Planet Fitness opens ‘judgement-free’ gym in North Union Township
David W. Lomasney, franchise owner of Planet Fitness, opens one of the several tanning beds at the new gym in North Union Township.
David W. Lomasney, franchise owner of Planet Fitness, stands inside the new location in North Union Township.
Planet Fitness recently opened its “judgement-free” gym in North Union Township for people who want to exercise, at almost any time, without being intimidated by muscle-bound bodybuilders.
The gym, which has 250 pieces of strength training, cardiovascular and cross-training machines and equipment, as well as tanning, massage and red light therapy equipment, opened June 17 in the Fayette Plaza on Route 51.
Planet Fitness’ “judgement-free zone” slogan means that members will not experience “gym intimidation,” said David W. Lomasney, one of the owners.
“People who are out of shape are intimidated by buff people. We’re not out to judge people,” said Lomasney, whose partners own 11 of the 650 Planet Fitness gyms across the country. They used to own World Gym but closed that operation to join the Planet Fitness franchise.
“We create a unique, non-intimidating atmosphere for our members. For most, this is their first gym,” Tom Lucas, general manager, said. “We cater to the general public, not bodybuilders. We want you to act respectfully to everyone else.”
Measuring 25,000 square feet, Plant Fitness has enough space for members to respect each other’s space.
The gym has 120 treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical trainers with Ipod jacks and TV’s with local cable programming. Wi-Fi is free, and music is always playing in the gym.
Traffic lights located in circuit training areas signal members to move from one piece of equipment to the next.
Rows of strength training machines and a corner of free weights allow members to strengthen and tone their muscles. Private training can be scheduled with trainers, and group training classes are available.
Members can tan in horizontal or vertical tanning beds or a spray tan booth that uses all natural tanning products, Lucas said.
Hydro-massage beds contain water jets with speed and body area controls, massage chairs are available to loosen up legs and torsos, and a red light therapy booth is designed to improve skin tone.
The restrooms contain lockers and private showers. Cleanliness is a top priority. Employee bonuses are based on how clean they keep the gym, Lomasney said.
From midnight on Sundays, the gym remains open 24 hours a day through Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays, it opens from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It closes for cleaning from 7 p.m. until midnight on Sundays.