Planet Fitness has faced several lawsuits over the years, and the Planet Fitness lawsuit trend continues to attract public attention. From disputes over membership cancellations to claims of employee wage violations, multiple legal cases have been filed against the gym chain across the United States.
Recently, new developments such as a Planet Fitness class action lawsuit in New Jersey and an overtime pay lawsuit in Ohio have made headlines again. This article breaks down the main issues, the latest cases, and what gym members and employees should know.
What Is the Planet Fitness Lawsuit About?
The Planet Fitness lawsuit generally refers to several legal complaints made against the company and its franchisees over time. These lawsuits cover different types of allegations, including deceptive billing practices, false advertising, unfair membership terms, and even employee rights violations.
One of the most talked-about cases recently involves a Planet Fitness class action lawsuit in New Jersey, where gym members claim the company used illegal and misleading terms in its membership agreements. Another major case concerns unpaid overtime wages for salaried employees, filed in Ohio by Coffman Employment Lawyers.
The Recent Planet Fitness Class Action Lawsuit
In October 2025, a new Planet Fitness class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey by plaintiffs Joseph and Krystal Kauffman. The couple alleges that their local Planet Fitness gym used a membership agreement with an unlawful liability disclaimer that prevents members from suing the gym in court.
According to the lawsuit, the section titled “Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk” attempts to release Planet Fitness and its employees, franchisors, and agents from all responsibility — even for injuries, negligence, or malfunctioning equipment. The plaintiffs argue that this disclaimer is not only unfair but also violates several state laws, including the New Jersey Truth in Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act, the Health Club Services Act, and the Consumer Fraud Act.
The Planet Fitness class action lawsuit claims that the company’s contract creates a “fraudulent and unconscionable scheme” to stop customers from holding the gym accountable. It also highlights other questionable practices such as:
- Continuing to charge members even after cancellation.
- Requiring members to pay a $39 annual fee and a $59 cancellation fee unless the cancellation is due to specific exceptions like death, disability, or relocation.
- Including misleading payment and liability terms that may deceive customers into thinking they cannot enforce their rights.
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, thousands of gym members could be entitled to compensation or refunds.
Overtime Pay Lawsuit Against Planet Fitness
Apart from consumer-related complaints, Planet Fitness is also facing legal action from employees. On August 13, 2025, Coffman Employment Lawyers filed a collective action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Powell v. TG3 Enterprises, Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-912).
This Planet Fitness lawsuit alleges that the company failed to pay proper overtime wages to “salaried” employees such as General Managers, Club Managers, and Site Managers. The lawsuit claims these workers were not paid on a true salary basis, meaning their paychecks were reduced when they worked fewer than the required minimum hours. This allegedly violates the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which ensures overtime pay for employees who work more than 40 hours per week unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
If proven, employees affected by this Planet Fitness lawsuit could recover unpaid overtime wages, liquidated damages equal to those unpaid wages, and attorney fees. This case highlights the growing attention to fair pay practices in the fitness industry.
Other Common Planet Fitness Lawsuits
While the recent Planet Fitness class action lawsuit and overtime case are among the most discussed, the company has been involved in various other legal disputes in the past. Some common areas of complaint include:
Membership Fees and Cancellations
Many customers have alleged that Planet Fitness makes it difficult to cancel memberships. Some claim they continued to be charged even after submitting cancellation requests, similar to what the Kauffman plaintiffs described in their lawsuit.
Injury and Negligence Claims
Several individuals have sued Planet Fitness, claiming they suffered injuries due to defective gym equipment or negligent maintenance. In such cases, the company often relies on its waiver clauses — which are now under scrutiny in the New Jersey Planet Fitness class action lawsuit.
False Advertising and Billing Issues
Some lawsuits accuse Planet Fitness of promoting new or upgraded facilities that were not actually available, while others challenge unexpected charges or hidden fees in their billing practices.
Employee Rights and Discrimination
Planet Fitness has faced lawsuits from former employees alleging wage violations, discrimination, and wrongful termination. These cases underline the company’s ongoing struggles to maintain compliance with labor laws and fair workplace practices.
COVID-19 and Safety Protocols
During the pandemic, a few lawsuits emerged claiming Planet Fitness did not follow proper COVID-19 safety measures, risking members’ health. Although many of these cases were resolved, they added to the public’s growing distrust in large fitness franchises.
What These Lawsuits Mean for Members and Employees
The ongoing Planet Fitness lawsuits serve as an important reminder for both customers and employees to be aware of their rights.
For members, it’s crucial to read the fine print in gym contracts before signing. Look for sections about cancellation fees, automatic renewals, and liability waivers. If any term seems unclear or overly restrictive, it may be worth discussing it with a lawyer or consumer protection agency.
For employees, the lawsuits emphasize the importance of understanding wage laws, especially regarding overtime and salary exemptions. Workers classified as “salaried” may still be entitled to overtime pay depending on how their compensation structure works.
How Class Action Lawsuits Help Consumers
A Planet Fitness class action lawsuit allows multiple consumers with similar complaints to combine their cases into one large legal action. This approach can make it easier for individuals to seek justice, especially when each person’s financial loss is small.
If the court certifies a class action, all affected members are notified and may have the option to join or opt out of the case. Class action outcomes can lead to monetary compensation, contract changes, or improved business practices.
Possible Outcomes of Planet Fitness Lawsuits
The outcomes of Planet Fitness lawsuits vary. Some cases end in settlements, where Planet Fitness agrees to pay compensation without admitting wrongdoing. Others are dismissed if the court finds insufficient evidence.
In previous cases, some courts have upheld the company’s right to include liability waivers, while others have questioned their fairness. The recent New Jersey Planet Fitness class action lawsuit could set an important precedent for how gyms across the country write their contracts in the future.
Final Thoughts
The Planet Fitness lawsuit situation highlights key legal issues in the fitness industry — from fair billing practices and contract transparency to employee rights and safety obligations. With multiple lawsuits still pending, it’s clear that both gym members and employees are becoming more aware of their rights under state and federal laws.
Whether you’re a member frustrated with fees or an employee questioning pay practices, these cases show that large corporations can be held accountable through legal action. Staying informed about your rights is the first step toward protecting them.