Planet Fitness, Hampton, New Hampshire, is the first fitness brand to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the company announced on Jan. 4.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types, advancing human health and well-being through science-backed policies and procedures.
All 2,193 Planet Fitness locations and Planet Fitness headquarters soon will display the WELL Health-Safety seal on their doors.
To attain the rating, IWBI used third-party experts to verify that the policies and protocols for all Planet Fitness clubs and its company headquarters met the rating's requirements for supporting the long-term health and safety needs of its employees, members and guests. This includes holistic aspects of health from improved air flow, hygienic hand washing practices, reduction in hand contact of high-touch surfaces, effective cleaning protocols, robust emergency preparedness and response, and more.
IWBI is a public benefit corporation that is focused on deploying people first places to advance a global culture of health.
Richard Carmona, who was a former Surgeon General of the United States, is the global co-chair of the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections. Carmona acknowledged that physical activity can have “significant” physical, mental and immunological benefits to people of all ages, and he congratulated Planet Fitness for its efforts.
“Planet Fitness' public commitment to maintaining the healthiest spaces in the industry should give an extra level of comfort to those seeking a safe and healthy environment in which to exercise,” Carmona said in a media release. “I congratulate Planet Fitness on once again leading the industry on this important public health and wellness initiative."
IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgon congratulated Planet Fitness for being the first fitness brand to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
"As we enter the New Year, prioritizing health and well-being has never been more important,” she said. “IWBI is proud to be part of the company's commitment in extending the benefits of people-first places that have been optimized for health and safety to Planet Fitness' millions of members and employees around the world."
Chris Rondeau, CEO of Planet Fitness, said: “As Planet Fitness has long prioritized the health, wellness and safety of everyone who visits our clubs and our corporate office, we're proud to be recognized for the health-minded environment we're creating for our employees and members. Now more than ever, fitness is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, and everyone can 'gym confidently' knowing that Planet Fitness meets the highest health, safety and cleanliness standards."