That's how gyms subsidize costs. January firsters are often make or break gyms. Mostly due to the fact that leases on those spaces are expensive and the insurance for them is a complete racket (all insurance is a racket, though).
Clearly there is plenty of big gym money bouncing around. Exceptions in laws don’t write themselves. I’m cynical but I’m also right.
The CEO of Planet Fitness was a contributor to Trump's campaign fund in 2016. I think you're underestimating how politically connected these groups are.