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Planet Fitness gyms are known for their dim lighting and dark color schemes. Many people wonder why Planet Fitness chooses to keep their gyms so dark. There are a few potential reasons behind this design choice.
Appeals to Target Demographic
Planet Fitness specifically targets casual gym-goers rather than serious bodybuilders or athletes. The “Judgment Free Zone” motto indicates their aim to provide a comfortable, unintimidating environment. The dark lighting helps create a more relaxed vibe. Bright, harsh lighting is avoided because it can be perceived as sterile and expose users’ imperfections. The dimmer ambiance makes members feel less self-conscious working out.
Encourages Focus on Exercise
The darker lighting shifts attention away from the surroundings and onto the exercise at hand. With fewer visual distractions, members can concentrate on their fitness routine without worrying about appearances. The lighting directs focus to the workout rather than reflections in mirrors. This also contributes to the less intimidating, judgment-free atmosphere.
Highlights Equipment and Decor
While the gyms are dim overall, certain zones like stair-steppers and weights sections are lit up. The darker walls make these brighter areas stand out more. Vibrant purple and yellow machines pop against the black decor. Other decorative pieces like wall graphics gain prominence. The lighting strategically highlights these motivational visual elements.
Sets a Calming Mood
Research suggests that softer lighting can have a soothing, relaxing effect. Brighter lights are more activating and engage the senses. Darker lighting triggers the body’s production of melatonin, which is associated with sleep and calmness. Working out under darker lights may help members feel less stressed. The shadowy ambiance sets a mellow, comforting mood.
Masks Imperfections
The low lighting conceals flaws in the facilities as well as on people’s bodies. Scuffs on the flooring, stains on equipment, fingerprints on mirrors, and other imperfections are less visible. Members also don’t have to worry as much about seeing their own sweat, skin issues, and problem areas under the dim lights. The lighting allows members to feel less self-conscious about appearances.
Creates an Intimate Atmosphere
While Planet Fitness locations are large gyms, the dim lighting makes the spaces feel more intimate. Brighter lights can create a cold, clinical atmosphere. The darker ambiance mimics the coziness of a small boutique fitness studio. This makes members feel comforted and at home even in a big gym environment. The lighting helps foster a warmer, more inviting vibe.
Appeals to 24-Hour Market
Many Planet Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day. Darker lighting helps accommodate those who work out late at night. The low lights make the facilities feel calmer and more relaxing during nighttime hours. This lighting works well for the round-the-clock availability that Planet Fitness offers.
Encourages Use of Amenities
Planet Fitness wants members to take advantage of amenities like tanning beds, massage chairs, and the pizza night. The darker main workout areas make brighter spaces like the tanning salon and lounge stand out. This draws members to explore and utilize these services. The lighting design entices visits to these added-value offerings.
Highlights Branded Areas
Certain branded zones like the Total Body Enhancement booths contain fluorescent black lights. These spaces literally glow and grab members’ attention, as they appear brighter than the surrounding gym. Illuminated logos and imagery stand out. The specialized lighting makes these branded stations shine.
Provides Atmospheric Differentiation
Most gyms use bright, fluorescent lighting throughout exercise spaces. The atmospheric black light and strategic dimness helps differentiate Planet Fitness from competitors like LA Fitness and Gold’s Gym. The lighting creates a unique environmental experience that members come to expect and appreciate. It sets the brand apart.
Accommodates Black Card Spaces
For Black Card members, Planet Fitness offers exclusive amenities like massage chairs, tanning beds, and extra lounge spaces. These specialty zones often feature distinctive lighting, like soft backlights or colored bulbs. The ambient lighting helps carve out these privileges areas available only to Black Card members.
Use of LED Lighting
While earlier Planet Fitness locations utilized fluorescent tube lighting, newer gyms feature LED lighting. LEDs allow more control over color, brightness, placement, and lighting zones. With LED there is greater ability to create different lighting effects and ambiance. The customization can further differentiate Planet Fitness environments.
Strategic Spotlights
Along with overall dimness, another lighting tactic is strategic spotlights. Specific zones like weight and cardio sections have enhanced lighting for visibility when working out. Mirrors, clocks, signage, and artwork also gain attention through dedicated spotlights. These spotlights provide functionality amid the darker backdrop.
Local Customization
While there are overarching lighting standards across locations, individual gyms can customize based on regional preferences. For example, sites in warmer climates might use slightly brighter lighting than ones in cooler areas where members need more warming up. There is leeway for adjustments based on local member demographics and needs.
Use of Uplighting
Uplighting is often used to create ambient glows throughout Planet Fitness gyms. Uplights shine light upward and bounce it off the ceiling, diffusing the illumination. This adds an aura-like effect to spaces with darker paint colors. Uplighting adds style while avoiding the harshness of overhead lights.
Zoning of Lighting Levels
Different areas like the check-in desk, workout stations, lounges, and studios have distinct lighting designs. Front desk areas often have bright task lighting while free weight zones are intensely but directionally lit. This zoning allows appropriate lighting for each particular usage, from reception to tanning.
No Harsh Overhead Lighting
While many big box gyms use row upon row of bright fluorescent tubes overhead, Planet Fitness avoids this industrial-style lighting. Instead, the lighting is designed for ambient glow via indirect sources like wall sconces. This prevents harsh, shadowless illumination from above.
Safety Considerations
While aesthetics determine much of the lighting design, safety is also a factor. Locker rooms, stairwells, parking lots, and other potentially hazardous areas have appropriate baseline illumination. Adequate lighting for safe navigation is provided where needed. But these spaces still maintain a dimmer overall ambiance.
Energy Efficiency
Using fewer and lower wattage lightbulbs cuts energy costs for lighting. The strategic lighting zones and lack of excessive overhead lights increases efficiency. Automatic sensors that turn off lights when spaces are unoccupied also improve efficiency. While atmospheric, the lighting is designed for optimal energy conservation.
Conclusion
Planet Fitness opts for intentionally dim lighting for a variety of reasons. The low lighting appeals to the target demographic and discourages judgment by masking imperfections. Dark colors with strategic spotlights also direct attention towards exercise. Softer lighting sets a calming, cozy mood that differentiates the brand. And specialized lighting helps highlight lucrative amenities and branded zones. Thoughtful lighting design helps Planet Fitness locations feel welcoming for all levels of gym-goers.
| Reasons for Dim Lighting |
|---|
| Appeals to target market of casual gym-goers |
| Creates an unintimidating, judgement-free environment |
| Encourages focus on working out |
| Highlights equipment and motivational decor |
| Fosters a calming, relaxing ambiance |
| Conceals flaws in facilities and on bodies |
| Provides an intimate atmosphere |
| Accommodates 24-hour gym availability |
| Draws attention to amenity spaces |
| Illuminates branded and specialty zones |
| Differentiates from competitor gyms |
| Creates exclusive spaces for Black Card members |
