Members of a Planet Fitness gym in Cape Coral are divided about whether transgendered clients should be allowed to use facilities based on the gender they identify with or not. A concerned viewer reached out to Four in Your Corner after she says no one told her about the policy. She says she'll be cancelling her membership.
Planet Fitness is known for their "No Judgment Zone" policy and encouraging members to go at their own pace while working out without being judged. This policy has a comforting appeal for many members like James Edmund who says
"It doesn't matter how you look or what you're doing. as soon as you get in here you just start doing what you're supposed to do."
Some of the small details that make up the judgment free policy doesn't appeal to everyone.;
A viewer sent FOX 4 an email upset after finding out her gym in Cape Coral allows transgendered clients to use whichever bathroom, locker room, or shower room they feel gendered to.
She says she's even more concerned there is no sign in the bathroom to let anyone know about the policy.
FOX 4 reached out to the Planet Fitness in Cape Coral. An employee confirmed transgendered members are welcome to use whichever facility they identify with. The owner of the franchise declined to go on camera but promised to send a statement.
FOX 4 spoke to gym members to get their take on the policy.
"It doesn't bother me because I mind my own business along with everybody else,"Marlene Donahue said. "If I walk in to the bathroom, I don't know who's alongside me, behind me, or what, and I wouldn't know one from the other."
"I guess people have the right," James Edmund said."If they feel they want to be a man and want to be in the men's bathroom, then they could go ahead and be in the men's bathroom, but I'm not too sure it's something I'd vote for."
Amanda McDonough says she was a manager at Planet Fitness, she says giving clients the freedom to choose is what sets this gym apart.
"Coming from a manager's perspective with the whole judgment free zone, Planet Fitness, that's who we are that's what our label is.";
Below is the statement by Planet Fitness:
“Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming environment for all of our members. Our gender identity non-discrimination policy states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity. Planet Fitness locations do have private changing areas within each locker room for any member who desires additional privacy.”
