Planet Fitness set for mid-December opening

The newest player on the Hardin County fitness scene will be open for business around mid-December.

Jill Pickett

T.J. Tobin runs coaxial cable for televisions Tuesday in the space in Lakeshore Plaza in Elizabethtown being renovated for a Planet Fitness.

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Jill Pickett

Freddy Arriaga muds drywall Tuesday at what will be a Planet Fitness in Lakeshore Plaza in Elizabethtown.

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Planet Fitness, with nearly 600 facilities throughout the country, will open next month in Lakeshore Plaza off North Dixie Avenue.

Franchisee Rick Kueber said Planet Fitness “breaks down fitness center barriers” by offering customers its facilities at a low cost without a long-term commitment. The monthly fee for use is $10 and there are no long-term contracts customers need to sign to work out daily.

“We are focused on strictly servicing our customers and having an impeccably clean gym,” he said.

Kueber, who has the rights to 17 franchises and has opened Planet Fitness centers in Louisville and Clarksville, Ind., said customers will be greeted by nearly 100 machines to meet their fitness needs. He said between 40 and 50 treadmills will be in place as well as 30 to 50 elliptical machines.

“I don’t think you will find this much equipment anywhere else,” Kueber said, adding most of the most popular workout equipment will be available.

Planet Fitness also offers tanning beds, a locker room with showers and massage chairs, for example.

Kueber said Planet Fitness offers a Black Card for $19.99 a month and that requires a 12-month contract. Card members receive a variety of services, according to the Planet Franchise website, including use of all Planet Fitness franchise locations, unlimited guest privileges, unlimited fitness training, tanning and use of massage chairs.

A full-time trainer will be in place, Kueber said, to offer customers “a plan to meet their needs and be more like a consultant.”

Planet Fitness will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will employee about 25 people, Kueber said.

“There is a need for an affordable fitness option,” Kueber said.

Jeff D’Alessio can be reached at (270) 505-1757 or jdalessio@thenewsenterprise.com