Planet Fitness Boycott Cancellations: What to Know

Ever thought about what causes a big fuss where people cancel their Planet Fitness memberships nationwide? Wondered how a simple gym sign-up could turn into a big fight over what’s right? Let’s dig into that.

Planet Fitness was caught up in some big controversies recently. These issues made a lot of members think twice about staying. They were under so much fire that the company’s founder called the situation “devastating.” He also said they lost a lot of people’s respect.

Their view on transgender rights in the locker rooms caused a lot of trouble. It all started when someone got upset about a transgender woman using the women’s locker room. This led to the person getting banned and a lot of people getting angry, not just at the gym.

The company took a hit where it hurts – in the money. From March 14 to 19, 2021, their worth went from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion¹. This drop was likely because of all the negative attention. People were looking up how to ditch their Planet Fitness memberships.

The bad news hits more than just their bank account. Searches for “how to cancel Planet Fitness membership on app” shot up 2,800%. This made it a major search topic on Google².

Can a gym pull through losing so much support and trust? This is a big question now. We’ll explore how these boycotts make it hard for members to leave. And we’ll see how these events changed what people think about Planet Fitness.

Background of Planet Fitness Controversies

Planet Fitness has faced several controversies, especially its stand on gender identity and abuse claims. With 18.7 million members worldwide in 2,575 gyms, its policies are in the spotlight³.

Transgender Bathroom Policy Controversy

Their policy on transgender bathroom use has both supporters and critics. After a 15-year-old girl’s complaint in Monroe, Georgia, and the subsequent arrest of Jakorbie Dixon, people online demanded a boycott⁴. This story went viral.

Furthermore, Patricia Silva from Alaska faced a similar issue, leading to her membership cancellation for videoing in the locker room. Her video gained 10 million views, sparking more outrage⁵. These events fueled a wider discussion on the company’s stand on transgender bathroom use.

Internal Allegations of Abuse

Abuse allegations within Planet Fitness have garnered attention. Founder Michael Grondahl shared concerns after a private firm acquired it in 2012. He pointed out that abuse stemmed from the company’s top levels³. An officer, later charged with offenses like mistreating minors, further damaged the company’s reputation³.

Grondahl’s comments highlighted a worrying trend in how the company deals with internal problems. Concerns include handling mistreatment cases and revealing accurate financial and membership data³. The ongoing controversies, including both policy and abuse allegations, present a negative view of the famous gym network.

Planet Fitness Contract Cancellation Policy

The Planet Fitness contract cancellation policy is a hot topic. It’s getting lots of attention from members and the public. They are questioning their rights in gym contracts because of its strict rules.

In-Person Cancellation Requirement

Many people don’t like that you can only cancel at Planet Fitness in person or by sending a letter. This letter needs to have a good reason for canceling. You can’t cancel online, by phone, or through an app. This rule is causing problems for customers, as seen in January 2023 reports.

Documenting a Verified Reason

Additionally, canceling requires a good reason. People are sharing their struggles online. They say they had to close bank accounts or change how they pay to stop extra charges. Even if they don’t go to the gym, some still face these fees⁶. Planet Fitness says quite a few of those who leave come back. This suggests they might have had a good experience after they left⁶. Knowing your rights can help you handle these issues better.

Challenges in Cancelling Planet Fitness Memberships

Terminating Planet Fitness subscriptions has been a big challenge for members. They face issues with online and app methods for canceling. This has caused a lot of frustration and complaints.

Online and App-Based Cancellation Restrictions

Planet Fitness makes it hard to cancel online or through the app. Because of this, many people are searching for different ways to cancel, like looking up how to do it in the app. As a result, there’s a lot of anger online from users⁷.

User Experiences and Complaints

Many users have had a tough time canceling their memberships. They find it hard to get through to customer service and get confirmation. This situation worsened after a situation that caused a lot of people to want to cancel all at once. As a result, lots of people are trying to cancel now, leading to more problems and discontent⁸⁷.

Impact of Boycotts on Planet Fitness

Lately, people are talking a lot about boycotts against Planet Fitness. These actions and claims of abuse have hit the company’s reputation hard. The founder, Mike Grondahl, has spoken up about these problems.

Statements from Founder Mike Grondahl

Mike Grondahl is looking at the financial side of these boycotts. He’s very concerned about a big lawsuit against the company. This case has highlighted operational difficulties they’re facing. Grondahl has also criticized how the company reports its finances and membership numbers. This has stirred even more controversy and hurt the company’s image.

Financial Implications and Membership Trends

The financial impact of these boycotts is clear. For example, from March 14 to March 19, the company’s value dropped from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion. This means they lost $400 million in value⁹. Their stock also fell by 11.37%⁹.

During the boycotts, people were searching online for different gyms. Many were also canceling their memberships. Yet, it’s important to know that we can’t prove the drop in value was because of the boycotts against the gym’s policies¹⁰.

The reactions in memberships have been just as worrying. The boycotts caused fewer people to go to Planet Fitness locations¹¹. This showed that people were choosing other gyms.

However, some customers did come back after the boycott¹¹. This has led to changing trends in membership. People are adjusting as these issues continue.

Planet Fitness Boycott Cancellations

Planet Fitness faced a big challenge due to recent issues. It started with Patricia Silva’s experience at a Fairbanks, Alaska branch. The hashtag #BoycottPlanetFitness spread quickly, drawing support online¹². In just five days, the company lost $400 million in value¹². Mike Grondahl, the CEO, said the brand had been greatly harmed by this¹³. Stock prices also dropped 23% after being accused of illegal practices¹³.

Libs of TikTok helped the boycott by posting a video about Silva that got 10 million views¹². The debate mainly concerns the use of locker rooms at Planet Fitness. Their policy lets people use the locker room that fits their gender, which upset some women¹³. Although it was said that a transgender woman was involved, there’s no proof of this¹². Silva’s membership was canceled for taking photos inside, which made things worse¹².

There was also a scandal about financial reports not being accurate. This led to the accusation of the company operating illegally¹³. The issue of legality seemed serious enough to lower the company’s valuation, causing concern¹⁴. This case is similar to a famous Bud Light boycott that caused a big loss in the market¹⁴.

Planet Fitness’ strict policies and termination processes have brought them a lot of attention. Many are now questioning the health club industry’s practices¹³. This ongoing situation might affect the company’s globally, which has nearly 19 million members in over 2,500 locations. CEO Mike Grondahl highlighted issues with the company’s financial reporting, which added to the controversy¹³.

To learn more about Patricia Silva’s situation, check out this link. And if you want to see how it affected the company’s stock, click this link. The health club industry must handle these issues well to regain trust and ensure accountability in the future.

Conclusion

Planet Fitness has faced many challenges, like the bathroom policy and abuse claims. These issues have made customers frustrated, especially because canceling memberships is hard. You often need to go in person or write a lot to quit¹⁵. More people have tried to cancel their Planet Fitness memberships online, showing that this problem is widely felt¹⁵.

Mike Grondahl, the past CEO, is worried about the company’s new direction. He thinks these problems are ruining the good name it once had¹⁶. The company’s stock price is showing signs of worry from investors. With boycotts and problems with how the company’s finances are reported, important people are paying close attention¹⁷. This has Planet Fitness under more pressure to perform well¹⁶.

The fitness industry itself needs to do better. It must work on being more ethical and open with its customers. The issues with Planet Fitness show a need for the whole industry to make contract and ethical changes. This move is crucial in earning back consumer trust¹⁷. Acting on these problems will help companies fix their mistakes. This, in turn, will show their dedication to ethical and transparent operations¹⁷.

Source Links

1. How Planet Fitness’ changing-room policy compares to other gyms’
2. Planet Fitness has been ‘pretty much destroyed,’ says founder amid calls for boycott
3. Planet Fitness has been ‘pretty much destroyed,’ says founder amid calls for boycott
4. Planet Fitness faces boycott calls from outraged conservatives
5. About Those Claims Planet Fitness Canceled Membership of Woman Who Photographed Alleged Trans Member in Locker Room
6. ‘How is this even legal?’ Planet Fitness user asks over bizarre requirements
7. Planet Fitness membership drop ‘significant’ over transgender customer shaving in women’s locker room — hikes prices
8. Planet Fitness Stock Tumbles After Woman’s Membership Revoked for Taking Video of ‘Man in Woman’s Locker Room’
9. Planet Fitness stock tumbles as boycott calls grow
10. Conservatives say boycott over trans-inclusive policies cost Planet Fitness millions. It’s a lie. – LGBTQ Nation
11. ‘Give Planet Fitness The Bud Light Treatment’ — Calls Grow To Boycott Gym After String Of Sexual Abuse From Men In Women’s Bathrooms
12. Planet Fitness Canceled Membership of Woman Who Photographed Alleged Trans Member in Locker Room?
13. Planet Fitness Founder: Company ‘Pretty Much Destroyed’ Amid Boycott
14. Earth to Planet Fitness: Women Don’t Want to Share Locker Rooms With Faux Females
15. Planet Fitness has been ‘pretty much destroyed,’ says founder amid calls for boycott
16. Planet Fitness Controversy: Unveiling the Impact on Brand, Memberships, and Investment Opportunities – MV Lehti
17. Tyson Foods, Planet Fitness Boycott: Why The 2 Companies Are Trending On Social Media – Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD), Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT)