This petition is to tell Planet Fitness to end the High School Pass summer program. The program has taken place the last two summers, but there’s been various problems for members. The company wants to use the program to tackle teen obesity and mental health. However, this is furthest thing from happening. The truth is Planet Fitness does not care about the youth. They are using this as a marketing strategy to score memberships when the program ends. While I think it could have been a positive service for teens to be active and productive during the summer months, it was not executed in an effective way to suit teens and paying members. There are several free sites and programs available to teens that do not have to be at the expense of paying members at a gym. Based on feedback given by members at my location, as well as all PF members on social media, the majority disapprove of the program. Unfortunately, responses by corporate are generic and never address the concerns shared by members.

Let’s begin by discussing supervision. The minors are unsupervised in the facility, which leads to mistreated and damaged equipment. There is no training or anything educational provided to teens on how to use the equipment properly and safely. As a result, equipment is misused and left broken. Many machines are out of order. Obviously, this can happen at any time in the year, but it cannot be denied that there’s an increase during the program. Why should members have to experience this? We are paying a membership only to encounter many machines left out of order. While there’s always been debate on what age a child can begin weightlifting, new studies state a child can weightlift by 7-8 years old, but only with proper adult supervision, as well as implementing proper form and technique. Unfortunately, this does not occur at Planet Fitness. More harm than good is happening.

 

 

 

The minors tend to utilize the gym as a hangout, which makes it difficult for paying members to properly utilize the facility for what it is - a gym. Machines are swarmed by 3-6 friends either hanging out during their alleged “sets” and/or fooling around. Again, many machines are broken because of the fooling around. Of course, we need to add the excessive use of the phone. Teens sit in between sets texting or watching YouTube for 5+ minutes. This wasted time for a single member to wait for equipment to become free is longer than the usual time in the months outside the program. Also, many teens are rude and inappropriate to adult members. Undisputedly, this is a concern that begins and should be addressed at home, but it’s still an issue in the gym.  Moreover, this has left many members frustrated and disgruntled, which contributes to an unpleasant atmosphere. The gym should feel productive, positive, and enjoyable. A gym should be a place where people come to be at peace, productive, and motivated. For some people, they come to a gym for medical use like therapy and recovery.  

 

There was no notification to members about the program when it began last summer. Maybe a survey provided to members to note if we would be okay with the program taking place during our time? Nothing. Why not provide specific days or hours that teens can use the gym? Like how the country set specific times for elderly people to shop in the morning during the height of Covid. To be fair, some might have an issue with this suggestion, especially if the allotted time does not agree with their schedule. Well, members can still go, but at their own discretion and know they are attending during the summer pass time. At least there would be an option. 

Planet Fitness has numerous policies for the program that are never enforced. How do I know? My own observations and experience, as well as feedback from countless members on social media, who have expressed the same concerns. Some of the policies are to avoid monopolizing machines, no more than two people occupying a machine, and disruptive behavior is prohibited. As for the overall franchise, they clearly state on their website that minors between 13-17 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of joining, and they must sign a permission waiver for the child to use the gym. Additionally, anyone between the ages 13 and 14 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must be a PF member or Black Card guest of the minor. Why do these rules not apply during the program’s months?

 

 

 

Locker rooms are questionable. Why is it appropriate for adults to share a locker room with minors? To be honest, I find the communal locker rooms between adults and minors to pose a threat in numerous ways. This point is to highlight that safety should be provided for all, and grouping adults and minors is indeed problematic. Talk about a liability for all. Planet Fitness prides themselves on being different from other gyms and being a judgement free zone. Yet members feel uncomfortable in the facility, especially the locker rooms, which presents a hinderance to safety. 

Last, this may seem minor, but it must be acknowledged. The program began in May. Why so early? This is supposed to be a summer program, and it lasts for four months from May-August.  Many members have canceled their membership. Although that seems to be an easy response, “If you don’t like it, then cancel!” But why should we? There are various reasons why a person selected Planet Fitness, but this may not remain the choice. This petition is to take a final stance for members to share their voices and express their dissatisfaction with the program, and in hope, allow changes for the 2024 year.