How To Change Your Club On The Planet Fitness App: Your Definitive Guide

Changing your Planet Fitness club via the app is, sadly, not a direct option. The Planet Fitness app primarily handles workout tracking, class schedules, and member perks. Club changes and upgrades require contacting Planet Fitness directly. You can do this in person at your current club, by phone, or sometimes, through email. Let’s dive into the details and explore the various ways to navigate this process, along with frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need.

Understanding the Limitations of the Planet Fitness App

The Planet Fitness app is a fantastic tool for managing your fitness journey, providing workout routines, tracking progress, and even offering access to on-demand fitness classes. However, its functionality is somewhat limited when it comes to membership management. Unlike some other gym chains, Planet Fitness restricts certain membership modifications, like changing your home club, from being handled directly within the app.

This limitation is primarily due to the franchise nature of Planet Fitness. Each location is independently owned and operated, which means membership details, pricing, and policies can vary slightly. Allowing direct changes through the app might create inconsistencies and administrative headaches across the entire network. So, while the app is great for logging your workouts, you’ll need to use alternative methods to change your designated club.

Methods for Changing Your Planet Fitness Club

Since the Planet Fitness app won’t directly facilitate a club change, here are the most common and reliable methods to make the switch:

In-Person at Your Current Club

This is often the most straightforward and recommended approach. Simply visit your current Planet Fitness club during business hours and speak with a staff member at the front desk. They will be able to guide you through the process, explain any associated fees (especially if you’re upgrading to a Black Card membership), and update your membership details accordingly. Bringing your Planet Fitness membership card or knowing your membership number will expedite the process. Be prepared to fill out a short form to formally request the change.

By Phone

You can also contact your current Planet Fitness club via phone. Search online for the specific phone number of your local club. When you call, explain that you want to change your home club. The staff member will be able to guide you through the necessary steps, which may involve providing your membership details and verifying your identity. This method is convenient if you can’t easily visit the club in person. Be aware that depending on the club’s policies, they may require you to still physically sign some paperwork, even after initiating the change over the phone.

Email (If Available)

Some Planet Fitness locations may allow you to initiate the club change process via email. Check your club’s website or contact them by phone to inquire if this option is available. If so, draft an email clearly stating your request to change your home club, including your full name, membership number, and the name of the new Planet Fitness club you wish to be associated with. Keep a copy of the email for your records. However, be aware that email communication may take longer than phone or in-person methods, and you may still need to follow up with a phone call to confirm the change.

Understanding Membership Types and Restrictions

Keep in mind that your membership type will influence your ability to use different Planet Fitness locations. A Classic membership typically restricts you to your designated home club, while a Black Card membership grants you access to all Planet Fitness locations worldwide. If you have a Classic membership and frequently visit a location other than your home club, upgrading to a Black Card membership might be a more convenient option than constantly changing your home club. Weigh the cost of the upgrade against the frequency with which you visit different locations.

Transferring vs. Changing Your Home Club

It’s crucial to distinguish between transferring your membership and simply changing your home club. Changing your home club typically applies when you’re still within the same franchise group (i.e., the same owner manages both your current and desired clubs). Transferring, on the other hand, involves moving your membership to a completely different Planet Fitness franchise. Transferring often involves additional fees and paperwork. Make sure you clarify which process you require with the Planet Fitness staff to avoid any confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your Planet Fitness club, providing further clarity and addressing potential concerns:

1. Can I change my Planet Fitness club online?

No, you cannot directly change your Planet Fitness club online through the Planet Fitness website. You need to contact your current club either in person, by phone, or (if available) via email.

2. Is there a fee to change my Planet Fitness club?

The fee for changing your Planet Fitness club depends on your membership type and the specific policies of your local franchise. Generally, if you are simply changing your home club within the same franchise group and keeping the same membership type (Classic or Black Card), there may not be a fee. However, upgrading to a Black Card membership will typically involve an upgrade fee.

3. How long does it take to change my Planet Fitness club?

The time it takes to change your Planet Fitness club usually depends on the method you use. Changing in person is often the fastest, as the staff can update your details immediately. Phone and email methods might take a few days, depending on the responsiveness of the club staff.

4. What information do I need to change my Planet Fitness club?

You will typically need your full name, membership number, and the name of the Planet Fitness club you want to switch to. Bringing your Planet Fitness membership card or providing a form of identification can also be helpful.

5. Can I use other Planet Fitness locations while waiting for the change to be processed?

If you have a Classic membership, you are generally restricted to your home club. Therefore, you should wait until the change is officially processed before using the new location. If you have a Black Card membership, you already have access to all Planet Fitness locations, so this is not a concern.

6. What if I am moving to a different state?

Moving to a different state might involve a membership transfer, especially if it involves a different Planet Fitness franchise. In this case, you may need to cancel your current membership and sign up for a new one at your new location. Check with your current and future Planet Fitness clubs for the best course of action.

7. Can I cancel my membership instead of changing clubs?

Yes, you always have the option to cancel your Planet Fitness membership if changing clubs doesn’t meet your needs. However, be aware of the cancellation policies, which may involve a cancellation fee or a notice period.

8. What if I have issues changing my club?

If you encounter any issues while trying to change your Planet Fitness club, document all interactions, including the dates, times, and names of the staff members you spoke with. If the issues persist, consider contacting Planet Fitness corporate for assistance.

9. Does a Black Card membership automatically change my home club when I visit another location?

No, simply using a Black Card membership at another location does not automatically change your home club. You still need to follow the steps outlined above to officially change your designated home club.

10. Can I freeze my membership instead of changing clubs?

Freezing your membership is an option if you anticipate being unable to use your membership for a temporary period. However, it does not change your designated home club. Freezing policies vary by location, so inquire with your current club for details.

11. What happens to my billing when I change my club?

Generally, changing your Planet Fitness club within the same franchise group will not affect your billing. However, upgrading to a Black Card membership will result in a higher monthly fee, and you may need to update your payment information accordingly. If transferring to a different franchise, your billing may be handled separately, potentially requiring a new agreement and payment method.

12. Can I change my club multiple times?

While there is no hard limit on how many times you can change your Planet Fitness club, it’s generally recommended to do so only when necessary. Frequent changes can create administrative issues and may raise questions with the club management. Consider your long-term fitness goals and location preferences before initiating a change.

By understanding the limitations of the app and utilizing the available methods for changing your club, you can ensure a smooth and seamless transition, allowing you to continue your fitness journey without interruption.