Tristan SterlingBy Tristan Sterling

Tips for tanning at Planet Fitness come down to three things: understanding how the tanning beds work, starting with short sessions, and protecting your skin between visits. If you follow the steps below, you can build a steady, even base tan without the burns, streaks and patchy results that catch most first-timers off guard. Some of these steps also apply to any indoor tanning bed, so they are worth keeping even if you change gyms later.

One important note before you start: UV exposure from tanning beds raises your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The American Academy of Dermatology and the World Health Organization both advise against indoor tanning. Treat everything here as harm reduction, and talk with a dermatologist or doctor if you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, moles that have changed, or take medications that increase light sensitivity.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Indoor Cycling vs Outdoor Cycling: Cycling for Fitness Tips (2026).

Step 1: Check Your Membership and the Tanning Rules

Tanning is an add-on at many Planet Fitness locations, so confirm that your club offers it before you plan a visit. Policies can vary by location and by membership level, so ask the front desk or check the club’s listing. Also ask about the local rules for minors, which are set by state law and by the club’s own policy.

Ask staff these questions when you first walk in:

  • Is tanning available at this location, and is it included or an add-on?
  • What is the session length for a first visit?
  • Do they require a skin-type questionnaire or a short orientation?
  • Where are the lotions, eye protection and sanitizing wipes?
  • Can I book a time slot, or is it first-come, first-served?

Step 2: Know Your Skin Type Before You Go In

Your skin type decides how quickly you will burn and how fast you can build color. Dermatologists often use the Fitzpatrick scale, which runs from Type I (always burns, never tans) to Type VI (deeply pigmented, rarely burns). If you are Type I or II, you should be extra cautious, use shorter sessions and consider skipping tanning altogether.

A quick self-check helps. If your skin turns red after 15 to 20 minutes in the sun and rarely browns, you likely burn easily. If you tan after a few sessions of sun exposure without much redness, you probably have more tolerance. Neither result means tanning is safe, but it does tell you how short to keep your first sessions.

Step 3: Prepare Your Skin Before Each Session

Good prep makes the tan look more even and helps you avoid streaks and dryness. Most of the work happens in the 24 hours before you step into the bed.

Prep checklist

  1. Exfoliate the night before or the morning of your session. Use a gentle body scrub, not a harsh one, to remove dead skin cells.
  2. Shave or wax at least 24 hours in advance. Freshly shaved skin can sting and burn more easily.
  3. Moisturize daily with an unscented lotion. Dry skin tans unevenly and can flake.
  4. Skip deodorant, perfume, oil and sunscreen on the day of the session. Some products react with the lamps or leave marks.
  5. Remove all jewelry, and wear your hair up if it touches your shoulders or back.
  6. Clean your skin with soap and water, then dry it fully before you enter the bed.

Watch for medications and reactions

Some antibiotics, acne medications containing retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, and certain antihistamines can make skin more sensitive to light. Check the label or ask your pharmacist before tanning if you take anything regularly.

Step 4: Choose Your Session Length and Frequency

Beginners should start short and build slowly. Many tanning beds use a timer that automatically ends the session, and the bed will often recommend a first-visit time. Follow that time, and do not extend it because you feel you are not getting results. Changes happen over days, not minutes.

Here is a general beginner pattern. It is a conservative example and not a rule, so follow the staff recommendation and your own skin’s response:

Visit Typical approach What to watch for
First session Shortest recommended time, usually 3 to 5 minutes Mild warmth only; no redness
Sessions 2 to 4 Add 1 to 2 minutes if skin shows no redness Stop if the skin feels tight or hot
Ongoing Space sessions at least 24 to 48 hours apart Let skin recover before the next visit

Never tan on consecutive days while you are still building your base. Your skin needs time to recover and produce melanin in a way that looks natural.

Step 5: Use Eye Protection Every Time

Your eyes are more vulnerable to UV than your skin in many ways. Always wear the protective goggles the club provides, and make sure they fit snugly and cover your eyes fully. Keep your eyelids closed during the session. Eye damage from UV exposure can occur without any immediate sensation, so do not skip the goggles even for a short session.

Step 6: Apply Lotion the Right Way

Use a tanning lotion labeled for indoor beds, which usually contains moisturizers and bronzers to help the color develop. Apply a thin, even layer over clean, dry skin. Rub it in fully, paying attention to knees, elbows, ankles and the chest, where color can build up unevenly. Do not apply it right before the session if the bottle says to wait.

Pick lotions with ingredients that match your goals. Look for hydrating formulas if your skin tends to dry out, and products labeled for beginners if you want a gentler start. Avoid anything with heavy fragrance if you have sensitive skin.

Step 7: Recover and Protect Your Skin After Tanning

Recovery is where many first-timers go wrong. Your skin needs moisture after each session, and you need to avoid the sun on top of the bed time.

After-session routine

  • Shower with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap within a few hours.
  • Pat dry gently. Avoid rubbing, which can cause flaking.
  • Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
  • Drink water through the day, since tanning beds can dehydrate you.
  • Avoid direct sun and additional tanning on the same day.
  • Wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors, because the tan is not sun protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the first-visit limit. Going longer does not speed up the tan and greatly raises burn risk.
  • Tanning with dry or freshly shaved skin. This leads to irritation, uneven color and stinging.
  • Using oil or perfume before a session. Oils can heat up the skin unevenly and some fragrances cause reactions.
  • Forgetting the goggles. Eye exposure is a real risk and is easy to prevent.
  • Assuming a tan means you are protected. A tan offers only minimal protection, roughly equal to a low SPF at best.
  • Tanning while on photosensitizing medication. Check with a pharmacist first.
  • Ignoring skin changes. New moles, bleeding spots or persistent sunburn should be checked by a doctor.

Tips for Better Results

  • Keep a simple log of your session times, lotion used and how your skin looked afterward. It helps you find your ideal pace.
  • Hydrate before and after each visit, and eat a balanced meal beforehand so you feel comfortable during the session.
  • If you work out at Planet Fitness, shower after your workout and before tanning to remove sweat and oil.
  • Stop increasing time once you reach a comfortable level. Consistent, moderate sessions look better than long, uneven ones.
  • Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to keep color smooth and prevent patchiness.

A few simple supplies can make your sessions more comfortable and your skin care more effective. Pick products that match your skin type and your club’s guidelines.

  • Fragrance-free body moisturizer: Keeps skin hydrated before and after sessions, which helps prevent flaking. View on Amazon
  • Gentle body exfoliating scrub: Removes dead skin cells the day before, supporting an even tan. View on Amazon
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher: Protects skin when you are outdoors between sessions. View on Amazon
  • Tanning-specific bed lotion: Formulated for indoor beds, with moisturizers and bronzers to develop color evenly. View on Amazon

FAQ

How long should my first tanning session at Planet Fitness be?

Most beginners should start with the shortest time the bed recommends, often around 3 to 5 minutes. Stay at that length for the first few visits and increase only if your skin shows no redness or irritation.

How often can I tan when I am starting out?

Space sessions at least 24 to 48 hours apart so your skin can recover. Many beginners do two or three sessions per week at most, but your skin’s response should guide the schedule.

Do I need to shave before tanning?

Shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before your session is recommended, since freshly shaved skin is more sensitive. Avoid shaving right before a visit.

Can I wear deodorant or lotion from home?

Skip deodorant, perfume and oils on the day of your session. Use only the lotion provided by the club or an approved tanning lotion, and apply it to clean, dry skin.

Do I still need sunscreen if I have a tan?

Yes. A tan provides only minimal protection against sunburn and UV damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you are outside.

Why is my tan patchy or streaky?

Patchiness usually comes from dry skin, leftover deodorant or oils, missed spots during lotion application, or uneven exfoliation. Moisturize consistently, exfoliate gently and rub lotion evenly.

Who should avoid tanning beds completely?

People with very fair skin, a history of skin cancer, many moles, certain medical conditions, or those taking photosensitizing medications should avoid indoor tanning. Ask a dermatologist or doctor for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Good tips for tanning at Planet Fitness start with knowing your skin type, prepping well and keeping sessions short and spaced apart. Protect your eyes, moisturize after every visit and never assume a tan replaces sunscreen. Because indoor tanning carries real health risks, consider these steps a way to reduce harm rather than a guarantee of safety, and check with a doctor if you have concerns.

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Tristan Sterling

About Tristan Sterling

Tristan focuses on practical advice for beginner fitness & weight-loss exercise: what matters before you buy, what to skip, and how to get more out of what you already own.