Most gyms let members bring a guest, but the rules depend on your membership and the club. Expect your guest to show photo ID, sign a waiver and check in at the desk, and expect limits on age, how often and when. Some chains also give non-members a free trial pass. Check your agreement or ask the front desk first.
Guest policies change and can differ by location, especially at franchised clubs. The chain details below are quoted from each chain's own website as of the date above. Confirm with your club before you go.
How do gym guest passes usually work?
There are three common setups, and it helps to know which one you have:
- Member guest privileges. You bring a friend who trains with you. Often tied to a higher membership tier. Your guest usually has to stay with you.
- Free trial or guest pass for non-members. A friend gets a pass to try the gym on their own, usually once, and usually with a sales tour.
- Day pass or day fee. Anyone pays for a single visit. Our gym day pass guide covers that option.
Whatever the setup, most gyms ask a guest for photo ID and a signed liability waiver, and many have a minimum age.
What is the LA Fitness guest policy?
LA Fitness publishes two different things.
The free guest pass for non-members. The LA Fitness free gym pass page says the pass is for non-members only and is redeemed at a club "for you and a friend." Its terms say:
- It must be activated within 30 days of being emailed, and is then valid for 3 consecutive days.
- There is a limit of one free pass per person every six months.
- Guests must be at least 16, or at least 13 with a parent or legal guardian, and a parent or guardian signs the waiver for anyone under 18.
- A current picture ID with birth date is required.
- A fitness analysis and an orientation with a membership counselor are required before using the pass.
Guest privileges for members. The LA Fitness guest privileges page says the guest must be accompanied by the member, must sign a medical and injury release each visit and must follow club rules. The guest must be at least 18, or at least 14 if the member is their parent or legal guardian. Not every membership includes guest privileges, so check your agreement.
Can you bring a guest to Planet Fitness?
Yes, if you have a PF Black Card. The Planet Fitness FAQ says PF Black Card members can bring one guest each time they visit. Guests must be 18 or older, or 13 to 17 with a parent or guardian, and guests may not get Black Card perks. Members invite a guest through the PF App, and the guest registers online for a digital Club Pass.
The same FAQ also says:
- Non-members, other than Black Card guests, are not allowed to wait for members inside the club.
- A non-member can pay a day fee instead. Day fee guests must be at least 18 with photo ID, and under 18s cannot buy a day pass even with a parent.
A Classic membership does not include the bring-a-guest perk, according to the Planet Fitness memberships page.
What are the 24 Hour Fitness guest rules?
The 24 Hour Fitness member policies cover two options.
- Guest visits. Members can bring friends, relatives and business associates. 24 Hour recommends making an appointment, and a tour or orientation may be required. Guests must be at least 18, check in at the front desk, register and sign a liability waiver. A parent or guardian member can bring a minor aged 12 or up by signing release forms. The club may limit how many guests you bring and when.
- Buddy Pass. If your membership includes one, you name one buddy and can change that person once every six months. You must be present every time your buddy uses the club, and buddies cannot use specialty areas, premium services or paid programs.
Can you bring a friend to Anytime Fitness?
Usually, but it depends on the club. The Anytime Fitness FAQ says guests are allowed during staffed hours after you coordinate with the gym's staff, and every guest signs in. It also says the "Bring a Friend" policy varies from club to club, so your membership agreement or home club is the place to check.
Do not let a friend in on your key fob. The same FAQ says Anytime does not allow tailgating, and some membership agreements include fines for it.
What about Gold's Gym, Crunch and other chains?
Many chains are franchised, and each owner can set guest rules, prices and limits. If a chain does not publish a guest policy, do not assume one. Look for a guest or free pass page on the chain's site, read your membership agreement, or call the club. Independent and strength gyms set their own rules too. Some are happy to host a member's training partner, and others only sell drop-ins.
What should you ask before bringing a guest?
A quick call or message to the desk saves an awkward moment at check-in. Ask:
- Does my membership include guest visits? If so, how many and how often?
- Is there a fee? Some clubs charge per guest.
- What does my guest need? Photo ID, a waiver, an app sign-up or an appointment.
- Is there a minimum age? Our guide to gym age requirements explains how age rules vary.
- Can my guest come at any time? Some clubs only allow guests during staffed hours.
- Do I have to stay with my guest? At many gyms the answer is yes.
Can a guest use chalk, platforms and the squat racks?
Guests follow the same club rules as members, and sometimes stricter ones. If you plan to deadlift heavy with a training partner, check the gym's chalk and dropping rules first. Our chalk policy by chain pages quote what chains like Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness say about chalk. For dropping weights, see can you drop weights at the gym?
How do you find a gym that welcomes visiting lifters?
If your guest is a lifter visiting from out of town, a barbell gym that sells drop-ins can be a better fit than a guest pass at a big box club. Browse gyms by state or province or use the map, then check each gym's page for chalk, platforms and drop rules. Our guide to lifting on the road has more tips for training while you travel.
Common questions
Can I bring a guest to the gym for free?
Often, if your membership includes guest privileges. Planet Fitness, for example, lets PF Black Card members bring one guest each visit. Other memberships do not include guests, and some clubs charge a fee, so check your agreement.
How often can you use the LA Fitness free guest pass?
LA Fitness says its free pass for non-members is limited to one per person every six months. Once activated, it is valid for 3 consecutive days.
Do gym guests need ID?
Usually yes. LA Fitness asks for a picture ID with birth date, Planet Fitness asks day fee visitors for photo ID, and most gyms also ask guests to sign a liability waiver.
Can my guest work out without me?
At many gyms, no. LA Fitness guest privileges and the 24 Hour Fitness Buddy Pass both require the member to be with the guest. A free trial pass for non-members is different and is usually used on its own.
Can a teenager come as my guest?
Sometimes, with a parent or guardian. Planet Fitness allows Black Card guests aged 13 to 17 with a parent or guardian, and 24 Hour Fitness lets a parent or guardian member bring a guest aged 12 or up. Rules differ by gym.