Planet Fitness will raise membership fee for the first time in 26 years

(CNN) – For the past 26 years, budget-minded health seekers could work out at Planet Fitness for $10 a month.

The largest gym chain in the U.S. is hiking that rate up but not to $11 or $12. The rate is going up by 50%, to $15 a month.

It’s a big move since $10 a month has been central to the gym’s brand for more than two decades.

That cheap price has been successful at drawing in new members.

It’s also kept people paying, even if they don’t visit the gym frequently.

One thing that’s not changing is the Planet Fitness “Black Club” membership. That’s the $25 tier that lets members visit any club.

The $10-a-month membership only allowed access to one home location.

Facebook