Everything You Need to Know About the Planet Fitness Lunk Alarm

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Get the inside scoop on Planet Fitness’s controversial Lunk Alarm
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If you’re part of the Planet Fitness gym community, it’s likely that you’ve heard a “Lunk Alarm” go off once or twice before. The scene usually involves an overzealous gym bro who has grunted loudly, dropped 50-pound dumbbells, or both. These Lunk-like behaviors are sure to trigger the siren, which in turn will signal to other gym goers and managers that somebody is breaking the rules. But what exactly are their rules? And what is the purpose of the Lunk Alarm? Keep reading if you want a comprehensive guide to the Lunk Alarm, including why it's used and how Planet Fitness members really feel about it.

The Lunk Alarm Explained

Planet Fitness' “Lunk Alarm” is a siren triggered by aggressive or obnoxious behavior like grunting, throwing weights, or flexing in a way that may be seen as intimidating to new gym members. Some gym members dislike the alarm and feel it goes against Planet Fitness's judgment-free zone philosophy.

Section 1 of 4:

What is a Lunk Alarm?

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  1. As its name implies, the Planet Fitness Lunk Alarm alerts others that they’re in the presence of a lunk. The siren, which lights up while making a loud, shrill sound for a few moments, is triggered by the managers on shift. Because of this, its usage ultimately varies from gym to gym, as do the consequences. Managers may choose to give the lunk in question a slap on the wrist, warning them about minding their gym manners in the future. Managers may also reprimand lunks by asking them to leave the premises for the day, or altogether, sometimes even after their first offense.
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Section 2 of 4:

The Purpose of the Lunk Alarm

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  1. In explaining the thought-process behind the Lunk Alarm, understanding Planet Fitness’s ethos and mission statement is key. Planet Fitness aimed to create an affordable, judgment-free gym where people could work out without feeling "gym-timidated." Catering to the majority of the demographic, which is comprised of entry-level workout enthusiasts, Planet Fitness developed the Lunk Alarm in an effort to discourage behaviors that make these casual gym goers uncomfortable. The Lunk Alarm is meant to:
    • Promote inclusivity. The gym-vironment at Planet Fitness is tailored to the non-bodybuilding masses, who don’t want to feel lesser than in the face of big, muscular, experienced lunks. The Lunk Alarm aids in maintaining a zero-judgment atmosphere by “stopping a Lunk in his/her tracks.” [1]
    • Offer guidelines for gym etiquette. Although it’s relatively normal to make certain sounds of struggle during a particularly arduous workout, Planet Fitness requests that you either keep them low or find a gym better suited to your needs. Grunting, dropping heavy weights, wearing barely-there tank-tops to achieve the ultimate mid-flex mirror selfie—none of these will fly at your local PF.
    • Reinforce their Judgement-Free Zone policy. Planet Fitness doubles down on their original objective with the Lunk Alarm, stating that the company was “built on the premise of no intimidation” and the siren is used to enforce that.
Section 3 of 4:

How do Planet Fitness members feel about the Lunk Alarm?

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  1. 1
    Most of the controversy surrounding the Lunk Alarm at Planet Fitness is regarding the perceived hypocritical attitudes around inclusivity—and it’s not just the lunks complaining! Members of the gym community may ask themselves, “If this is a judgement-free zone, why am I being judged by the sounds I make?” Other fitness enthusiasts are simply annoyed at having their sets interrupted by the neon noise of the Lunk Alarm, which puts the company’s goal of a peaceful and welcoming gym environment into question.
  2. 2
    There’s also a general apprehension and distrust about the arbitrary situations that merit triggering the siren, and ultimately, how memberships are cancelled as a result. Lunks who have set off the alarm and been consequently expelled from the gym typically have the worst opinions of Planet Fitness, varying in degrees of severity.
  3. 3
    In a nutshell, Planet Fitness is suited for the common folk, the everyman, who might do cardio and dabble in lifting some light weights, but have no real desire to ever compete in a bodybuilding competition. If your fitness goals do not align with theirs, exploring other options that better meet all your gym needs is the way to go. [2]
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Section 4 of 4:

What is a lunk?

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  1. In this specific context, a lunk can be defined as an avid gym goer who lifts heavy weights and shows little regard for others who may be intimidated by their grunting and general aggressive demeanor. Planet Fitness’s definition of "lunk" is somebody who “grunts, drops weights or judges” and further, “a person who draws attention upon themselves, whether intentionally or not.” It may derive from the term "lunkhead," which means "a stupid or slow-witted person." [3] Here’s how you can use it in a sentence:
    • Them: Did you see that guy in a cropped tank top flexing in the mirror?
    • You: Yep, he was such a lunk.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness/planet-fitness-policies
      2. ↑ https://www.quora.com/What-is-Planet-Fitnesss-lunk-alarm
      3. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lunkhead

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