Man Goes To Planet Fitness. Then He’s Shocked To Discover They Got Rid Of Their Lunk Alarm—Is It A Sign Of Things To Come?

Planet Fitness‘s infamous “lunk alarm” has been part of the chain’s identity for years, warning gym-goers against grunting, dropping weights, and other intimidating behavior. But one member recently noticed something surprising at his location: the alarm was gone.

TikTok user Jake Poskitt (@jprulesbaby) says the fixture had been removed from his local Planet Fitness gym, prompting him to wonder whether the chain is quietly phasing out one of its most recognizable (and controversial) features. And he’s not the only member who has noticed the change.

“All right guys. I’m at Planet Fitness right now and I wanna show you guys something,” he says. Next, he flips his camera around to show off the gym’s interior, which is directed to a bare area. Previously, Poskitt said this designated spot in the facility is where the lunk alarm was stationed. “They got rid of the lunk alarm,” he says, before speaking directly into the camera again. “Now I know Planet Fitness is starting to phase out their lunk alarms. Because they’re changing their business model. But man, who would have thought this?”

What Is The Planet Fitness ‘Lunk Alarm’?

The health club chain distinguished itself from the competition by marketing itself as an alternative gym. It didn’t promote itself as a destination for those who wanted to carve out rock-hard physiques through blood, sweat, and tears. In fact, the only time it ever featured jacked, low body fat percentage people in its ads was to ridicule them. Instead, Planet Fitness focused on offering customers an accessible and less intimidating gym atmosphere.

Its target demographics weren’t people looking to strut on a summer boardwalk like a shirtless seagull. But rather, folks who wanted to approach healthier living less extremely. And in order to drive this fact home, the establishment installed “lunk alarms” in their facilities.

These fixtures are literal sirens that reverberate throughout the gym whenever a subset of specific no-nos are engaged in by a member or guest.

What Sets Off The Planet Fitness Lunk Alarm?

As the name intones, anything that’s classified as “lunk” behavior will make Planet Fitness sound like a tornado warning zone. Let’s say you grunt while pushing up a heavy weight at the gym. That’s considered threatening to other guests, who don’t want to hear you breathing heavily while you work out. The lunk warning will then sound off. Throw your weights on the floor? That’s another way to trigger the lunk alarm. If you’re feeling yourself after getting a big pump and flex in the mirror? You may be covering your ears soon after to drown the sound of the lunk alarm out.

In essence, any behavior or attitude deemed inconsiderate or judgmental of other guests will activate the lunk alarm. The staple of Planet Fitness gyms is a symbolic, physical representation of its “judgment-free zone.”

But there are some folks who believe the presence of these alarms is inherently controversial and hypocritical. After all, if the gym franchise is indeed committed to not judging its visitors, then why judge folks for going hard while working out? Or those who like to wear spaghetti string tank tops as they try to rep out 315 pounds on the bench press?

Why The Lunk Alarm Is So Controversial

Some gym-goers have filmed themselves intentionally setting off the lunk alarm, like YouTuber Nathan Jaworski. In one video, he highlighted how triggering the alarm became an internet meme. Additionally, he documented other instances of lunk alarm hate, such as a 2006 incident where a member of the gym set off the lunk alarm and was not only asked to leave the gym, but had his membership cancelled.

But there were some purported instances where gym-goers didn’t exactly engage in lunk behavior and still set off the lunk warning. Like this content creator’s dad, who busted out a few dumbbell bicep curls at the gym. After gently setting the weights down, the alarm resounded throughout the Planet Fitness gym, eliciting a grimace from the man.

And then there were folks who filmed themselves trying to engage the lunk alarm by intentionally breaking gym etiquette. This Planet Fitness guest is shown deliberately slamming down the weights on a Smith machine. “Me trying to get the alarm to go off,” he writes in a text overlay of the clip. His attempt is successful, because mere seconds after dropping the barbell, a familiar whine echoes throughout the gym.

Is Planet Fitness Getting Rid Of The Lunk Alarm?

Poskitt isn’t the only Planet Fitness guest who’s noticed the lunk alarm’s going the way of Crystal Pepsi. According to Well Fit Insider, as of 2025, “its usage is declining.” The outlet writes that “some new gyms no longer install it and several older locations are removing or rarely using it.” It’s a move the website states is rooted in fostering greater inclusivity of its guests.

And as for gyms that are still outfitted with the alarm, it takes a heck of a lot more to sound it off. Well Fit Insider says that only “extreme cases, such as loud shouting or repeated weight-dropping,” spark the alarm. Additionally, guests will receive a pair of verbal warnings from staff members before the lunk cry goes out.

‘I’m Rather Glad They Got Rid Of It’

In early 2026, this Reddit user posted to the site’s r/PlanetFitnessMembers sub about the lunk alarm. According to them, after the Planet Fitness gym they attend underwent a remodel, they noticed the alarm was omitted, which they found to be a relief. They discussed how previously, when someone else in the gym would set it off, they would feel embarrassed. They’d stop whatever workout they were doing so others in the gym didn’t think they were the accused lunk. Which again, speaks to how counterproductive the alarm is when it comes to making visitors feel judged.

So why did Planet Fitness give up on the lunk alarm? Was it due to customer feedback? Or was management tired of folks heading into the gym to purposely set it off and film the aftermath for online content? BroBible has reached out to Planet Fitness via email and Poskitt via TikTok direct message for further comment.