Planet Fitness will require members and guests to wear masks in clubs at all times.


Planet Fitness, one of the nation’s largest gym franchises, announced Monday that members and visitors training at its clubs will be required to wear masks beginning August 1.

Gyms are open in most U.S. states, but the surge in coronavirus cases in the country starting in June has been linked to increased interest in going to restaurants, bars, and gyms in May, it reported. Reuters.

An email to members of Planet Fitness, which has more than 2,000 locations, said the chain has “improved our existing cleaning policies and procedures,” but wanted to employ additional methods to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“Beginning August 1, all Planet Fitness members (you!) And guests must wear a mask within our clubs, at all times,” the email said. “This added safety precaution also helps us stay open to serve you and keep you healthy and on the go!”

Planet Fitness employees must also wear masks, and have done so since the clubs began reopening, Planet Fitness policies say. Members and guests who forget a mask will receive one.

Anyone with a medical exemption that prohibits them from wearing a mask or does not want to wear a mask will be able to freeze their membership until the masks are no longer a requirement in clubs, according to Planet Fitness.