Can you tan at Planet Fitness? Yes, Planet Fitness offers tanning services as part of specific membership tiers. This guide will walk you through how to use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness, cover important safety tips, and explain the rules you need to follow for a great tanning experience.
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Getting Started with Planet Fitness Tanning
Planet Fitness provides a way for members to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the sun. Their tanning options include both traditional UV tanning beds and the popular Mystic Tan spray tanning booths. To access these amenities, you’ll need to ensure your membership includes the “Black Card” or a similar tier that grants tanning privileges. It’s always a good idea to check your specific membership details or speak with a Planet Fitness staff member to confirm your access.
Decoding Your Planet Fitness Tanning Membership
The ability to use the tanning beds and booths at Planet Fitness is typically included with their premium membership, often called the “Black Card” membership. This membership level offers a range of perks beyond just tanning, such as access to all Planet Fitness locations, guest privileges, massage chairs, and hydro-massage beds. If you’re unsure if your membership includes tanning, a quick chat with the front desk staff at your local club will clarify this. They can review your account and explain all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Locating the Tanning Facilities at Planet Fitness
Once you’ve confirmed your membership includes tanning, the next step is finding the facilities within your club. The tanning area is usually a separate, more private section of the gym. Look for signs directing you to “Tanning” or “Mystic Tan.”
Here’s what to expect when you find the tanning area:
- Tanning Beds: These are enclosed booths that use UV light to tan your skin. Planet Fitness generally offers a few different types, including lay-down beds and stand-up units.
- Mystic Tan Booths: If your Planet Fitness offers spray tans, you’ll find automated booths for this. The Mystic Tan system provides a full-body spray tan in a matter of minutes.
Planet Fitness Tanning Instructions: A Step-by-Step Approach
Using the tanning beds and booths at Planet Fitness is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures safety and effectiveness.
Using Planet Fitness UV Beds
Planet Fitness UV beds are designed for ease of use. Before your first session, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the general Planet Fitness tanning instructions.
Steps for using UV Tanning Beds:
- Preparation:
- Remove Clothing: You’ll need to undress completely for an even tan. You can wear a bathing suit or underwear if you prefer, but this will result in tan lines.
- Protect Sensitive Areas: Use the provided eye protection (goggles or eye shields). If you don’t have them, ask a staff member. It’s also a good idea to protect any new tattoos or sensitive skin with a barrier cream or by covering them.
- Inside the Bed:
- Enter the Bed: Carefully step into the tanning bed. There’s usually a handle or handholds to help you get in and out.
- Position Yourself: Lie down or stand up, depending on the type of bed. Ensure you are comfortable and positioned correctly for optimal UV exposure.
- Close the Lid/Door: Securely close the lid of the tanning bed. Most beds have a button or latch to do this.
- During the Session:
- Timer: The bed will automatically start its timer. Sessions are typically short, especially for beginners, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.
- Relax: Try to relax during your session. Avoid moving around excessively, as this can lead to uneven tanning.
- After the Session:
- Wait for the Fan: Most beds have a fan that will blow air to cool you down. Wait until the fan stops before opening the lid.
- Exit the Bed: Carefully exit the tanning bed.
- Clean Up: Wipe down any surfaces you touched with the provided sanitizing wipes. This is part of good tanning bed etiquette Planet Fitness.
- Dispose of Items: Dispose of used wipes and any disposable protective gear in the trash.
Using the Planet Fitness Mystic Tan Booth
The Mystic Tan is an automated spray tanning option that provides a quick and even tan.
Steps for using the Mystic Tan Booth:
- Preparation:
- Remove Clothing: Undress completely. You can wear a bathing suit if you wish, but it will result in tan lines.
- Wear Protective Gear: You’ll be provided with disposable hair caps, nose filters, and sticky pasties for your feet. Use these to protect your hair and feet from the spray.
- Apply Barrier Cream: Some people prefer to apply a barrier cream to areas like their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to prevent over-darkening.
- Inside the Booth:
- Enter the Booth: Step into the Mystic Tan booth. There will be instructions inside.
- Position: Stand in the designated spot. You’ll likely need to face different directions as the spray arms move.
- Follow Voice Prompts: The booth will guide you through the process with voice prompts. You’ll be instructed to pose in specific ways (e.g., arms up, legs apart) to ensure all areas are covered.
- During the Session:
- The Spray: The booth will mist you with the tanning solution. It’s a quick process.
- Don’t Rub: Avoid rubbing your skin during the spray.
- After the Session:
- Wait for the Dryer: The booth usually has a warm air drying cycle. Wait until this is complete.
- Exit the Booth: Step out of the booth.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Put on loose, dark clothing to avoid staining your garments.
- Development Time: The tan will develop over the next few hours. Avoid showering or sweating heavily during this time.
Planet Fitness Tanning Lotion: Enhancing Your Tan
Using Planet Fitness tanning lotion can significantly improve your tanning experience and the quality of your tan. While Planet Fitness might sell tanning lotions, you are generally welcome to bring your own.
Benefits of Tanning Lotions:
- Moisturizing: Tanning lotions keep your skin hydrated, which helps prevent peeling and promotes a longer-lasting tan.
- Tanning Accelerators: Many lotions contain ingredients that can help stimulate melanin production, potentially leading to a darker, richer tan.
- Bronzers: Some lotions include bronzers that provide an immediate color boost while your UV tan develops.
- Skin Conditioners: Lotions often contain vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin, keeping it healthy.
Choosing the Right Lotion:
- Indoor Tanning Lotions: These are specifically formulated for use in tanning beds. They often contain accelerators and moisturizers designed to work with UV exposure.
- Fragrance-Free/Hypoallergenic: If you have sensitive skin, opt for lotions free of strong fragrances or known irritants.
- SPF: Do not use lotions with SPF in tanning beds. SPF blocks UV rays, preventing you from tanning.
Important Note: If you are using the Mystic Tan spray tan, do not apply lotions before your session unless it’s a specific pre-tan spray recommended by the system. After a spray tan, it’s crucial to moisturize regularly to maintain the color.
Tanning Bed Safety Planet Fitness: Prioritizing Your Well-being
Safety is paramount when using tanning beds. Planet Fitness has specific guidelines to ensure a safe experience. Adhering to tanning bed safety Planet Fitness protocols is crucial.
Key Safety Precautions:
- Eye Protection: Always wear the provided eye protection. UV rays can damage your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts. Never look directly at the lamps.
- Skin Type Assessment: If you’re unsure about how long to tan, start with shorter sessions. Your skin type and tolerance will determine how long you can safely stay in the bed. Fair-skinned individuals may need shorter sessions or fewer tanning days.
- Time Limits: Planet Fitness enforces time limits for tanning sessions to prevent overexposure. Do not try to extend your session beyond the allotted time.
- Frequency: Avoid tanning too frequently. Give your skin adequate time to recover between sessions. Recommended frequency varies, but generally, 2-3 sessions per week are considered moderate.
- Medical Conditions: If you have any medical conditions, are pregnant, or taking medications that increase photosensitivity, consult your doctor before tanning. Certain medications can make your skin more prone to burning.
- Skin Checks: Regularly check your skin for any new moles or changes in existing ones. If you notice anything concerning, see a dermatologist.
- Cleanliness: Always use the provided sanitizing wipes to clean the tanning bed before and after your session. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
- No Open Wounds or Sunburn: Do not use tanning beds if you have open wounds, cuts, or are currently sunburned.
Tanning Bed Rules Planet Fitness: Maintaining Order and Respect
To ensure a positive experience for everyone, Planet Fitness has established tanning bed rules Planet Fitness that all members must follow.
General Rules to Observe:
- Membership Verification: Ensure your membership allows tanning access. Staff may check your membership status.
- Time Limits: Adhere strictly to the allocated tanning session times. Overstaying is not permitted.
- Sanitation: Use the provided cleaning supplies to wipe down the tanning bed and surrounding area before and after each use.
- Personal Belongings: Store your personal items in the designated lockers or away from the tanning area.
- Respect Privacy: The tanning area is a private space. Knock before entering if the door is closed, and respect the privacy of other members.
- No Food or Drinks: Keep food and beverages out of the tanning area to maintain cleanliness.
- Proper Attire: While undressing is necessary for tanning, ensure you are appropriately covered when entering and exiting the tanning area.
- No Sharing: Tanning beds and Mystic Tan sessions are for individual use only. Sharing your tanning privileges or using a bed during someone else’s session is prohibited.
- Children: Typically, children are not allowed in the tanning area, even if accompanied by a parent. Check with your specific club for their policy.
- Towel Use: If you bring a towel, ensure it’s used appropriately and disposed of or stored properly after use.
Planet Fitness Tanning Booth Etiquette: Being Considerate
Beyond the general rules, tanning bed etiquette Planet Fitness extends to being mindful of others and the facility.
Considerate Practices:
- Cleanliness First: Always leave the tanning area cleaner than you found it. Wipe down the bed, floor, and any equipment you used.
- Be Quick: While you need your allotted time, try not to linger unnecessarily in the tanning area before or after your session.
- Handle Equipment with Care: Treat the tanning beds and Mystic Tan booths with respect. Avoid banging on doors or panels.
- Report Issues: If you notice any issues with the equipment, such as a malfunctioning lamp or a clogged spray nozzle, report it to a staff member immediately.
- Maintain a Quiet Environment: The tanning area is often a place for relaxation. Keep conversations to a minimum and speak softly.
Understanding Your Tanning Options
Planet Fitness typically offers two main types of tanning services:
The Power of Planet Fitness UV Beds
Planet Fitness UV beds utilize ultraviolet radiation to stimulate melanin production in your skin, resulting in a tanned appearance. These can range from lower-pressure beds offering a more gradual tan to higher-pressure beds providing a quicker, deeper tan.
Types of UV Beds You Might Find:
- Lay-down Beds: These are the most common type, allowing you to lie down comfortably for your session. They typically have lamps on both the top and bottom.
- Stand-up Booths: These units are like vertical tanning booths, allowing you to stand. They are often preferred by those who don’t like lying down or want to ensure they can position themselves for a more even tan, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like the underarms.
Exploring Planet Fitness Mystic Tan Options
The Planet Fitness Mystic Tan is a popular spray tanning alternative that uses an automated booth. It provides a quick, streak-free tan without UV exposure. The Mystic Tan system applies a fine mist of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and other cosmetic bronzers that react with the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface, creating a tanned appearance.
Benefits of Mystic Tan:
- No UV Exposure: It’s a great option for those who want to avoid UV radiation.
- Instant Results: You get immediate color from the bronzers, and the DHA tan develops over several hours.
- Even Coverage: The automated system aims for uniform coverage.
- Quick: A session typically takes only a few minutes.
Important Considerations for Mystic Tan:
- Color Development: The full color takes about 4-8 hours to develop. Avoid showering or intense activity during this time.
- Longevity: Spray tans typically last 5-7 days and will fade gradually.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliate your skin thoroughly before your Mystic Tan session to ensure a smooth, even application and prevent patchiness as it fades.
FAQs About Planet Fitness Tanning
Here are some common questions people have about tanning at Planet Fitness:
Q1: Do I need a special membership to use the tanning beds at Planet Fitness?
A1: Yes, typically you need the Black Card membership or a membership tier that explicitly includes tanning benefits to use the tanning beds and Mystic Tan booths.
Q2: How often can I use the tanning beds?
A2: While Planet Fitness may not strictly limit the number of sessions per week in their rules, it’s strongly advised to tan no more than 2-3 times per week to allow your skin to recover and minimize risks associated with UV exposure.
Q3: What if I don’t have tanning lotion?
A3: While Planet Fitness might sell tanning lotions, you can bring your own. Ensure it’s an indoor tanning lotion and not a tanning oil or lotion with SPF.
Q4: Can I bring my own tanning lotion to Planet Fitness?
A4: Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own tanning lotion. Make sure it is suitable for indoor tanning beds and does not contain SPF.
Q5: What should I wear in the tanning bed?
A5: For the most even tan, it’s recommended to go nude. However, you can wear a bathing suit or underwear if you prefer, but this will result in tan lines.
Q6: How long are tanning sessions at Planet Fitness?
A6: Session times vary depending on the bed and your skin type, but they typically range from 5 to 20 minutes. The equipment is programmed with set times.
Q7: Is it safe to tan at Planet Fitness?
A7: Tanning beds use UV radiation, which carries inherent risks, including premature skin aging and skin cancer. It’s crucial to follow all tanning bed safety Planet Fitness guidelines, including using eye protection and adhering to time limits. The Mystic Tan booth is a UV-free alternative.
Q8: Can I use the Mystic Tan booth if I have fair skin?
A8: Yes, the Mystic Tan booth is suitable for all skin types. You can often choose different shades or levels of intensity for your spray tan.
Q9: How do I clean the tanning bed after use?
A9: Planet Fitness provides sanitizing wipes. Use these to wipe down the entire surface of the tanning bed that you made contact with, including the lid, base, and any controls.
Q10: Are there any age restrictions for tanning at Planet Fitness?
A10: Yes, most Planet Fitness locations require members to be 18 years or older to use the tanning facilities. Minors may be allowed with parental consent, but policies can vary by club, so it’s best to check with your local Planet Fitness.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently and safely enjoy the tanning amenities offered by Planet Fitness. Remember to always prioritize your skin’s health and well-being.