Planet Fitness Earns Platinum Status on the 2026 Where You Work Matters List
In a remarkable achievement, Planet Fitness has been honored with a prestigious platinum badge on the 2026 Where You Work Matters list. This esteemed recognition showcases the company's dedication to providing outstanding career opportunities for its U.S. team members. As one of the fastest-growing fitness center operators in the world, Planet Fitness has outstripped its competitors in terms of membership, making this accolade particularly noteworthy.
The Where You Work Matters List is a project of the Schultz Family Foundation and the Burning Glass Institute, underpinned by methodology developed with the esteemed Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work. The evaluation focuses on nearly 55,000 job positions across 1,750 U.S.-based employers. What sets this list apart from typical workplace rankings is its reliance on actual employee outcomes rather than self-reported data, ensuring a fair assessment of employers’ workforce strategies.
Ed Welsh, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Planet Fitness, emphasized the company's commitment to a supportive working environment, stating, “Creating a welcoming space where everyone belongs is core to how we support and invest in our team members.” This recognition is a testament to Planet Fitness' culture that values employee contributions and fosters growth potential.
In addition to career development, Planet Fitness invests in its team's overall wellbeing through comprehensive benefits that include healthcare, financial wellness resources, and flexible work arrangements. The commitment to holistic support is further exhibited through Planet Fitness University, an online learning platform that equips employees with essential training and professional growth opportunities.
Moreover, the company encourages its members and franchisees to engage in community service through the Flexing for Good initiative, promoting a culture of giving back and supporting local communities that rely on their fitness services. These efforts encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a true employer of choice.
As of December 2025, Planet Fitness boasts approximately 20.8 million members across 2,896 facilities in the United States and beyond. Their mission remains centered around elevating the quality of life for individuals by providing access to a friendly and non-intimidating fitness environment under the philosophy known as the Judgement Free Zone®. A remarkable 90% of Planet Fitness locations are independently owned, reflecting a robust franchise model that empowers individuals to operate their own businesses while adhering to the company's core values.
For those interested in discovering more about the Where You Work Matters List or seeing the full rankings for 2026, detailed information can be found at
Where You Work Matters. The recognition of Planet Fitness as a platinum employer is not just a reflection of its success but also an indication of the company’s enduring commitment to both its workforce and the communities they serve, reasserting their position as a leader in the fitness industry.