‘Legit The Only Reason I Have My Crunch Membership’: Man Goes To Planet Fitness. Then He Sees What They Have Now

Planet Fitness is one of the most established gym brands in the U.S. But with these new facilities, it looks like the chain is moving up in the world.

From A/C outages to its lunk alarms, Planet Fitness has been the source of a lot of contention online. Still, with these new additions, gym-goers may have nicer things to say about the brand for a change.

In a viral TikTok that’s amassed 291,000 views, TikToker Josh (@dr_josh98) sat in his car as he shared details of his recent trip to a new branch of the gym.

“Planet Fitness is going absolutely crazy,” he says in the clip. “I just walked into a new Planet Fitness—my first time there—they have a sauna and a cold plunge.” He then pulled a face in what seemed to be a moment of disbelief.

In the video description, he added, “I think I missed a few chapters.”

BroBible reached out to the TikToker via email.

‘Taking Over’

Commenters were split.

“They’ve been stepping their game up,” one commented. “Free weight benches at mine.”

“They’re absolutely taking over,” a second added. “I traveled a lot this summer, for me, and there were planet fitness’s everywhere AND they all were incredibly well equipped. Free weights, squat racks, stairmills etc.”

A third said, “Sauna would change the game!! But a cold plunge too!?”

A fourth declared, “So glad I never gave up hope on them.”

Meanwhile, a fourth remarked, “Its going to be disgusting. People sitting there with sneaker on or socks on they just worked out on, people working out in there. People don’t shower to get into those. No thanks.”

And a fifth quipped, “Meanwhile, my Planet Fitness just smells like sweat and chlorine.”

Along with these comments, the official Planet Fitness account commented, too. It wrote, “We got it like that.”

What Did Planet Fitness Say?

In an email statement to BroBible, a spokesperson for Planet Fitness said, “Select Planet Fitness clubs will be offering new Black Card Spa® amenities, offering members the opportunity to experience exclusive wellness and recovery options as it continues to enhance its member experience. With the PF Black Card® starting at just $24.99 a month, members can visit any of the 2,900+ Planet Fitness locations worldwide, bring a guest for free, and have access to the Black Card Spa to focus on rest and recovery.”

“Planet Fitness is committed to providing a high-value member experience at an accessible price point where all members can reach their health and wellness goals. These new amenities include the Red Light Sauna, LED Red Light Booth, Polar Dry Plunge, Percussion Massager and Skin Hydration & Spray Tan Booth.”

What Are The Health Benefits Of Red Light Saunas And Cold Plunges?

Based on other TikToks, it looks like Planet Fitness is adding red light saunas specifically. Unlike regular saunas, red light—or infrared—saunas concentrate the heat directly onto your skin. Usually, according to the Cleveland Clinic, their temperatures range from 110 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Among other things, it helps to improve your heart health, soothe muscle soreness, relive chronic pain, and improve your sleep. Cleveland Clinic also cites a study where it suggested that the treatment can help treat stress, anxiety, and depression.

As for cold plunges, the clue is in the name. The treatment involves submerging yourself in cold water, usually at a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. As Mayo Clinic points out, you ease into cold plunges gradually. You begin with 30 seconds to a minute and then work your way up to 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

Mayo Clinic also reports that research has found that cold plunges can help mitigate against muscle damage related to exercising. As the website points out, if there is less damage, that means there is less inflammation. In turn, there should be less muscle soreness, which ensures that you’re kept fighting fit and ready to go the next day with minimal physical consequences.