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    Planet Fitness
    Health and Fitness

    Planet Fitness

    United States flagUnited States

    "The Fitness Club That Fits"

    Founded 1992 Hampton, New Hampshire CEO: Colleen Keating
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    About

    Planet Fitness started back in 1992, with brothers Michael and Marc Grondahl and a partner, Chris Rondeau. They actually took over a struggling Gold's Gym franchise in Dover, New Hampshire, and decided to rebrand it. Then, in 2002, Rick Berks, who had his own Planet Fitness gym, sold them the rights to the name. It's been a fascinating journey from that single location to the massive chain it is today.

    What really sets Planet Fitness apart is their whole "Judgement Free Zone" philosophy. It's all about making a gym feel welcoming, not intimidating, for absolutely everyone, no matter their fitness level. They offer a good range of cardio and strength equipment, plus free group fitness classes through their PE@PF program. Their main income comes from memberships, but they also sell some merchandise and, in some places, even meals and drinks.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Fitness club membershipsCardio equipmentWeight training equipmentCircuit training equipmentPE@PF group fitness classesPF App

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who founded Planet Fitness?
    Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 by brothers Michael and Marc Grondahl, along with Chris Rondeau. Rick Berks was instrumental in selling the rights to the Planet Fitness name to them in 2002.
    What is Planet Fitness's business model?
    Planet Fitness operates on a high-volume, low-price model, aiming to attract a wide audience by offering affordable memberships in a non-intimidating environment. This model targets individuals who might be put off by traditional, more intense fitness clubs.
    Who are Planet Fitness's main competitors?
    Key competitors include large gym chains like Life Time, LA Fitness, and Crunch Fitness. They also face competition from specialized boutique fitness franchise companies such as Xponential Fitness and Orange Theory.
    How many Planet Fitness locations are there globally?
    As of 2025, Planet Fitness operates approximately 2,715 clubs across North America, Central America, Spain, and Australia, making it one of the largest fitness club franchises worldwide.
    What is the 'Judgement Free Zone' at Planet Fitness?
    The 'Judgement Free Zone' is Planet Fitness's core philosophy, designed to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere where members of all fitness levels are not judged for their workout habits or intensity.

    Keywords

    fitnessgymhealthworkoutfranchiselow-pricejudgement freeaccessible fitness

    Sources

    Company Info

    Founded
    1992
    Founder
    Michael Grondahl, Marc Grondahl, Chris Rondeau, Rick Berks (name rights)
    CEO
    Colleen Keating
    Headquarters
    Hampton, New Hampshire
    Industry
    Health and Fitness
    Parent Company
    Planet Fitness, Inc.
    Revenue
    1.18 billion USD (2024)
    Publicly Traded
    NYSE: PLNT
    Market Capitalization
    $5.06 billion (Q1 CY2026)
    Operating Income
    $324 million (2024)
    Net Income
    $174 million (2024)
    Membership Growth
    21.9% year-on-year revenue increase (Q1 CY2026)
    Digital Engagement
    PF App used by over 60% of members (2024)

    Official Website

    www.planetfitness.com

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