Starting the gym at a young age is challenging but also rewarding in the long run. But can you go to the gym by yourself at 16? Or are there any rules or restrictions for teens?
Most gyms will allow children aged 13 and older to work out under parental or guardian supervision. At age 16, many gyms like Gold’s Gym allow teens to use the machines without an adult. The minimum age to get a gym membership varies depending on the gym’s policy.
But what about some of the most popular gyms like Planet Fitness or Anytime Fitness? I checked their extensive terms and conditions to find out the minimum age to enter their facilities. Here are the results.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Use a Gym?
13 is the average age at which a kid can start exercising in a structured manner, close to an adult exercise regime. According to kidshealth.org, once the child hits puberty, they begin producing hormones necessary to build muscle via formal resistance training like weightlifting.
However, gyms may allow teen memberships with or without a supervisor, depending on their policies. Let’s explore some of the most popular gyms and their rules on this matter.
Standard Gym/Age Requirements
- 24 Hour Fitness
This gym requires parental supervision for children between 12 and 17 years old. A 24-Hour Fitness membership allows adults to add family members, but an additional monthly fee is to pay. If the family wants to exercise together, this gym is a good choice.
- Anytime Fitness
There isn’t a minimum age limit set for Anytime Fitness nationally, but each location must comply with the state’s law. Check here to find the closest Anytime Fitness location to you and look at the website’s guidelines to learn about potential age limitations.
With that said, most locations of this gym do allow 13-years-old accompanied by an adult.
- Crunch Fitness
Teens aged 14-17 can get a membership at Crunch Gym if they have the consent of their statutory representative. Plus, the signature of the parent or guardian must be present in the agreement between both parties.
The problem is that teens won’t have access to weights-based training areas or resistance training classes if there’s no one-on-one supervision by a personal trainer. Also, the parent or guardian must be a Crunch member and be present at the gym too.
- Golds Gym
Twelve years of age and older can enter and use the equipment at Gold’s gym, but they must come with an adult until they’re 16. Under this plan, teens get access to most of the machines and classes available.
- LA Fitness
La Fitness allows 16 years old to join the gym, and they must sign a liability waiver to use the facility. Guests under the age of 18 need their parent or legal guardian to sign the waiver of liability on their behalf.
- Lifetime Fitness
Lifetime offers different methods for minors to get access to the gym facilities. For example, the Life Time 2 membership grants access to two 14-years-old individuals.
There’s also a program for Grandparents, Nannies, and Au Pairs, which allows them to add a child under their responsibility to the membership plan.
Minor members under the age of 14 are Junior Members. 12 and 13-year-old Junior Members have access to use the fitness floor and free weight area. Children of 11 years old can use the fitness floor as long as they have a parent or guardian.
- Orange Theory
Teens of age 14 and 15 must work out with a parent or guardian nearby. Young adults of 16 or older can attend the gym and use the equipment by themselves as long as they have permission from their parents.
- Planet Fitness
Teens aged 13 and 14 can work out at Planet Fitness with parent or guardian supervision. Any member between 15 and 17 years old needs their parents to sign a waiver to add to their files.
- Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness offers membership for teens as young as 14, but there are strong restrictions in place. Everyone under the age of 16 won’t have access to certain areas of the Snap Fitness gym. Plus, those under the age of 18 need a guardian signature.
- Youfit
Any children 13 years old of age can stop for a workout session at Youfit. If the child is between 13 and 15, they’ll need a parent or guardian as a workout partner.
Teens between 16 and 17 can obtain their own membership and work by themselves, though they need the parent or guardian’s signature to complete the sign-up process.
Is It Safe for a 16-Year-Old to Go to the Gym Without Adult Supervision?
When contemplating whether it is safe for a 16-year-old to go to the gym without adult supervision, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. While some gyms may have age restrictions, those allowing adolescents should enforce strict guidelines. Young individuals should also be aware of proper gym preparation tips for getting a tattoo to prevent any unnecessary risks.
Can You Lie About Your Age on a Gym Membership?
It’s plausible to lie about age to get a gym membership, but it’s also likely that the gym representatives may ask for identification to prove it.
Lying about age could also carry out other problems like the gym authorities could have you sign a contract that might lead to legal issues if you don’t comply with it.
Tips for Teens in the Gym
“So basically, I’m worried about going and making an inconvenience of myself or doing something stupid.” – this is a common concern for anyone going to the gym for the first time, whether it’s an adult or a teen! But don’t worry. Put these tips into practice to make that fear go away.
- Get Familiar with the Place
If you’re feeling nervous, think that the gym staff is there to help you get started. Ask for a tour to know the equipment and talk to the trainer for guidelines.
Try bringing a friend along too if you think you will feel lonely and surrounded by strangers. Once you get familiar with the place, you won’t mind working out by yourself later on.
- Learn the Gym Rules
Gyms may have different in-place rules like bring your own towels, no phones, or a dress code. These rules can be annoying at times, but many of them exist to allow everyone at the gym to focus without distractions.
- Be Consistent
A gym can be expensive, which is why you want to make the most of every penny. If you’re taking fitness seriously, start at home by eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and sleeping between 9 to 10 hours per night.
Conclusion
It’s possible to go to the gym by yourself at 16 as long as the gym’s policy allows it. In many cases, special plans and programs are available for teens as young as 13, but only with parent supervision.
This rule may be in place until you turn 16, at which point you may start working out by yourself. Check the gym’s terms and conditions to learn about your preferred gym approach to young members.
