuals who may feel intimidated in traditional gym settings. They have successfully broken away from the typical ‘bodybuilding’ culture and embraced a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Unique Marketing Strategy

From their tongue-in-cheek ad campaigns to their iconic purple-and-yellow color scheme, Planet Fitness knows how to stand out in the fitness industry. They have mastered the art of marketing and branding, making it hard for anyone not to recognize them.

Variety of Equipment and Classes

Planet Fitness offers a wide range of equipment such as cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training machines. They also offer a variety of classes like yoga, Zumba, and cycling at some locations. This ensures that members have various options to incorporate into their workout routine.

The Growth and Popularity of Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness has been making waves in the fitness industry since its inception in 1992. The gym chain, initially known as “Heavy Duty,” has now grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable names in the fitness world. In fact, it is currently the number one ranked fitness club franchise globally, with over 2000 locations spread across the United States, Canada, and even the Dominican Republic.

The success and popularity of Planet Fitness can be attributed to its unique and affordable approach to fitness. They aim to provide a welcoming environment for people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. This inclusive approach has resonated with millions of people worldwide. People who were previously intimidated by traditional gym settings have found a safe haven at Planet Fitness.

What Makes Planet Fitness Stand Out

Planet Fitness offers a wide range of amenities that makes it stand out from other gyms. Perhaps what sets them apart is their commitment to providing a non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. The “Judgement Free Zone” mantra has become synonymous with the brand and attracts many first-time gym-goers.

Another unique aspect of Planet Fitness is their signature “Pizza Nights” and “Bagel Mornings” events where they offer free pizza and bagels to members. This may seem counterintuitive for a gym, but it aligns with their philosophy of balance and moderation. They believe that fitness should not be an all-consuming lifestyle but rather a part of a well-rounded life.

In addition to these fun events, Planet Fitness also offers state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes taught by certified instructors, tanning beds, massage chairs, and more at no additional cost to their members. Members also have access to their own personal trainer for only $10 per hour.

The Number of Members Per Location

With over 2000 locations, it is evident that Planet Fitness is a rapidly growing franchise. But how many members do they have per location? The answer may surprise you. On average, each Planet Fitness location has about 6,500 members. However, this number varies significantly depending on the location.

Some of their bigger and more successful locations can have up to 12,000 members, while smaller or less populated areas may have as few as 4,000 members. But regardless of the number of members per location, one thing remains consistent: Planet Fitness is continuously growing in popularity and membership.

One factor contributing to their growing membership numbers is their affordable membership fees. Unlike many other gyms that can cost upwards of $50 per month, Planet Fitness offers a basic membership for only $10 per month. They also offer a Black Card membership for $21.99 per month that includes additional perks such as access to all locations and unlimited guest privileges.

Planet Fitness Expansion and Future Plans

Despite being the top-ranked fitness club franchise already, Planet Fitness shows no signs of slowing down their expansion efforts. They plan on opening an additional 1,000 locations over the next five years. This growth will allow them to reach even more communities and provide more people with opportunities to improve their health and well-being.

Their expansion plans also include entering new international markets such as Mexico and Australia. This would make them the first significant U.S-based fitness chain in Mexico and further solidify their global presence.

The Impact of Planet Fitness on the Fitness Industry

Planet Fitness has undoubtedly disrupted the fitness industry with its unique approach and rapidly growing presence. By creating a non-intimidating environment, they have attracted millions of people who previously felt excluded from traditional gyms.

Their success has sparked similar gym chains to adopt a more inclusive approach in hopes of competing with the “Judgement Free Zone” brand. This has led to an overall increase in gym memberships and a shift in the fitness industry towards a more inclusive and accepting environment.

In conclusion, Planet Fitness has become a household name in the fitness world with its distinctive philosophy and affordable prices. With over 2000 locations and millions of members worldwide, they continue to grow and expand, making fitness accessible to everyone.

Their impact on the industry is undeniable, paving the way for more inclusive and approachable fitness options. As they continue to expand, it is safe to say that Planet Fitness will continue to be a leader in the fitness industry for many years to come.

1. How many members can each Planet Fitness location accommodate?
The specific number of members each Planet Fitness location can accommodate varies depending on the size and layout of the gym. However, Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a spacious and comfortable atmosphere for all its members to work out in.

2. Is there a limit to the number of members that can join a single Planet Fitness location?
There is no set limit to the number of members that can join a single Planet Fitness location. However, once a location reaches full capacity, it may temporarily close its doors until enough space becomes available.

3. How many locations does Planet Fitness have worldwide?
As of 2021, there are over 2,000 Planet Fitness locations in operation worldwide.

4. Do all Planet Fitness locations have the same number of members?
No, the number of members at each Planet Fitness location may vary depending on factors such as location size and demographics.

5. Are there any membership discounts for joining a busier or less populated location?
Planet Fitness offers the same low membership rates at all locations, regardless of their popularity or membership numbers. However, they may occasionally offer promotional deals or discounts for new members.

6. What measures does Planet Fitness take to ensure that each member has enough equipment available to use during their workout?
Planet Fitness prioritizes maintaining a balance between the number of available equipment and the number of active members at any given time to ensure everyone has access to necessary equipment without excessively long wait times. Additionally, they have strict cleaning protocols in place to quickly sanitize equipment between uses.

In conclusion, Planet Fitness has emerged as a dominant player in the fitness industry with a strong focus on providing affordable and judgment-free membership options. Through its strategic expansion and marketing efforts, the company has managed to attract a large number of members, making it one of the largest gym chains in the world.

The analysis of Planet Fitness’ membership numbers per location reveals several key insights. Firstly, the company’s dedication to keeping costs low has enabled it to gain a considerable competitive advantage over other traditional gyms. This has enabled it to attract a diverse member base, including those who would otherwise find gym memberships too expensive. Additionally, Planet Fitness’ judgement-free philosophy has resonated with many individuals who are intimidated or self-conscious about traditional gym environments.

Furthermore, Planet Fitness’ expansion strategy of targeting underserved suburban and small-town areas has proven successful in bringing more people into its facilities. By catering to these less populated areas, the company has been able to minimize competition while tapping into an untapped market.

The rapid growth of Planet Fitness is evident from its continuously increasing number of members per location. As of 2021, the company has over 14 million members across more than 2,000 locations worldwide. This massive reach is a testament to its strong brand reputation and ability to deliver

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.