Does Planet Fitness Have Showers? Everything I Wish I’d Known Before My First Visit

Does Planet Fitness Have Showers? Everything I Wish I'd Known Before My First Visit

Does Planet Fitness Have Showers? Yes, Planet Fitness does have showers.

Most locations include basic shower facilities in their locker rooms, available to all members regardless of membership tier.

The showers are functional and clean, though they are generally no-frills — don’t expect luxury spa amenities.

Towels are not provided, so members should bring their own along with personal toiletries like shampoo and body wash.

Some locations may also offer changing areas and lockers for storing belongings during your workout.

Shower availability and cleanliness can vary by location, so it’s worth checking your specific club if that’s an important factor in your membership decision.

Quick Table

FeatureDetails
Showers AvailableYes, at most locations
Who Can UseAll members (Classic & Black Card)
Towels ProvidedNo — bring your own
Toiletries ProvidedNo — bring your own
Locker RoomsYes, included
Lockers AvailableYes (bring a lock)
Amenity LevelBasic/functional, not luxury
Varies by LocationYes — check your local club

Does Planet Fitness Have Showers?

ssion with nothing but my sneakers and a water bottle. No towel. No extra clothes. No plan. It went about as well as you’d expect.

Here’s the thing — I had just signed up on a whim after driving past one of those bright purple signs offering a $10/month membership.

I figured I’d pop in for a quick workout on my lunch break, freshen up, and head straight back to the office. Totally reasonable, right?

Well, I walked out of that gym drenched, with no idea what was actually available in the locker rooms, and spent the rest of the afternoon in a very awkward Zoom meeting.

So if you’re reading this before your first visit — good. You’re already smarter than I was.

Let me break down everything you need to know about showers at Planet Fitness, from what’s actually there to what you should bring.

Yes, Planet Fitness Does Have Showers

The short answer is yes — most Planet Fitness locations have showers available for members to use. They’re located in the locker rooms, which are separated by gender (or sometimes have private changing options depending on the location).

But here’s where a lot of first-timers get tripped up: the experience isn’t exactly like a hotel bathroom, and it definitely varies from location to location. Some gyms are newer with spotless, private shower stalls.

Others are older facilities where the showers are more basic — think community shower vibes from your high school gym days.

“The showers exist, but you have to come prepared. Planet Fitness doesn’t hand you a spa kit at the door. This is a $10-a-month gym — not a boutique fitness studio.”

I learned this lesson slowly over the first few weeks. But once I figured out the setup and started bringing the right stuff, the showers became genuinely useful — especially on those days I go before work.

What the Showers Are Actually Like

Based on my own experience across a few different Planet Fitness locations, here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Private shower stalls — Most locations have individual stalls with a curtain or door. You’re not showering in an open communal space, which is a relief.
  • Hot water — In my experience, the water temperature is consistently fine. No ice-cold surprises (most of the time).
  • Basic hooks and a small ledge — There’s usually somewhere to hang your towel and set your stuff, though it’s minimal.
  • Changing areas nearby — Lockers and benches are in the same room, so the flow from workout → shower → change is straightforward.
  • No toiletries provided — This is the big one. Planet Fitness does not provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, or body wash. You need to bring your own, every single time.
  • No towels — They also don’t provide towels. Bring your own. Yes, really.

That last two points are where most people get caught off guard.

It seems obvious in hindsight, but when you’re used to hotel gyms or higher-end fitness clubs that stock towels and little shampoo bottles, it’s an easy assumption to get wrong.

The Classic Mistake: Showing Up Unprepared

After my first embarrassing experience, I asked around in a few fitness forums and honestly — everyone had a version of the same story.

Someone showed up without a towel, someone had to air-dry in the locker room, someone’s coworker could tell they’d worked out at lunch.

The most common mistakes I’ve seen (and made) are:

 Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming Planet Fitness provides towels (they don’t — unless your location sells them at the desk)
  • Forgetting flip flops or shower shoes — the floors can get wet and slippery
  • Not bringing a change of clothes, assuming you’ll just “dry off and go”
  • Skipping a lock for your locker, especially when your phone and wallet are inside
  • Going during peak hours when the showers are crowded (usually 5–7pm on weekdays)

What to Pack: My Go-To Gym Bag Checklist

After a few trial-and-error visits, I put together a simple bag setup that lives in my car trunk. This has saved me more times than I can count.

  1. A compact microfiber towel — These dry faster than regular towels and take up way less space. I grabbed one from Amazon for around $12 and it’s been a game changer. The brand doesn’t really matter; just look for “quick-dry gym towel.”
  2. Travel-size toiletries — I keep a small ziplock with 3-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash (yes, I know it’s not ideal for hair care, but it’s efficient), a bar of soap in a small case, and deodorant.
  3. Shower shoes / flip flops — Any cheap pair works. Old Navy flip flops, Amazon basics, whatever. You just don’t want to go barefoot on gym shower floors.
  4. A full change of clothes — Socks, underwear, the works. Bring everything. Future you will be grateful.
  5. A small padlock — Planet Fitness has lockers but they typically don’t come with locks. A combination lock is cheap and gives you peace of mind while you’re in the shower.
  6. Dry shampoo (optional but clutch) — If you’re short on time or just did a light workout, dry shampoo can save the day without a full shower. Batiste is my go-to.

Honestly, once you get this bag packed and ready, the whole shower situation at Planet Fitness becomes a non-issue. It takes maybe five minutes to get in and out if you’re efficient.

Do All Planet Fitness Locations Have Showers?

The vast majority of Planet Fitness locations do have showers — but “almost all” isn’t “all.”

There are a small number of older or smaller locations that either have very limited shower facilities or where the amenities are being renovated.

The safest move? Check before you go. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Planet Fitness app (available on iOS and Android) and navigate to your specific club’s page. Amenities are usually listed there.
  2. Call the front desk directly. I know calling feels old-fashioned, but the staff can tell you in 30 seconds whether the showers are working and how busy the locker rooms are at the time you plan to go.
  3. Check Google Maps reviews for your location. Other members often mention shower availability or cleanliness in their reviews.

In my experience, the staff at Planet Fitness are generally pretty chill and helpful about these questions. It’s not like you’re asking them to reveal classified information — just whether there’s hot water.

The Black Card Membership and Showers

Planet Fitness has two main membership tiers: the Classic membership (around $10/month) and the Black Card membership (usually around $25/month). The showers are available to both tiers — you don’t need to upgrade just to use them.

However, the Black Card membership does include a few extra perks that are worth knowing about:

  • Access to any Planet Fitness location, not just your home club — useful if you travel frequently
  • Use of tanning beds (at locations that have them)
  • Access to massage chairs for post-workout recovery
  • One free guest per visit

If you’re someone who travels a lot and wants to be able to shower at different locations, the Black Card makes that easy since you can walk into any Planet Fitness nationwide.

For a regular commuter who just wants to freshen up after a lunchtime or morning workout, the Classic membership gets the job done fine.

Shower Cleanliness: The Real Talk

I want to be straight with you here because some review sites sugarcoat this: the cleanliness of the showers depends almost entirely on the specific location and how well the staff maintains them.


I’ve been to Planet Fitness locations where the showers were genuinely clean, well-lit, and the tiles were spotless.

I’ve also been to one location (briefly, and I never went back) where I made my judgment call at the door and decided I’d rather just drive home.

A few signs that a location maintains its facilities well:

  • The front area is clean and well-organized
  • Equipment is wiped down and there are cleaning stations around the gym floor
  • Staff are present and visibly doing walk-throughs
  • Google reviews specifically mention clean locker rooms

Shower shoes are non-negotiable regardless of how clean a gym looks. This is just good practice at any gym — not just Planet Fitness.

FAQ’s

Are showers available at every Planet Fitness location?

Most locations have showers, but amenities can vary slightly. It’s best to call or visit your local club to confirm.

Do I need a Black Card membership to use the showers?

No. Showers are available to all members, including those on the basic Classic membership plan.

What should I bring for a shower at Planet Fitness?

Pack a towel, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and flip-flops. The facilities are clean but basic, so come prepared.

Are the showers private or open?

Most Planet Fitness locations offer individual shower stalls with curtains, providing reasonable privacy for members.

Are the showers clean and well-maintained?

Generally yes — Planet Fitness staff clean facilities regularly. However, cleanliness can vary by location and time of day.

Conclusion

Having access to showers at the gym is a game-changer for many members, and Planet Fitness delivers on this front.

Whether you’re squeezing in a workout during a lunch break, heading straight to work after an early morning session, or simply prefer freshening up before leaving the facility, the shower amenities at Planet Fitness make that entirely possible.

While the showers won’t win any awards for luxury, they are functional, reasonably private, and consistently maintained across most locations.

All members — regardless of whether they hold a Classic or Black Card membership — can take advantage of this convenient facility at no extra charge.

The key to a smooth post-workout shower experience is preparation. Bringing your own towel, toiletries, and a pair of flip-flops ensures you’re fully equipped and comfortable.

A small gym bag packed with essentials can make the whole routine seamless and efficient.

For anyone evaluating Planet Fitness as their gym home, the availability of showers adds real everyday value to an already affordable membership.

It’s one more reason why Planet Fitness remains a top choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts looking for a clean, welcoming, and well-equipped workout environment without the hefty price tag of premium gyms.

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