Thinking about canceling your gym membership but not ready to give it up completely? Freezing your Planet Fitness membership might be the smarter, more flexible alternative. Whether you’re traveling, recovering from injury, or simply taking a break, a membership freeze allows you to keep your spot without losing your perks.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to freeze your Planet Fitness membership, how it differs from cancellation, and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
What Does It Mean to Freeze a Planet Fitness Membership?
Freezing your membership means temporarily pausing your account while maintaining your status as a member. Unlike membership cancellation, it doesn’t require you to rejoin or pay initiation fees when you return.
Key Benefits:
- Avoid full cancellation
- Preserve original contract terms
- Resume when ready without losing tenure
Is Freezing Allowed at All Planet Fitness Locations?
Not always. Planet Fitness clubs are independently owned, and freeze policies may vary.
Most Common Freeze Scenarios:
- Medical reasons (illness, surgery, injury)
- Military deployment
- Extended travel or temporary relocation
Always contact your home club to verify if freezes are allowed and under what conditions.
When Should You Freeze Instead of Canceling?
| Scenario | Freeze | Cancel |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term travel (1-2 months) | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Long-term move | ❌ – No | ✅ – Yes |
| Injury recovery | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Tight budget, want to return soon | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Switching gyms permanently | ❌ – No | ✅ – Yes |
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze a Planet Fitness Membership?
Most clubs offer freezing for free or for a small monthly fee, typically $5 to $10/month.
| Club | Freeze Fee | Notes |
| Typical U.S. Locations | $5/month | May vary by region |
| Corporate-owned clubs | Often Free | Require documentation |
| Franchise-owned clubs | Varies | Ask manager directly |
Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Your Planet Fitness Membership
Step 1: Contact Your Home Club
- Call or visit in person
- Ask to speak with a manager about membership freeze options
Step 2: Explain Your Reason
- Common valid reasons: injury, illness, military orders, family emergency, or travel
- Be honest and clear about your situation
Step 3: Provide Documentation (If Required)
- Medical note, deployment orders, or travel proof
Step 4: Fill Out a Freeze Request Form
- Some clubs have paper or digital forms
- Confirm the freeze period and fee
Step 5: Get Confirmation
- Always request a written or email confirmation of the freeze
How Long Can You Freeze Your Membership?
- Most clubs allow freezes for 1 to 3 months
- Some locations offer up to 6 months with approval
- Renewals may be allowed, but must be requested before expiration
Will You Still Be Billed While Frozen?
- No monthly dues are charged during the freeze (except minor freeze fee)
- Annual fees may still apply if they fall during the freeze period
- Always clarify billing with your club manager
Can You Use the Gym While Your Account Is Frozen?
No. Once your account is frozen, gym access is suspended until the freeze period ends or is lifted.
Comparison: Freeze vs Cancel Planet Fitness Membership
| Feature | Freeze | Cancel |
| Cost | $0–$10/month | $0, but potential buyout fees |
| Maintain Membership | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Retain Member Perks | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
| Gym Access | ❌ – No | ❌ – No |
| Re-enrollment Required | ❌ – No | ✅ – Yes |
| Contract Time Preserved | ✅ – Yes | ❌ – No |
Can You Freeze Online or Over the Phone?
- Phone: You can initiate the request but may need to visit the club
- Online: Some locations may allow requests via email or online form, but it’s not standard
Always follow up and confirm the freeze has been processed to avoid billing.
Tips to Freeze Without Issues
- Act early—request at least 7–10 days before your billing date
- Get everything in writing—paper or email confirmation
- Know your home club’s policy—not all franchises are the same
- Mark your calendar—know when the freeze ends
FAQs: Freezing Planet Fitness Membership
1. Can I freeze my Planet Fitness membership for free?
Many clubs offer free freezes, but others may charge $5–$10/month.
2. How long can I freeze my account?
Typically 1–3 months, extendable with permission.
3. Will I lose my perks during the freeze?
You keep them on file but can’t use the gym until reactivated.
4. Do I still pay the annual fee during a freeze?
Yes, if it falls during your freeze period.
5. Can I freeze to avoid paying monthly fees?
That’s not the intended use, and clubs may deny repeated requests.
6. Do I need a medical reason to freeze?
Some clubs require documentation. Others allow more flexible reasons.
7. Can I freeze a Black Card membership?
Yes, including all perks—just frozen temporarily.
8. Will my billing resume automatically?
Yes, at the end of the freeze period.
9. Can I cancel during a freeze?
Yes, but follow standard cancellation steps (in person or by mail).
10. Can I visit other clubs while frozen?
No. Your access is paused entirely.
11. Is freezing better than canceling?
Yes, if you plan to return within a few months.
12. Will I be charged if I forget to unfreeze?
Billing resumes automatically—you’ll be charged unless canceled.
13. Can I freeze via the app?
No. The app doesn’t support freezing at this time.
14. Will I receive confirmation?
Yes—ask for it when submitting your freeze request.
15. Can I downgrade instead of freezing?
Yes, especially if you still want access but need to cut costs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not quite ready to leave Planet Fitness but need a break, freezing your membership is the best middle ground. It’s cost-effective, preserves your benefits, and keeps the door open for when you’re ready to return.
Just make sure to check your home club’s policy, act before your billing date, and always request written confirmation.
Want to cancel instead? Click here to create a free Planet Fitness cancellation letter PDF