What to Bring to Planet Fitness in 2026: Gym Bag Essentials & First-Day Checklist
Updated: October 30, 2026
If you’re visiting Planet Fitness for the first time, you don’t need to pack a large gym bag. Comfortable workout clothes, athletic shoes, a reusable water bottle, your phone for membership check-in, and a locker lock are enough for most workouts. If you plan to shower after exercising, bring a towel, toiletries, and shower shoes.
This Planet Fitness gym bag checklist explains what to bring, what you can leave at home, and which gym rules to know before your first visit.
Planet Fitness Gym Bag Essentials Checklist
Before leaving for the gym, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
You probably won’t need every item on this list for a short workout. For example, if you arrive in exercise clothes and shower at home, you can leave most toiletries behind.
| Item | Priority | Why Bring It? |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Shoes | Essential | Required for safe exercise |
| Workout Clothes | Essential | Comfort and movement |
| Membership Check-In | Essential | Access your club |
| Water Bottle | Recommended | Stay hydrated |
| Locker Lock | Recommended | Secure belongings |
| Headphones | Optional | Listen to music |
| Workout Towel | Recommended | Wipe sweat |
| Shower Supplies | If Needed | Clean up after exercise |
| Extra Clothes | If Needed | Change after your workout |
1. Wear Comfortable Workout Clothes
You don’t need expensive athletic clothing to work out at Planet Fitness.
Choose clothes that allow you to move comfortably while walking, stretching, lifting weights, or using cardio machines.
What Clothes Should You Wear?
- Breathable T-shirt or athletic top
- Workout shorts, leggings, or athletic pants
- Comfortable underwear
- Sports bra, if needed
- Clean athletic socks
- Light sweatshirt or hoodie, if preferred
Lightweight, breathable fabrics can make workouts more comfortable, especially during longer cardio sessions.
If you prefer to change at the gym, pack your workout outfit in your bag and use the locker room.
What Clothing Is Not Allowed?
Planet Fitness requires appropriate athletic clothing.
Clothing that creates a safety hazard, damages equipment, or includes offensive messaging may not be permitted.
For example, jeans with prominent metal hardware and unsafe footwear can violate club rules.
2. Bring Proper Athletic Shoes
Comfortable athletic shoes are among the most important things to bring to Planet Fitness.
Choose shoes that fit securely and provide suitable support for your planned activities.
Recommended Shoes for Different Workouts
| Workout | Suitable Footwear |
|---|---|
| Treadmill Walking | Comfortable Walking Shoes |
| Running | Running Shoes |
| Strength Training | Stable Athletic Shoes |
| Elliptical | Comfortable Training Shoes |
| General Gym Workout | Cross-Training Shoes |
Planet Fitness does not allow open-toed shoes or sandals on the workout floor because they present safety hazards.
3. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle makes it easier to drink water during your workout.
Planet Fitness permits water bottles and jugs of different sizes, including gallon-sized containers, provided they have secure screw-on lids.
Containers with certain press-on lids are not permitted because they can spill.
What Kind of Water Bottle Should You Bring?
- A reusable bottle with a screw-on lid
- A size that is convenient to carry
- A bottle that fits your preferred workout routine
- A container that closes securely
Many cardio machines also have built-in bottle holders.
Check your club for available drinking water stations.
4. Bring Your Phone and Headphones
Your phone can be useful for several reasons during a Planet Fitness visit.
The Planet Fitness App supports digital membership check-in, workout resources, and other membership features.
You can also use your phone to listen to music with headphones.
Why Headphones Are Useful
- Listen to your own workout playlist.
- Follow audio instructions.
- Listen to podcasts during cardio workouts.
- Avoid disturbing other gym members with loud audio.
Wireless earbuds can be convenient, but regular wired headphones are also suitable.
Always remain aware of your surroundings, especially when moving around equipment.
5. Should You Bring a Towel to Planet Fitness?
Yes. Bringing a small workout towel is a good idea.
You can use it to wipe sweat from your face and hands during exercise.
If you’re showering after your workout, bring a separate bath towel.
Two Useful Towel Types
- Workout Towel: A small towel for sweat during exercise.
- Shower Towel: A larger towel for drying off after showering.
Planet Fitness provides cleaning stations for wiping down exercise equipment. Use the club’s designated cleaning supplies according to posted instructions.
6. Pack Shower Essentials if You Plan to Shower
Planet Fitness clubs offer locker rooms and shower facilities.
If you’re heading directly to work, school, or another appointment after exercising, packing shower supplies may save time.
Planet Fitness Shower Checklist
| Shower Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bath Towel | Drying Off |
| Shampoo | Washing Hair |
| Body Wash or Soap | Body Cleaning |
| Conditioner | Hair Care |
| Shower Shoes | Footwear in Shared Shower Areas |
| Deodorant | After-Shower Personal Care |
| Comb or Brush | Hair Care |
| Clean Clothes | Changing After Exercise |
| Plastic or Waterproof Bag | Separating Wet Items |
Travel-size toiletries are often easier to pack than full-size bottles.
A separate waterproof pouch can help keep damp towels and shower shoes away from clean clothes.
Does Planet Fitness Provide Shower Towels?
Do not assume that complimentary bath towels are available. Planet Fitness advises members to bring their own towels and shower supplies.
Check your location for any additional amenities.
7. Bring a Lock for Your Gym Locker
Planet Fitness provides lockers for members to use during their gym visits.
Members are generally expected to bring their own locks unless the club offers lockers with built-in keyless locking systems.
Why Bring a Lock?
- Store your gym bag.
- Keep extra clothes off the workout floor.
- Secure everyday personal items.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary belongings between machines.
Lockers are intended for use while members are at the gym.
Do not leave your belongings in a locker after leaving the club.
What Should You Not Bring to Planet Fitness?
Packing light can make your visit easier. Some items should also be left at home because of Planet Fitness club rules.
| Item | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Open-Toed Shoes | Not permitted on the workout floor |
| Clothing With Unsafe Metal Hardware | May damage equipment |
| Unsecured Water Containers | Press-on lids may not be allowed |
| Outside Fitness Equipment | Not permitted under club policy |
| Large Gym Bags on Workout Floor | Must be stored in lockers |
| Unnecessary Valuables | Best left at home |
Club staff can explain any additional safety and equipment policies.
What to Bring on Your First Day at Planet Fitness
Your first visit doesn’t need to be complicated.
For a short beginner workout, bring the basic essentials and give yourself time to become familiar with the gym.
Before You Leave Home
- Download the Planet Fitness App.
- Check your membership and home club information.
- Wear comfortable athletic clothing.
- Put on suitable gym shoes.
- Fill your water bottle.
- Pack headphones and a locker lock.
- Bring shower supplies if needed.
When You Arrive
- Check in using your membership method.
- Ask staff where the locker rooms are located.
- Store your bag and unused belongings.
- Familiarize yourself with the cardio and strength equipment.
- Ask about the free PE@PF fitness training program.
- Begin with a workout suitable for your experience level.
Does Planet Fitness Offer Free Training for Beginners?
Yes. Planet Fitness includes PE@PF fitness training with eligible memberships.
Certified trainers can help members understand equipment, attend small-group sessions, and develop workout plans.
Ask the front desk about available training appointments or check the Planet Fitness App.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I bring to Planet Fitness?
Bring workout clothes, athletic shoes, a water bottle, your membership check-in method, and a lock for your locker. Headphones and a towel are useful extras.
2. Do I need a gym bag for Planet Fitness?
A gym bag is helpful if you carry extra clothing, toiletries, or shoes, but you may not need one for a short workout.
3. Can I bring a gym bag onto the workout floor?
No. Planet Fitness requires gym bags and unused clothing to be stored in lockers.
4. Does Planet Fitness provide lockers?
Yes. Planet Fitness provides lockers for members to use while they are at the club.
5. Do I need to bring my own lock?
Generally, yes. Bring a lock unless your club provides lockers with built-in keyless locks.
6. Does Planet Fitness have showers?
Yes. Planet Fitness clubs advertise shower and locker room facilities.
7. Do I need to bring my own towel?
Bringing your own workout and shower towels is recommended.
8. Does Planet Fitness provide shampoo?
Do not assume shampoo or other toiletries are provided. Bring your own supplies if you plan to shower.
9. Can I bring a large water bottle?
Yes. Planet Fitness permits water bottles and jugs of different sizes as long as they have secure screw-on lids.
10. Can I wear sandals to Planet Fitness?
No. Open-toed shoes and sandals are not permitted on the workout floor.
11. Can I wear jeans to Planet Fitness?
Clothing that may damage equipment or create safety hazards, such as jeans with prominent metal hardware, is not allowed. Athletic clothing is recommended.
12. Can I bring headphones?
Yes. Headphones are useful for listening to music or podcasts without disturbing other gym members.
13. Can I use my phone at Planet Fitness?
Yes, subject to club rules. Respect other members’ privacy and follow restrictions on photography and recording.
14. What should I bring to shower at Planet Fitness?
Pack a bath towel, soap or body wash, shampoo, shower shoes, and a change of clothes.
15. Can I leave my belongings in a locker overnight?
No. Lockers are intended for use only while members are at the club.
16. Do I need to bring workout equipment?
No. Planet Fitness provides cardio and strength-training equipment, and outside fitness equipment is not allowed under its general club policy.
17. Is the Planet Fitness App required?
The app provides a convenient digital check-in method and workout resources. Contact your home club if you need help with check-in options.
18. What should beginners do on their first visit?
Check in, store belongings in a locker, look around the gym, and ask about New Member Orientation or PE@PF training.
Get Ready for Your First Planet Fitness Workout
For most gym visits, a comfortable outfit, athletic shoes, water bottle, phone, and locker lock are enough.
If you’re planning to shower, add a towel, toiletries, shower shoes, and clean clothes.
Store your bag in a locker, follow the club’s footwear and clothing rules, and ask staff if you need help finding equipment or training sessions.
Explore Planet Fitness ClubsInformation reviewed October 30, 2026. Individual club amenities and policies may vary.