Planet Fitness Black Card: A Game Changer for Van Life
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Living the van life is all about freedom, adventure, and finding creative ways to stay comfortable on the road. One of the biggest challenges? Access to showers, fitness facilities, and a place to relax after long days of travel or work. That is where the Planet Fitness Black Card comes in—a game-changer for full-time van dwellers looking for affordable gym access, reliable showers, free parking, and unexpected perks that make life on the road even better.
How I Stumbled Into a Planet Fitness Membership
Before I ever considered stepping foot in a gym, my fitness routine revolved around yoga, hiking, and paddleboarding—activities that naturally fit into my nomadic lifestyle. I never thought a traditional gym membership would make sense for me, but that changed when I attended a wellness expo in Nanaimo and won a Planet Fitness Black Card membership.
At first, I figured it would be useful for showers, but I never expected it to become such an essential part of my daily routine. As I soon discovered, Planet Fitness offers more than just workout equipment—it provides a space to refresh, recover, and maintain wellness on the road.
The Unexpected Perks of a Planet Fitness Black Card
1. 24/7 Showers & A Safe Place to Refresh
One of the biggest challenges of full-time van life is finding clean and reliable showers. Sure, you can get creative with solar showers, but nothing compares to the convenience of walking into a clean facility and taking a hot shower whenever you need it.
If you are spending time in urban areas, a Planet Fitness Black Card gives you access to showers in thousands of locations across North America. No more hunting for truck stops or relying on public restrooms—just a reliable, clean space to refresh whenever you need it.
2. Recovery & Self-Care on the Road
After long days of driving, exploring, or working, the extra perks of the Black Card membership are a welcome treat. The hydro massage beds, massage chairs, and even the total body enhancement machine offer a little bit of luxury that is hard to come by when you are constantly on the move.
For me, the hydro massage has been a game-changer after working long shifts on film sets. It is a great way to loosen up after a workout or a long drive. And if you are keeping fit while traveling, making sure you recover properly is just as important as the workout itself. Check out my guide on staying in shape while traveling for more ways to maintain your fitness routine on the road.
3. Fitness That Fits Van Life
Maintaining a workout routine while living in a van can be challenging, but Planet Fitness makes it easy. The 30-minute circuit is perfect when I want a quick, effective workout without needing to overthink my routine. Even better, I have learned to take advantage of the free weights and stretching areas to supplement my yoga practice.
And after a solid workout, I love blending up a post-workout smoothie in my Ninja Blast portable blender. It is compact enough to fit in my van and makes it easy to whip up a protein shake before heading back on the road.
4. Nationwide Access – A Reliable Resource
With locations across Canada and the U.S., I always check for Planet Fitness locations when planning my next stop. Whether I am traveling through the Southwest or heading back to Vancouver, I can count on having a safe, clean spot to stop for a workout, a shower, or even just a break from van life.
For fellow travelers, having consistent access to self-care amenities is just as important as having reliable power. I rely on my Anker SOLIX F1200 portable power station to keep my electronics charged while off-grid, and I rely on Planet Fitness to keep me charged physically and mentally.
Should Van Lifers Get a Planet Fitness Black Card?
If you are a full-time or part-time van lifer, I highly recommend looking into a Planet Fitness Black Card membership. Here is why:
✅ Affordable: At around $25/month, it is one of the most budget-friendly options for fitness and hygiene on the road.
✅ Shower Access: No more searching for campgrounds or paying for truck stop showers.
✅ Comfort & Recovery: Massage chairs, hydro massage, and stretching areas provide essential self-care.
✅ Reliable Locations: Thousands of locations make it easy to find a Planet Fitness almost anywhere in North America.
✅ Guest Privileges: If you travel with a partner or friend, they can join you for free at any location.
Final Thoughts: Why I Am Sticking with Planet Fitness
As I prepare for another long trip back from Mexico, renewing my Planet Fitness membership is at the top of my list. It has become an essential part of my van life routine, offering stability, comfort, and a reliable resource no matter where I am. Whether it is a quick workout, a well-deserved hydro massage, or a simple hot shower, this membership has proven its worth time and time again.
If you are a van lifer considering Planet Fitness Black Card, I say give it a try! It might just become your new favorite travel hack. And while you are optimizing your van life setup, make sure you have a solid power solution in place—check out my review of the BLUETTI AC70 for a reliable off-grid setup.
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