Just in time for those get-in-shape New Year’s resolutions, Planet Fitness will soon be opening in Plant City, ready to serve gym users 24/7.
Planet Fitness has 750 locations nationwide, and 10 in the Tampa Bay area. Plant City’s first location will open Dec. 17, on James Redman Parkway, in the Strawberry Plaza. The grand opening will include a meet-and-greet with a past winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” Danni Allen.
A temporary pre-sale office has already been open in the shopping center since mid-November, where potential new members can learn more about Planet Fitness and join.
Grady Hinchman, regional manager for Planet Fitness Tampa, said that one of Planet Fitness’ most important features is that it is “The Judgement Free Zone.” At most locations, many members are first-time gym users.
“You can come in knowing nothing, and we’re going to help you learn everything,” Hinchman said. “We want to make sure that real, everyday people can feel comfortable when they come in.”
In order to foster this non-intimidating atmosphere, Planet Fitness managers have hired diverse staff to whom customers can relate.
Ruben Cardenas is one of Planet Fitness Plant City’s new employees. In the United States Army, he served three tours in the Middle East before coming back to Plant City with his wife and family about two years ago.
Working at Planet Fitness is Cardenas’ first job since returning from overseas, and he said it will help him acclimate back into normal society after military life. Hinchman said he placed high value on the ways Cardenas could automatically connect with other veterans who might join Planet Fitness.
Another employee is from Puerto Rico, and is able to serve Spanish-speaking customers.
In addition to getting to know Planet Fitness’ relatable staff, new members will enjoy plenty of other perks, as well.
There are no time limits on equipment because there are so many pieces of equipment, gym users never have to wait for their favorite machines. Classes are geared toward specific body parts. There is a 12-minute circuit for full ab workouts and a 30-minute circuit for full-body workouts. Free wifi is always available, free pizza is available every first Monday of the month and free bagels are served every second Tuesday.
There are many more additional rewards for members who sign up for a Black Card membership, such as tanning and the opportunity to always bring a guest for free.
There are three vacant storefronts in the Strawberry Plaza, but Arthur Nudelman, owner of Planet Fitness Plant City, thinks this could change in the near future.
“Our business is going to attract a lot of new businesses, too,” Nudelman said.
From now until Dec. 19, new members can join for $1 down and $10 a month, with no contract.
By the Numbers
4: Number of tanning beds
10: Number of locations in Tampa Bay
12: Minutes it takes to complete the ab circuit
20: Approximate number of staff after hiring process
71: Number of lockers in each locker room
101: Number of pieces of cardio equipment
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.