Yes, Planet Fitness Is a 'Judgment Free Zone'; No, You Can't Do Naked Yoga There
Planet Fitness posts quite a few signs and slogans on its walls, designed to encourage gym-goers and set the tone for workouts. Messages like "You Belong," "No Gymtimidation," and "No Critics" adorn the interior of many Planet Fitness locations, but not all of the gym's members adhere to those mantras.
When confronted with a naked man doing yoga, some members of a Plaistow New Hampshire Planet Fitness called the cops. And when 34-year-old Eric Stagno was arrested for said naked yoga, he told those cops he thought the gym was a "judgment free zone."
Disgusted Judgment
In case you were wondering, Planet Fitness bills itself as a "Judgment Free Experience," is currently advertising a "judgment free summer" on its website, and has indoor and outdoor signage declaring members' freedom from judgment. But I guess some of those working out yesterday didn't take that message to heart. Police Captain Brett Morgan told WBZ-TV Stagno's fellow gym-goers reported feeling "disgusted," "sick," and "unsafe." And if that's not judgment, I don't know what is.
Cops and witnesses say Stagno was just walking around the gym naked before allegedly settling in on the yoga mats. When officers arrived at the location, he was nude on his knees in a yoga-type position. (We would insert a downward-facing dog joke here, but, unlike Planet Fitness members, we adhere to our no-judgment ethos.)
The Only Statement He Needs
Stagno was apparently arrested without incident. "The only statement that he made," according to Captain Morgan (ha!), "was that he thought it was a 'judgment free zone' -- apparently referencing the chain's slogan." That would've been a fine enough defense for us, but apparently not good enough for the Plaistow Police Department, who charged Stagno with indecent exposure/lewdness and disorderly conduct. Stagno was released on $1,000 bail and is due on Plaistow Circuit Court on September 21, when he can try his judgement-free defense on an actual judge.
Related Resources:
- Man Arrested for Exercising Naked at Planet Fitness in New Hampshire (AP)
- Nude Noms: Potential Legal Issues With Naked Restaurants (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)
- Man Tased, Arrested for Running Naked in Ohio Marathon (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)
- Are 'Naked Bike Rides' Legal? (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)