Breaking the Sweat: Exploring Planet Fitness’ Childcare Options

AvatarByJeff Duncan Fitness

When it comes to achieving our fitness goals, it’s important to have access to a gym that caters to our needs. For many parents, this may include finding a gym with childcare services. If you’re a parent looking for a gym that can accommodate your little ones while you work out, you may be wondering: Does Planet Fitness offer childcare? As one of the largest fitness chains in the world, it’s no surprise that this question is on the minds of many parents. In this article, we’ll dive into the answer and explore what options are available for Planet Fitness members with children. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about Planet Fitness and their childcare offerings.

Planet Fitness is one of the largest and most popular fitness chains in the United States, with over 1,800 locations across the country. Known for its affordable membership fees and judgement-free atmosphere, Planet Fitness offers a wide range of amenities to its members. However, one question that often arises among potential members is whether Planet Fitness offers childcare services. In this article, we will delve into this topic and provide detailed information about childcare options at Planet Fitness.

The Importance of Childcare in Fitness Centers

As a parent, finding time to work out can be challenging. With busy work schedules and other daily responsibilities, it can be difficult to make it to the gym regularly. However, staying fit and healthy is essential for both mental and physical well-being. This is where childcare services at fitness centers come in handy.

Having a safe and supervised environment for children while their parents work out can make all the difference. Not only do parents get a chance to focus on their fitness routine without any distractions or worries, but it also sets a good example for children about the importance of regular exercise.

Childcare Options at Planet Fitness

Unfortunately, Planet Fitness does not offer any official childcare services at their locations. This means that there are no dedicated staff or facilities specifically designed for looking after children while their parents workout. This could be seen as a disadvantage for parents who are looking to join Planet Fitness.

Kids’ Room Policy

However, there is one option available for parents at some Planet Fitness locations – the Kids’ Room Policy. This policy states that children above the age of 13 are allowed in designated areas of their parent’s club as long as they are supervised by an adult member (18 years or older) at all times.

The areas where children are allowed include the cardio section (treadmills, ellipticals, etc.), the circuit training area, and the stretching area. They are not allowed in the weightlifting section or to use any of the equipment. Children are also not allowed to be left unattended in the lobby or any other areas of the club.

Limitations of the Kids’ Room Policy

While this policy may seem like a good option for parents who are in a bind, there are a few limitations that need to be considered. Firstly, not all Planet Fitness locations offer this policy. This means that if you have joined a particular location specifically because it offers childcare services, you may be disappointed.

Additionally, there is no guarantee that an adult member will always be available to supervise your child while they work out. This could result in parents having to cut their own workout short or not being able to focus on their routine effectively.

Alternatives for Childcare at Planet Fitness

If Planet Fitness’s Kids’ Room Policy does not work for you, there are still some alternatives that can help you work out while your child is taken care of.

Nanny/Babysitter Services

One option is to hire a nanny or babysitter while you work out at Planet Fitness. You can bring your child along with you and have someone look after them outside of the club premises.

This option may require some research and additional expenses on top of your gym membership fees, but it could be worth it if it allows you to maintain your fitness routine without any worries.

Co-op Babysitting

Another alternative is co-op babysitting. Parents take turns watching each other’s children while they work out at Planet Fitness. This is a great option for parents who want their children to socialize and interact with other kids while being looked after by someone they trust.

In Summary

While Planet Fitness does not offer official childcare services, the Kids’ Room Policy and alternative options can still help parents work out while their child is supervised. It is essential to understand the limitations and do thorough research before joining a Planet Fitness location specifically for childcare services.

Remember that it is always recommended to prioritize the safety of your child and ensure that they are in a secure environment while you work out. With the right precautions and alternatives, parents can still benefit from Planet Fitness’s affordable membership fees and judgement-free atmosphere without compromising their fitness goals.

Overview of Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is a chain of gyms that offers affordable and non-intimidating fitness options for individuals of all levels. With over 2000 locations across the United States, Canada, and other countries, Planet Fitness has become one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness franchises in the world. The company prides itself on creating a judgement-free and welcoming environment where members can work towards their fitness goals without feeling self-conscious or intimidated.

The Importance of Childcare in Gyms

Many individuals struggle to find time to workout due to busy schedules and responsibilities, such as taking care of children. This is especially true for parents with young children who require constant supervision. As a result, gyms with childcare services have become increasingly popular, as they provide a solution for parents who want to prioritize their health and well-being.

Childcare services at gyms allow parents to exercise without worrying about finding a babysitter or leaving their child with someone else. It also gives them an opportunity to workout alongside other adults, which can be motivating and beneficial for overall mental health.

Does Planet Fitness Offer Childcare?

Unfortunately, Planet Fitness does not offer childcare services at their locations. The company’s website states that they do not have designated areas for children or any staff members trained in looking after children’s needs. This policy applies to all Planet Fitness locations in the United States and Canada.

However, Planet Fitness provides other alternatives for parents who need childcare while working out at their facilities.

Alternative Options for Parents at Planet Fitness

Although Planet Fitness does not offer traditional childcare services, there are still options available for parents who want to include their workout routine into their busy schedule.

1. Bring Your Child With You

Parents are welcome to bring their children with them while they work out at Planet Fitness. However, children must be at least 13 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. They are also not allowed to use any of the equipment or facilities, including the locker room.

2. Work Out During Kid’s Club Hours

Planet Fitness offers a Kid’s Club program where parents can leave their children in a designated area for up to two hours of supervised playtime while they work out. This program is only available at select locations and for an additional fee.

Children must be between the ages of 5-12 and fully potty-trained to participate in the Kid’s Club program. Parents also need to remain on-site while their child is in the club, and they are responsible for signing them in and out.

3. Utilize At-Home Workouts

Another option for parents who cannot find childcare while working out is to utilize Planet Fitness’ at-home workouts. These workouts can be accessed through the Planet Fitness app and are designed specifically for individuals who prefer to exercise at home.

The app offers a variety of workouts, including HIIT, strength training, yoga, and more, all of which can be done with minimal equipment.

The Future of Childcare Services at Planet Fitness

While Planet Fitness currently does not offer childcare services, they have mentioned that it is something they may consider in the future as their company continues to grow and evolve.

In an interview with Chris Rondeau, CEO of Planet Fitness, he stated that childcare services could be a possibility they explore in the future but will ultimately depend on member demand and feasibility.

In Conclusion

While Planet Fitness does not offer traditional childcare services, there are still options available for parents who want to prioritize their health and well-being while also taking care of their children. With alternative options such as bringing your child with you, utilizing the Kid’s Club program, or incorporating at-home workouts, Planet Fitness is working towards creating a welcoming environment for all individuals, including parents. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it is possible that childcare services may become available in the future.

Question 1: Does Planet Fitness offer childcare services?
Answer: No, Planet Fitness does not offer childcare services at its gym locations.

Question 2: Is there a designated area for children at Planet Fitness?
Answer: No, there is not a designated area for children at Planet Fitness. The gym is primarily for adults aged 18 and over.

Question 3: Can I bring my child with me to workout at Planet Fitness?
Answer: No, children are not allowed on the gym floor or in the workout areas at Planet Fitness. They must stay in the lobby or waiting area while you workout.

Question 4: Are there any exceptions for bringing a child to Planet Fitness?
Answer: While no children are allowed on the premises during regular hours, some locations may offer “Parents’ Night Out” events where kids can come to the gym with supervision while their parents use the facility.

Question 5: Can I leave my child unattended in the waiting area while I workout?
Answer: No, it is not recommended to leave your child unattended in the waiting area at any time. Planet Fitness is not responsible for any incidents that may occur if a child is left unsupervised.

Question 6: Are there any other options for childcare near Planet Fitness?
Answer: Depending on location, some gyms may have partnerships with nearby childcare facilities that offer discounted rates for members. It is best to check with your local gym for more information about these options.

In conclusion, while Planet Fitness prides itself on being a gym that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, the answer to whether or not they offer childcare services remains unclear. While some locations may have partnerships with third-party providers or have designated areas for children, these options may not be available at every location. Additionally, the lack of information and consistency in this regard creates confusion and inconvenience for those seeking childcare at Planet Fitness.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of providing childcare at a gym. The safety and supervision of children are crucial factors that must be carefully managed, and it may not be feasible for all gym locations to meet these standards. This could also lead to increased costs for members and logistical challenges for the company.

Overall, it is clear that there are both pros and cons to offering childcare services at a gym like Planet Fitness. While accommodating families with children would certainly align with their mission of being a welcoming space for all fitness levels, it is also evident that implementing and maintaining such services may not be viable or beneficial for the company as a whole.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual location to decide if they will offer childcare services or other accommodations for families. It is recommended that individuals interested in this option contact their local Planet Fitness directly for more information

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.