Last week, Planet Fitness in Windham relocated to a new space at 759 Roosevelt Trail, near the Windham Post Office. After 10 years in the rented location, owner Eric Giguere decided it was time to make some changes.
The new location has new equipment, more space and a great new layout. There’s an area for the 30-minute circuit workout, a stretching area away from the cardio machines and a dedicated Black Card Spa with a TV area, two tanning rooms, two kneading massage chairs and hydro massage lounge chairs.
“Balance is the Planet Fitness model,” Giguere said. “It’s a place for the first time gym user. There’s no “gymtimidation”. It’s a judgement free zone.” Planet Fitness even has pizza night and bagel mornings. Everything is okay in moderation, he added. “It’s a treat.”
The 30-minute circuit is a full body workout that has cardio and strength training with 20 pieces of equipment that can be done in 30 minutes.
The main room of the gym has 55 pieces of cardio equipment, including bikes, treadmills, arcs, stair climbers and recumbent bikes. At the beginning of the year there might be a slight wait for cardio use, but most of the time that is not an issue because there’s a piece of equipment for everyone.
New this month is the Syngy 360 which includes kettle bells, ropes, a TRX, medicine balls and more, all in one area. If these exercises seem overwhelming, not to fear, Planet Fitness has a personal trainer on staff and his services are free. Monday through Friday the trainer, Cody, is available for consultations for a whole workout or just to answer questions about a particular machine. It’s PE@PF. He will sit down with members, talk over medical history and goals, then he’ll set up a program for them, Giguere said.
Memberships start at $10 per month and can be canceled at any time, but for those who want to take advantage of the Black Card Spa, the price is $21.99 per month and comes with a cancellation fee. However, the benefits of the Black Card go beyond the spa. Each Black Card member is allowed to bring one guest each time they workout. They also can jump from Planet Fitness location to location and drinks are half price.
“We have our five times a week guys, but we cater to everyone,” said Giguere. A 92-year-old woman told him she goes to the gym because, “This keeps me going,” she said.
“We try to create that environment of community,” Giguere added. “You see people you know. It’s a gathering spot. It’s healthy living.” From 92-year-olds to high school kids to the first time gym user, all are welcome at Planet Fitness.
“We break down the traditional barriers to gym memberships. We provide free training and give them a program. We do not want to make people feel uncomfortable,” said Giguere.
The staff at the front desk know most people by name and greet them when they enter.
The new location on Route 302 is lit up at night showing off the bold yellow and purple colors and the “No Critics” sign on the back wall.
“I think this is what a Planet Fitness is supposed to look like,” said staff member Spencer Hodge.
“I appreciate what Windham has done for me,” Giguere said. “I do the capital investments I can do and reinvest. It’s not, meet expectations, but exceed expectations.”
The club is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Fridays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends.
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