Planet Fitness Pause Membership: Take a Break Without Losing Your Plan

Life gets busy—vacations, school, or unexpected changes can put your gym routine on hold. The Planet Fitness Pause Membership option lets you freeze your membership without canceling, so you can pick up where you left off without extra hassle. Inspired by the clear cost breakdowns of premium gyms like David Lloyd, this guide explains how to pause your Planet Fitness membership, who’s eligible, associated fees, and what to expect, making it easy to manage your fitness plan.

Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility

• Membership Type: Available for both Classic and Black Card members.
• Account Status: Your account must be in good standing with no outstanding fees.
• Club Policies: Most Planet Fitness locations allow pauses, but franchise-owned clubs may have specific rules or time limits.
• Duration: Typically, you can pause for 1–3 months, though some clubs may allow longer freezes for medical or other valid reasons.

Benefits

• Save Money: Avoid paying monthly fees during periods you can’t use the gym.
• Keep Your Plan: Retain your membership rate and avoid re-enrollment fees or price increases.
• Flexible Return: Resume your membership when ready without starting over.
• Stress-Free: A simple process compared to premium gyms like David Lloyd, where cancellations or pauses may involve longer notice periods.

How to Pause: Step-by-Step Process

Pausing your Planet Fitness Pause Membership is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Check Your Contract: Review your membership agreement (online or via the Planet Fitness app) to confirm pause eligibility and any club-specific rules.
2. Contact Your Home Club: Call or visit the club where you signed up. Provide your membership ID and explain why you want to pause (e.g., travel, medical reasons).
3. Submit a Request: Some clubs require a written request (in-person or email), while others process pauses verbally or through the app.
4. Pay Any Fees: Settle any pause fees, if applicable (usually $0–$15, depending on the club).
5. Confirm the Pause: Receive confirmation via email or in-person, including the pause start date and duration.
6. Resume When Ready: Your membership will automatically reactivate after the pause period, or you can contact the club to resume early.

Tip: If your club denies a pause, ask about cancellation or medical freeze options, which may have different rules.

Fees and Restrictions

• Fees:
  • Many Planet Fitness clubs offer free pauses for 1–2 months, especially for Black Card members, as noted in X posts about flexible policies.
  • Some franchises charge a small fee ($5–$15) per pause or per month paused.
  • Medical freezes (with a doctor’s note) are often free but may require documentation.
• Restrictions:
  • Time Limits: Pauses are typically capped at 3 months, though extensions may be granted for medical or military reasons.
  • Franchise Variability: Rules differ by club, as Planet Fitness operates on a franchise model.
  • Active Dues: You must clear any unpaid fees before pausing.
  • No Usage: You cannot use Planet Fitness facilities during the pause, including other locations for Black Card members.
  • Contract Terms: If you’re in a 12-month commitment, pausing doesn’t extend the contract length.

Alternatives to Pausing

If pausing isn’t an option or doesn’t suit your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Transfer Membership: Move your membership to another location or person if you’re relocating or unable to use it (see Transfer Membership article).
• Cancel Membership: If you don’t plan to return soon, cancel your membership (may incur a $58 buyout fee if under a 12-month contract).
• Use Guest Privileges: Black Card members can bring a guest, so you could share your membership with a friend temporarily.
• Home Workouts: Explore free online fitness apps or videos during your break to stay active.

FAQs

Can I pause my Planet Fitness membership?

Yes, most Planet Fitness clubs allow you to pause your membership for 1–3 months. Contact your home club to confirm eligibility and any fees ($0–$15).

How do I pause my Planet Fitness membership?

Visit or call your home club, request a pause, provide your membership ID, and complete any required forms. Confirm the pause start date and duration.

Is there a fee to pause a Planet Fitness membership?

Pauses are often free, especially for medical reasons or Black Card members, but some clubs charge $5–$15. Check with your club for specifics.

What happens if I can’t pause my Planet Fitness membership?

If pausing isn’t allowed, you can transfer your membership to another location or person, cancel it (with potential fees), or explore guest privileges for Black Card members.

Wrap-Up

The Planet Fitness Pause Membership option offers a flexible way to take a break without losing your gym plan. With minimal fees and a simple process, it’s easier to manage than premium gym memberships like David Lloyd, which often require longer notice periods. Contact your home club, pause with confidence, and get back to your workouts when life settles down.