Eric Stagno Did Naked Yoga at Planet Fitness Claiming It Was a “Judgement Free Zone”

In July 2018, Eric Stagno walked into a Planet Fitness in Plaistow, New Hampshire, took off all his clothes, and began doing yoga. When police arrived, he told them he thought the gym’s “Judgement Free Zone” slogan meant nudity was allowed.

The Incident

On the afternoon of July 22, the 34-year-old from nearby Haverhill, Massachusetts, entered the gym, stripped completely naked near the entrance, and left his clothes and belongings at the front desk. Witnesses said he walked back and forth across the floor in full view of other members before heading to the yoga mats. Officers found him on his knees in a yoga pose, still completely nude.

Gym-goers called police after becoming upset. Several later told authorities they felt disgusted, uncomfortable, and unsafe. Stagno did not appear aggressive or confrontational. He largely kept to himself while exercising naked.

The Excuse and Arrest

When police questioned him, Stagno offered one explanation. He said he believed Planet Fitness was a “judgment free zone,” referring to the company’s long-running marketing slogan that promises a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. Officers arrested him without incident and charged him with indecent exposure/lewdness and disorderly conduct. He was released on bail.

Planet Fitness confirmed staff acted quickly by calling the police. The company has long promoted its gyms as places where people of all fitness levels can work out without fear of criticism, but the policy clearly does not extend to public nudity.

Court Outcome

Stagno later pleaded no contest to the charges. A judge gave him a four-month suspended jail sentence and ordered him to stay away from that particular Planet Fitness location for 18 months.

The story quickly spread as an extreme example of someone taking a marketing slogan far too literally. While Planet Fitness markets itself as judgment-free, the incident made clear that basic rules about clothing and public decency still apply. Stagno’s actions left members startled and turned a routine Sunday workout into a memorable police call.

For more unusual true stories, strange crimes, and moments when everyday slogans meet reality, subscribe to phactsblog.com. Follow Phacts on Facebook and other social platforms for the latest.

• ShareCopied to clipboard