Does Planet Fitness Hire Felons?
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Planet Fitness is franchise-dependent. Many franchise owners hire people with records for front desk and cleaning positions.
Planet Fitness does hire some people with felony records at many of its franchise locations. Planet Fitness operates over 2,500 gym locations in the United States, with the vast majority being franchise-owned. Hiring policies vary by franchise operator, but many are willing to hire people with criminal records for front desk, cleaning, and maintenance positions. Planet Fitness' 'Judgement Free Zone' brand philosophy extends to some degree to its hiring practices, with many franchise owners valuing personality and customer service skills over background. The gym industry requires staffing during early morning, evening, and overnight hours (many Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7), creating shift opportunities that fewer applicants seek. Front desk and cleaning/maintenance positions are the most accessible for people with records.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member Services / Front Desk | Case-by-case | Varies by franchise | Checking in members, tours, and sign-ups. Customer-facing role. Franchise owner decides. |
| Overnight Custodian / Cleaner | Yes | Varies by franchise | Overnight cleaning and maintenance. Limited member interaction. Most accessible position. |
| Fitness Trainer | Case-by-case | Yes — standard check plus certification verification | Requires fitness certification. Customer-facing with one-on-one interaction. |
| Assistant Manager / Manager | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Management role with cash and key responsibilities. |
Planet Fitness Hiring Practices
Planet Fitness is the largest gym chain in the United States with over 2,500 locations. The vast majority are franchise-owned, meaning individual franchise operators set their own hiring policies. Planet Fitness' brand is built around the 'Judgement Free Zone' concept — a welcoming, non-intimidating gym environment. Many franchise owners extend this inclusive philosophy to their hiring practices. Front desk, cleaning/custodial, and maintenance positions are the most commonly available roles. The 24/7 operating model at many locations creates overnight shift opportunities that are particularly accessible for people with records, as these shifts are the most difficult to fill. Planet Fitness' relatively simple operations (no pool, no complex classes) mean staffing needs are straightforward.
Background Check Practices
Background check practices vary by Planet Fitness franchise. Some franchise owners run criminal background checks on all applicants, while others focus on front desk and trainer positions. Overnight custodial positions may have more relaxed screening at some locations. Planet Fitness corporate provides brand guidelines but individual franchise operators make hiring decisions.
Tips for Getting Hired
Visit your nearest Planet Fitness and ask about openings. The overnight custodian/cleaner position is often the most accessible entry point, as it requires less customer interaction and has the hardest-to-fill hours. If you have a positive, friendly personality, front desk positions may also be available. Emphasize your fitness interest and customer service skills. Apply at multiple locations since different franchise owners have different policies. If you have a fitness certification (ACE, NASM, etc.), trainer positions may be available despite a record.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Visit Planet Fitness locations in person and ask about openings, especially overnight positions.
- 2.Target overnight custodian/cleaner positions as the most accessible entry point.
- 3.Emphasize a positive, non-judgmental attitude that aligns with Planet Fitness' brand.
- 4.Apply at multiple locations since each franchise owner sets their own policies.
- 5.If you have fitness certifications, mention them — trainer positions may be available.
- 6.Be available for early morning, evening, and overnight shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Planet Fitness hire felons?
- Many Planet Fitness franchise locations hire people with felony records. Overnight custodial positions are typically the most accessible. Policies vary by franchise owner.
- Does Planet Fitness do background checks?
- Background check practices vary by franchise location. Some screen all applicants, while others focus on certain positions.
- Does Planet Fitness drug test?
- Most Planet Fitness franchise locations do not require pre-employment drug testing, though policies vary by franchise.
- Is Planet Fitness franchise or corporate?
- The vast majority of Planet Fitness locations are franchise-owned. Each franchise operator sets their own hiring policies.
- What is the 'Judgement Free Zone'?
- The 'Judgement Free Zone' is Planet Fitness' brand philosophy of creating a welcoming, non-intimidating gym environment for people of all fitness levels.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Planet Fitness Careers
Search for positions at Planet Fitness locations.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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