The Best Time to Sign Up for Planet Fitness: Insider Tips for Max Savings and Best Deals

Let’s be honest: deciding to join a gym is a big step. You’ve overcome the inertia, you’ve mentally prepared for the legendary “Lunk Alarm,” and now you’re ready to commit to your fitness journey. But before you rush down to your local Planet Fitness, there’s one crucial question we need to address: When is the best time to sign up for Planet Fitness?

You might think signing up is just a matter of walking in, swiping your card, and starting your workout. While that’s technically true, if you approach your enrollment strategically, you can save a significant amount of money—sometimes $50 or more—and ensure your initial gym experience is smooth, not frustratingly crowded.

I’ve spent years tracking gym deals and understanding the seasonal rhythms of the fitness industry, and Planet Fitness (PF) operates on a very predictable cycle. We’re going to dive deep into two primary timing factors:

1. The Monetary Factor: When PF offers the deepest discounts on enrollment fees and annual dues.
2. The Practical Factor: When the gym is least crowded, making your actual sign-up and first few workouts stress-free.

Ready to unlock the secrets to securing the ultimate deal and finding the ideal moment to start your “Judgement Free Zone” experience? Let’s get started!

Timing Your Enrollment for Maximum Savings (The Monetary Factor)

When people ask me for the best time to join Planet Fitness, they are almost always looking for the best financial deal. Planet Fitness primarily uses enrollment fee waivers and deeply discounted monthly rates to entice new members. If you miss a major promotional window, you could end up paying $39 for an enrollment fee that literally costs $1 a few weeks later.

The key to saving money is understanding the promotional calendar.

The Golden Months: When Planet Fitness Offers the Deepest Discounts

Planet Fitness, like most major gym chains, times its promotions around predictable seasonal shifts in public motivation. If you want the best possible deal, you need to target these specific enrollment windows.

1. January (New Year, New Me Rush)

This is the undisputed champion of gym enrollment periods. Everyone makes resolutions, and PF capitalizes on this massive surge of motivation.

• What to Expect: The most common and aggressively marketed deal is the $1 Enrollment Fee (or sometimes completely waived enrollment). This is huge because the standard enrollment fee can be up to $39.
• The Caveat: While the enrollment fee is low, this is also the absolute busiest time for crowds. You’ll be sharing the floor with thousands of other motivated (and perhaps temporary) members. However, if pure financial savings are your priority, the first two weeks of January are the best time to sign up for Planet Fitness.

2. May (Pre-Summer/Beach Body Prep)

As the weather warms up, interest in fitness peaks again. People are thinking about summer clothes, vacations, and getting in shape before hitting the beach.

• What to Expect: May often features a strong repeat of the January deals, though sometimes slightly less aggressive. Look for the $10 a month Classic Membership paired with a waived or heavily reduced enrollment fee (often $10 instead of $39).
• Bonus: This period sometimes overlaps with the start of the “Teen Summer Challenge,” meaning there are often deals marketed toward students and families.

3. September (Back-to-School/Post-Summer Reset)

After the summer lull (where many people skip the gym for outdoor activities or vacations), September signals a return to routine.

• What to Expect: This is the third major promotional window, designed to capture people settling back into their work or school schedules. Deals usually mirror May’s structure: low enrollment fees and sometimes special offers targeting local college students or teachers.

If you can hold off until one of these three windows—January, May, or September—you are almost guaranteed to save money on your upfront costs compared to signing up in, say, August or November.

Understanding the Enrollment Fee Waiver (The $1 vs. $39 Dilemma)

Many people confuse the monthly payment with the initial sign-up fee. Let’s clarify how PF structures its initial costs:

1. Monthly Dues: The recurring charge ($10 for Classic, $24.99 for Black Card).
2. Enrollment Fee (Start-up Fee): A one-time fee charged upon joining (usually $1 to $39).
3. Annual Fee (Maintenance Fee): A yearly fee charged once per member, typically on the first day of the second month after you join.

The enrollment fee is the variable cost you want to eliminate. During peak promotional periods (especially January), PF frequently advertises: “Join for $1 down and $10 a month.” This means your enrollment fee is only $1. If you sign up outside of this period, that fee can jump dramatically.

Insider Tip: Always check the Planet Fitness website or app first, even if you plan to sign up in person. Often, the best deals are tied to online sign-ups, and you can lock in the low rate before stepping foot inside.

The Crucial Difference: Monthly Dues vs. Annual Fees

While the monthly dues are fairly fixed ($10 for Classic is standard across the country, though Black Card rates can vary slightly), the annual fee is non-negotiable and unavoidable. It’s the elephant in the room when discussing PF membership costs.

The annual fee (typically around $49 plus tax) is charged exactly once per year. When you are timing your sign-up, you need to consider not just the current month’s deal, but when that annual fee will hit your bank account the following year.

Decoding Planet Fitness’s Annual Fee Schedule

This is arguably the most complex part of the PF membership structure, but understanding it is essential for finding the best time to join Planet Fitness financially.

The Dreaded Annual Fee Explained

Most Planet Fitness locations charge the annual fee on the first day of the second month after you join.

Example Scenario:

• You sign up on January 15th. Your first month’s dues start immediately.
• The “second month” is February.
• Your Annual Fee ($49) will be charged on March 1st.

This structure matters because if you sign up late in a month, you are essentially accelerating the date when that annual fee hits.

The Strategic Sign-Up Window:

If you are signing up during a period when the enrollment fee is low (like January), you want to maximize the time between your sign-up and the annual fee charge.

• Best Strategy: Sign up on the last few days of the month.
  • If you sign up on January 29th: Your second month is February, and your annual fee hits March 1st. You’ve had almost a full month and a half of membership before the big charge.
  • If you sign up on February 1st: Your second month is March, and your annual fee hits April 1st. You get an extra 30 days before the annual fee is due.

While PF memberships are flexible (many locations offer “no commitment” options after the first year), you want to ensure you are ready to use the gym before that annual fee locks you in for another 12 months, or at least before it charges unexpectedly.

Strategic Timing: Avoiding Double Annual Fees

A common mistake new members make is signing up in December, only to be hit with the annual fee in February, and then the next annual fee in February of the following year.

If you are enrolling near the end of the year (November/December), I strongly recommend holding off until the first week of January. You will save on the enrollment fee, and you will push back your first annual fee charge to March 1st, giving you three full months of use before the major charge, compared to potentially only one month if you signed up just before Christmas.

The Best Time to Join Planet Fitness Based on Day of the Week and Time of Day

While the financial deals are crucial, the transactional experience of signing up and the quality of your first workout are just as important for long-term adherence. We need to consider the practical factor: crowds and staff availability.

Weekday Enrollment Advantages

If you are going to enroll in person (which is often preferred if you have complex questions or want a quick tour), timing your visit carefully is key.

• Avoid: Monday and Tuesday evenings (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM). This is when staff are busiest handling active members, and you might wait longer for paperwork.
• Ideal Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mid-morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
  • The gym floor is quiet, so you can get a great tour without dodging people.
  • Staff are less stressed and have more time to walk you through the membership details, explain the Black Card perks, and answer questions about the specific location’s amenities.

Navigating the Crowds: Practical Timing for Your First Workout

Signing up is one thing; enjoying your workout is another. If your first experience involves fighting for a treadmill, you might feel immediate “gym regret.”

Planet Fitness is famous for its low monthly cost, which translates to high membership volume. If you want the least crowded experience, you need to understand peak hours.

The Absolute Busiest Times (Avoid If Possible):

1. Weekday Evenings: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (The post-work rush).
2. Monday/Tuesday: These days are always heavier than mid-week.

The Best Times for Quiet Workouts:

1. Mid-Day Lull: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (If your schedule allows, this is the gym paradise).
2. Late Night: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM (Many PF locations are 24 hours, and overnight workouts are incredibly peaceful).

By signing up during a slow time, you ensure your first interaction with the facility and staff is positive, setting you up for success.

Insider Look: Managing Crowds and Peak Hours (The Practical Factor)

If you have a strict 9-to-5 schedule, avoiding peak hours entirely might be impossible. However, knowing exactly when the crowds hit can help you adjust your routine. This is especially relevant if you plan to use specialized amenities like the Black Card Spa features.

Planet Fitness Weekend Hours and Peak Times

While many PF locations are 24/7 during the week, Planet Fitness weekend hours often vary and can be surprisingly busy.

Most PF locations operate on reduced hours Saturday and Sunday (e.g., 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). Because the window is shorter, the crowds often consolidate.

• Saturday/Sunday Peak: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This is the weekend warrior rush. Everyone who slept in and wants to get their workout done before lunch hits the gym simultaneously.
• Quiet Weekend Times: Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). If you want to use the Black Card massage chairs or hydro-massage beds without a wait, aim for these windows.

Understanding the planet fitness weekend hours helps you plan your weekly routine effectively, maximizing your $10 or $25 investment.

The ‘Judgement Free Zone’ vs. Reality: When Is It Truly Empty?

The core promise of Planet Fitness is the “Judgement Free Zone.” This is great, but even in a non-intimidating environment, waiting for equipment can be frustrating.

If your goal is to use the heavy cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals), you’ll find the heaviest queues during the evening rush.

If your goal is strength training (the 30-minute circuit or free weights), those areas also see heavy use in the evenings.

The truly empty hours are late morning (11 AM) and overnight. If you are serious about consistent, quick access to all machines, you need to align your workout schedule with these non-traditional gym times.

Membership Options: Classic vs. Black Card (Which Deal is Best for You?)

When you decide it’s the best time to sign up for Planet Fitness, you also need to decide which membership to sign up for. Your choice impacts your monthly cost, your annual fee, and the value you extract from the gym.

The Classic Membership ($10/Month)

The Classic membership is the core offering and the reason PF is famous.

• Cost: $10 per month (plus tax).
• Perks: Unlimited access to your home location, free fitness training sessions, and access to basic cardio/strength equipment.
• Commitment: Often low commitment (cancel anytime, though some locations require a 12-month commitment period depending on the initial promotion).

This is perfect if you only plan to use one gym, live close by, and are primarily focused on basic workouts.

The Black Card Membership ($24.99/Month)

The Black Card is where the true value lies for many consistent gym-goers, but it costs more than double the Classic rate.

• Cost: ~$24.99 per month (plus tax).
• Perks:
  • Access to any Planet Fitness location worldwide.
  • Ability to bring one guest for free every visit.
  • Access to the Black Card Spa (massage chairs, hydro-massage, tanning beds).
  • 50% off select cooler drinks.
  • Use of total body enhancement booths.

Assessing Your Needs: When the Black Card Pays Off

The financial math for the Black Card often makes it the better choice, even though it costs more.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you travel, even occasionally? If you use PF even once a month in a different city, the Black Card is worth it.
2. Do you have a workout buddy? If you bring a guest (spouse, friend, sibling) even once a week, the Black Card effectively splits the cost, making it cheaper per person than two Classic memberships.
3. Do you plan to use the amenities? If you pay $10 for a tanning session or a massage elsewhere, the Black Card pays for itself instantly.

When considering the best time to join Planet Fitness, look for promotions that reduce the initial sign-up fee for the Black Card specifically. While the $10 Classic membership often gets the $1 enrollment fee deal, sometimes the Black Card enrollment fee is only $10 during the prime promotional months, saving you nearly $30 upfront.

Commitment Levels and Cancellation Policies

Planet Fitness prides itself on being low-pressure. However, when you sign up, pay close attention to the term of the agreement.

• No Commitment: This allows you to cancel at any time, usually for a small cancellation fee (around $58).
• 12-Month Commitment: This locks you in for a year and is often associated with the deepest initial enrollment discounts. If you cancel early, you pay a substantial fee.

If you are unsure about sticking with the gym, choose a membership advertised as “no commitment,” even if the initial sign-up fee is slightly higher. Flexibility is worth the small extra cost if your commitment level is uncertain.

Final Decision Checklist: Are You Ready to Sign Up?

We’ve covered the financial deals and the practical timing. Now, let’s combine them to determine your absolute optimal sign-up strategy.

The Absolute Best Time to Sign Up for Planet Fitness (The Summary Recommendation)

If you are seeking the maximum savings and the best overall deal, here is the golden enrollment window:

The First Week of January, specifically January 1st–7th.

• Why: You get the widely advertised $1 Enrollment Fee. This is the biggest upfront saving.
• Strategy: Sign up online to lock in the deal instantly. Then, wait a few days, and visit the gym during a slow weekday morning (10 AM–2 PM) for your orientation and key tag pickup. This avoids the chaotic signing rush while securing the best price.

If you miss January, the next best timing is the last week of May.

Step-by-Step Enrollment Action Plan

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth, cost-effective sign-up process:

1. Monitor the Website: Start checking the Planet Fitness website around mid-December, mid-April, and mid-August. Look specifically for the $1 Enrollment Fee offer.
2. Choose Your Membership: Decide if the Classic ($10) or Black Card ($24.99) better suits your needs, factoring in guests and amenities.
3. Time the Day: Execute the sign-up transaction online during the promotional window.
4. Time Your Visit: If you need to complete paperwork or get your key tag, visit the location between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on a Wednesday or Thursday.
5. Review the Fees: Double-check the contract to confirm when your annual fee ($49) will be charged the following year (it should be the first of the second month after joining).
6. Plan Your First Workout: To avoid early frustration, plan your first few workouts during non-peak hours (before 5 PM on weekdays or after 4 PM on weekends, knowing the planet fitness weekend hours can be limited).

This strategic approach turns a potentially expensive and frustrating experience into a seamless, money-saving start to your fitness journey.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait, but Wait Smartly

I know the urge to start immediately when motivation strikes is strong. But taking a few days or weeks to wait for the ideal promotional window can save you enough money to cover several months of membership dues.

The best time to sign up for Planet Fitness is when the deals are hot and the crowds are low. By targeting the promotional months (January, May, September) and signing up during the slowest possible time of day, you optimize both your wallet and your experience.

Remember, the goal is consistency. By securing the cheapest possible entry point and ensuring your initial visits are comfortable and uncrowded, you set yourself up for long-term success in the Judgement Free Zone. Good luck with your workouts—I hope to see you during the quiet mid-day lull!