Now open: Planet Fitness on Ann Arbor's West Stadium Boulevard
Planet Fitness Ann Arbor manager Megan Chichila and franchise owner Jim Matthew inside the new gym on West Stadium Boulevard.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The 26,000-square-foot gym at 2350 W. Stadium Blvd., which opened on May 7, has 1,500 members and Matthew said that number is growing daily.
“Ann Arbor has always been a progressive, health-minded city,” he said. “It works to have Planet Fitness in Ann Arbor with that mindset.”
Matthew and his business partner, Dennis Backos, own five Planet Fitness franchises in Michigan. After searching for an Ann Arbor location for two years, they purchased the former Hollywood Video building on West Stadium for $2 million, city records show.
The cardio area at Planet Fitness in Ann Arbor, which has 126 machines.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Matthew said the search for Ann Arbor real estate took a couple years because the gym needs an accessible location and one that's affordable.
Memberships at Planet Fitness cost $10 per month with a $29 annual fee, or $19.99 per month with a $39 annual fee for the “Black Card” membership, which includes unlimited tanning, use of HydroMassage beds and other perks. Free fitness training is included with the memberships.
“We’re hoping to get people introduced to fitness,” Matthew said.
The space on West Stadium Boulevard underwent extensive renovations, which involved gutting it and connecting two buildings. There are 126 cardio fitness machines, weight machines, free weights, 22 flat-screen televisions, and locker rooms with showers. The wide-open gym has designated areas for cardio, weights, circuits and abs.
Based in New Hampshire, Planet Fitness is a franchise chain of fitness centers with more than 600 locations. The company’s website says the gyms are a “Judgment Free Zone” where members can “relax, get in shape, and have fun without being subjected to the hard-core, look-at-me attitude that exists in too many gyms.”
There are 30 Planet Fitness centers in Michigan, including one in the Washtenaw Fountain Plaza at 2748 Washtenaw Ave. Matthew and Backos don’t own that location.
Planet Fitness is open for 24 hours from Monday at 5 a.m. through Friday at 9 p.m., and it’s open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Elias
Sun, May 26, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
I'd be tempted if its hours were longer than those at Washtenaw County. I find it odd that they are 24 hour during the week (which I like) but then they close at 9 PM on Friday and 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday evening is a big exercise time for lots of people, and Washtenaw is open until 10 PM Sunday evenings. I'm also a bit put off by tanning (which is not healthy) and promoting other unhealthful things--why candy when most of us get enough sugar without it?
EyeHeartA2
Mon, May 27, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.
The one in Ypsi is 24/7. Mini tootsie rolls can be passed. I have yet to eat one. The $10/month includes no tanning "privileges"
Bryan Ellinger
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
Is it okay to be Fergalicious at Planet Fitness?
Brad
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
If I told you I'd be violating the judgement free zone. It's like Fight Club.
djacks24
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
"The company's website says the gyms are a "Judgment Free Zone" where members can "relax, get in shape, and have fun without being subjected to the hard-core, look-at-me attitude that exists in too many gyms."" The funny thing is that the Planet Fitness business model is the only thing passing judgement. The myth of the big guy on the beach kicking sand in the little guys face is just a myth and always was just to sell a product. What many folks (and apparently Planet Fitness) don't understand is that heavy exercises like squats and deadlifts can be done without grunting and slamming weights on the ground. Actually, the lack of consideration that goes on in most gyms is sickening and effects everyone. There is nothing about lifting heavy weights that makes people rude and inconsiderate. It's just the fact that rude and inconsiderate people also happen to lift weights..Just like considerate folks do. I've been an avid weightlifter for 25 years and would love to be able to find a place I could go to that actually has rules and promotes being considerate to others by enforcing those rules. Rather than just posting rules on the wall and expect people will follow them. Fact of the matter is that every gym I've went to in the past 25 years has little to no oversight. Mostly, oversight falls to members like me who actually do get fed up with inconsiderate members and will actually speak up someone who has blatant disregard to the establishment and others at the establishment. However, if I chose to go to Planet Fitness I would have to give up responsible chalk usage. Also a very beneficial exercise lift deadlifts and won't have the luxury of being able to use a dumbbell weighing more than 60 pounds. It's not that I'm exceptionally strong. But I do weigh 240lbs and my body is able to handle heavier weights by having spent my entire adult life lifting weights. Actually, along with all this I will most likely be stereotyped by members and staff since I don't "lo
Morris Thorpe
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
djacks, That's one of the best comments I've read here in a while. My thoughts are along the same lines re: who they cater to and why; however, I did not consider the irony of the "judgement free" zone. Very true.
Bryan Ellinger
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
djacks24, Is the rule breaking and obnoxious behavior in gyms that bad now? Eastern's gyms were cool/mellow in the eighties.
GratefulReb
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 5:07 p.m.
you must really be bored.
djacks24
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
(continued) "look the part". The only thing that most gyms need is rules enforcement. This way novice and experienced fitness enthusiasts can coexist without stereotypes in the same place. The environment of a gym is only as good as the members who share the facility. The truth about Planet Fitness is they are promoting their wallets. They want to sign people to a gym membership who will more than likely not utilize it. Its means more members and less or little wear and tear on their equipment and less resources used. their ideal business model is purely a numbers game by signing as many members as they can for a low fee and never have to worry about an overcrowded establishment.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
Here's the business model: Get 1000 people to sign up for a cheap gym. Sure, most are out of shape and probably won't stick with it. In fact, most might be a bit lazy. Too lazy in fact to cancel the membership when they don't go. Besides, they are going to "get back on the program next month." So now you have 900 people pay for the 100 that actually use the place. Genius, pure genius. Me? I thank those 900 people and use nice NEW equipment in a clean facility. The one in YPSI is great. No broken stuff. It gets painted more than a ship in the navy. I'm assuming this one will be the same. Enjoy with confidence.
GratefulReb
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 4:06 p.m.
It looks a hell of a lot better than an empty ugly building. Oh yea, they're also contributing to A2's tax base. I wish PF well.
E Claire
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 6:47 p.m.
If it were an independent gym and not a "chain", people would be fine with it. The AA elite can't deal with a "chain". I often wonder if they ever think about the fact that a small business becomes a "chain" because most people actually like the business.
markguy
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 6:20 p.m.
My thoughts exactly. it seems like a perfect fit, the large open building and a huge parking lot. Happy to have a viable business in that spot, whether I use it or not.
Thinkin' it Over
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
judgement v judgment: http://grammarist.com/spelling/judgment-judgement/
Linda Peck
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 1:19 p.m.
For seniors or people who are average in physical fitness, not super heroes, this place looks very nice and appropriate. I may try it out myself. The location is great. No problems parking.
Morris Thorpe
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Kafkaland, my thoughts exactly (but you get to keep all the downvotes.) The business model is nothing short of genius. I really wonder if it started as a joke on a Friday night and went from there.
thehawk
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
Yeah, actually I do admire their business model. PF targets people who are not into bodybuilding. Fitness is low weights, lots of reps, cardio. Strengthening muscles and endurance, not building bulging bodies. If someone wants to reward themselves with a piece of pizza or a sweet treat, have at it. Not everyone into fitness needs or wants to lose weight. Planet Fitness is what I want from a gym. If you don't like what they offer, go someplace that offers what you want.
obviouscomment
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
Agreed. And even if you are losing weight, it's much easier to stick to your plan if you allow occasional small treats.
E Claire
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
So true. My top reason to exercise is to be able to eat pizza and donuts, extra cheese.
justwondering
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:07 a.m.
"The Judgement Free Zone" -- Really?!!! How about trying "Judgment" instead of "Judgement" - correct spelling would be nice, especially in such huge, prominent letters. They also use this spelling in a sign over their door. Who proofs this stuff? What can I say - Guud Luk with Ur Biz Nes Vencher!
arborani
Sat, May 25, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
The British spell it judgement - cf. contemporary English authors and imported TV shows, etc. Not sure about (aboot?) Canada. I spell it judgment. Same dichotomy with "acknowledgment", dontcha know.
Sandy Castle
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Hmm, who looks silly now? http://grammarist.com/spelling/judgment-judgement/
Just Be Nice
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Wow, harsh comment. Looked it up in a real live dictionary. Either way is correct.
Jack Gladney
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.
Either is an acceptable spelling, however "judgment" is used in most countries when the word is used in a legal context.
tdw
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
babymay....is correct I typed in " judgement " and didn't get a squiggly red line.Maybe it's just easier to read for us common folk
babmay11
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
Actually, you can spell it either way, although "judgment" is the preferred spelling.
Kafkaland
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 10:38 a.m.
You got to admire their business model. First, they advertise heavily to people who don't know anything about fitness. Then, keep them unfit by feeding them pizza and donuts (really - they serve free pizza at their gyms!), and ban effective exercises like powerlifting and the Olympic lifts, and remove all heavier free weights, Then, they tell them that they aren't judged for the lack of progress in the gym; that it's perfectly cool to stay fat and that they don't have to work hard. The non-usage or very gentle usage of equipment means no wear and tear on it. No serious sweating, no chalk, means little clean-up as well. And to make sure the clients don't get any wrong ideas, like wanting to lift heavy stuff often, they run anyone who could serve as a role model off. Eventually, they will come in less often, perhaps only for the free pizza, but since its so cheap, and in their you lose weight by having a gym membership, not by working out hard, keep paying. I'm sure this model would get you an A in any business plan exercise in B-school, and the VC guy will love it. Anyone who seriously wants to get in shape, maybe not so much...
RunrDad
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 7:22 p.m.
This is an amazing post. Love it.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
Get a grip. Donuts once/month. Pizza once/month. Treadmills, elliptical, stair climbers, bikes. No, there is no powerlifting. They can go to your gym for that.
mady
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 1:48 p.m.
@brad--I remember that commercial, this guy can lift a ton but can't spell it! Thanks for the chuckle!
An Arborigine
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 1:28 p.m.
Is that the "Lunk Alarm" I'm hearing?
Bill Sloan
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
There are lots of "narcissitoriams" around like Gold's and Powerhouse, but few places for folks like me who simple want a nice, clean, well-equipped and supportive place to do what we can to "rob the reaper." Thanks for coming to town PF!
Brad
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:49 a.m.
"I pick things up and I put them down"
a2roots
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
Wow sounds like someone doesn't like competition.
babmay11
Fri, May 24, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
Clearly you're not "judgment free"