Mid-workout during heatwave, man learns that Planet Fitness water fountains are out of service. When he asked about it, the staff allegedly left

It is no secret that staying hydrated is a massive part of a solid workout routine, but does that mean a gym should provide you with water? That’s the debate one gym member recently triggered on TikTok when he found himself without water at his local Planet Fitness. Marner (magicmarner16) recently took to the platform to share how, during a heatwave, on a day he had forgotten his water bottle, the water fountains at the gym were out of service. 

The video begins with Marner at the fountain and an automated narrator for the video, reading the on-screen text, “Planet Fitness out of water during heatwave.” There is an out-of-service sign over one, but he still presses the buttons to illustrate that the fountains weren’t working. He then heads over to the reception desk to ask about the situation. He says, “Hi, I’m sorry. How do your guys like only water, like, not work?” 

In response, the receptionist confirms, “Yeah, no, we’re sorry. It is unavailable at the moment.” Marner then pushes further. He asks the staff member, “Yeah. Um, so like, what’s like in terms of water, like, what do you expect me and everyone else to do?” The receptionist explained that they had been handing out water from two allotted cases, but they were out. So Marner asks again, “So like, what am I supposed to drink?” 

Unclear procedure on how to deal with customers

The staff member seemed to struggle for an answer. In the onscreen text, Marner alleged, “She was clearly waiting for me to walk away.” She seems to say something incomplete and then walks away from the desk. At that point, the video speeds up. First the onscreen text alleges, “Then she walked away thinking I’d leave (I didn’t).” 

Then it notes that he waited 5 minutes after she left. Eventually the staff member returns, opens the refrigerator, and hands him a bottle. The onscreen text ends the video on a cynical note, stating his frustration, “This is what you have to do to get water at PF.” 

Now, it is worth noting that he has had an antagonistic relationship towards Planet Fitness in the past, even recording his failure to cancel his membership. Also, his video is edited, so we only have his narrative to go on, and his story can’t be verified. It is just as likely that when the staff member stepped away, it was to get the go-ahead to give him a bottle from the refrigerator. 

Many in the comments seemed against Marner, with some criticizing him for not being prepared. One user suggested, “Next time bring a water bottle?” to which Marner replied, “How am I supposed to fill a water bottle when there’s no water?” Another user commented, “post pollution, just bring your own water,” and Marner argued, “And what happens when I run out of water?” 

One person responded to this debate, telling others in the community, “He literally paying for a gym membership that includes the water fountain.” However, another asked, “Who says they have to provide you water?” Some just made jokes, like a TikToker who quipped, “Drink from ur sweat.” Interestingly, most other stories about Planet Fitness have been about water, like the woman who got locked in during a shower. 

Planet Fitness emphasizes that water is needed for your body. They note research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, showing that water can help flush toxins and prevent disease. The gym blog even suggests that adult women should aim for about 11 cups of water a day, while men should aim for 15 1/2 cups. In a different instance, an exercise mishap at home led to the houses of two neighbors being flooded. 

Outside of this, availability of water at a facility is often more than just a preference. In states like North Carolina, it is legally required for gyms and Fitness Centers to include a water fountain or a touchless refilling station. This is also confirmed by Berl’s Commercial Supply. 

The supplier notes that various regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards mandate the installation of drinking fountains to ensure public health and accessibility. While local regulations vary, the International Building Code often requires a minimum of two drinking fountains per facility or one bi-level fountain. For gymnasiums specifically, the requirements often suggest one fountain per 500 people.

Facilities that fail to maintain these amenities can risk the well-being of their users. While some places might allow bottle fillers as a substitute, the Americans with Disabilities Act generally maintains that installing bottle fillers does not eliminate the need for traditional drinking fountains. So, heatwave or not, Planet Fitness was in the wrong for not ensuring their fountains were running.