Planet Fitness specials 2018 highlighted limited-time offers designed to make fitness accessible for first-timers and budget-conscious families. During this year, the brand emphasized simple pricing, no intimidation policies, and transparent add-on costs across most locations.
These seasonal campaigns focused on back-to-school timing, summer readiness, and holiday renewals, allowing members to lock in lower monthly rates and avoid long-term commitments.
| Plan Type | Membership Fee | Included Perks | Promotional Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Card | $22.99/month | Access to all clubs, massage chairs, tanning, Unlimited Fitness Classes | January–March 2018 promo window |
| Premium | $17.99/month | Access to all clubs, no guest fees, hydromassage benches | January–March 2018 promo window |
| Basic | $10.99/month | Access to home club only | January–March 2018 promo window |
| Family Plan | $29.99/month for first member, additional $5 each | Shared membership, teen zones, Kids Camp during select hours | April–June 2018 limited availability |
Workout Environment And Amenities
Cleanliness And Layout
Planet Fitness locations maintained a bright, modern aesthetic with color-coded equipment zones to simplify navigation. During the 2018 specials, many clubs extended hours and kept cleaning crews on frequent schedules to ensure a comfortable workout at any time.
Equipment And Free Weights
Members reported a balanced mix of cardio machines, selectorized strength equipment, and free-weight areas. Most Planet Fitness clubs included dumbbells up to 50 lbs, benches, and cable stations within the Basic and Premium tiers, while Black Card added Hammer Strength machines.
Membership Pricing And Fees
Base Rates And Add-On Costs
The 2018 specials emphasized low base prices, with add-ons like massages, tanning, and trainings available as à la carte services. Activation fees varied by location but could often be waived during promotional windows.
Billing Cycles And Discounts
Automatic monthly payments qualified for additional discounts, and some markets offered first-month fee waivers. Referral bonuses allowed existing members to bring friends for reduced rates while earning credits toward future billing.
Community Programs And Classes
Fitness Classes And Scheduling
Group fitness schedules in 2018 included beginner-friendly formats such as BODY PUMP, Yoga, and CXWORX, accessible with both Premium and Black Card memberships. Classes filled quickly during the back-to-school push, so early booking was recommended.
Teen And Family Initiatives
Through the PF Teen Summer and Kids Camp programs, families could use selected clubs during child-friendly hours. These initiatives supported parents who wanted supervised activity while still enjoying their own workouts.
Accessibility And Travel Benefits
National And International Reach
The Planet Fitness Passport feature allowed members to use participating clubs outside their home region at no extra charge during select promotions. This proved useful for travelers who wanted consistent access without paying multiple gym fees.
Plan Comparisons And Final Recommendations
- Assess visit frequency to choose between Basic, Premium, or Black Card tiers.
- Verify location-specific fees, because activation and tanning costs varied by club.
- Time your sign-up around back-to-school or holiday windows to maximize discounts.
- Use the Passport feature if you travel regularly to avoid opening multiple memberships.
- Review family-plan rules carefully if you plan to share access across multiple users.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is included in the 2018 Planet Fitness Black Card membership?
Unlimited access to all clubs, tanning, massage chairs, and Unlimited Fitness Classes, along with guest privileges and access to strength and cardio zones.
Are there any initiation or hidden fees during the 2018 specials?
Activation fees sometimes applied but were often waived during promotional periods; add-on services like massages and tanning were optional and billed separately.
How does the family plan work for multiple members in 2018?
The Family Plan billed the first member at a set rate and added each additional member for a modest fee, ideal for households sharing one membership under one account.
Can I freeze my membership if I travel or take a break in 2018?
Members could place their membership on hold for a minimal fee per month, allowing flexibility for travel, vacations, or temporary life changes without losing their spot.