How Planet Fitness' Changing-Room Policy Compares to Other Gyms'

A Planet Fitness gym in the Columbia Mall on July 24, 2017 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The gym chain is being boycotted by conservatives over its transgender locker room policy.

Planet Fitness is the latest company to face a conservative boycott, with the gym chain receiving backlash over its changing-room policy.

In March, Planet Fitness sparked cancellation calls after it revoked the membership of Patricia Silva, who photographed a fellow gymgoer without her consent.

The other member, a trans woman, was shaving in the women’s locker room, and Silva complained to Planet Fitness employees about her presence in the room.

A representative for Planet Fitness told the press that Silva’s actions violated its “judgment-free” rules.

Between March 14 and March 19, the fitness firm’s market value decreased from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion, but how does the company’s changing-room policy compare to the policies at other major gym chains?

For many chains, the rules appear to vary by location. While one branch may be praised in LGBTQ+ forums for its inclusivity, another may be facing a discrimination lawsuit.

Here are some of the most popular gym chains’ policies on locker rooms and gender identity.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness does not discriminate against transgender individuals, allowing them to use the locker room that corresponds with their gender identity.

“Members and team members will be treated according to their self-reported gender identity,” the policy on the gym’s website says.

The only exception is if staff have “serious concern or significant doubt about the bona fides of a person’s transgender or nonbinary status.”

“If it is confirmed that a member is acting in bad faith and improperly asserts a gender identity, they may be asked to leave and their membership may be terminated,” the policy continues.

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym’s rules on locker rooms and transgender individuals are unclear.

The chain’s diversity, equity and inclusion page says people of “any color, race, religion and orientation are always welcome,” but it does not mention gender identity.

The employment section, however, does include gender identity among a list of characteristics, saying, “All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran, martial or disability status.”

YMCA

YMCA gyms allow transgender individuals to choose the locker room that matches their gender identity, while also giving them the option to use private facilities.

However, as both employers and places of public accommodation, YMCAs must comply with local rules and regulations, meaning the specifics may vary by location.

Crunch Fitness

Under Crunch Fitness’ “no judgments” policy, the company’s website says, there is “room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender or fitness level.” However, the website does not go into specifics.

While the FAQs section details clothing rules, equipment etiquette and what toiletries to bring to the locker room, it does not say whether transgender people can use the changing space aligned with their gender identity.

24 Hour Fitness

According to 24 Hour Fitness’ Equal Opportunity Policy, transgender individuals have “full and equal access” to facilities, which means they can use the locker room that corresponds with their gender identity.

“Each member should determine the most appropriate option for her/him/themself,” the policy says, while anyone requesting additional privacy will be given “access to a single-person facility, when available.”

Related Articles

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial