Planet Fitness Announces Company's First International Expansion into Canada

Fastest growing full-size health club in the U.S. brings high-quality "Judgement Free" health clubs to Toronto for only $10 a month

NEWINGTON, NH, Oct. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - A solution has finally arrived for the nearly 81 percent of Canadians who are put off by the price, intimidation, and inconvenience associated with gym memberships¹. Planet Fitness, the inventor of low-cost, high-value, judgement-free health clubs, and the fastest-growing full-size health club franchise in the U.S. with over 850 locations, is set to open its first international location in December at the Galleria Mall in Toronto, Ontario (1245 Dupont Street).

"Canada represents a huge opportunity for Planet Fitness, as we believe that the value, quality, and non-intimidating atmosphere we provide members is truly unmatched by any other gym in the industry," said Chris Rondeau, CEO and co-founder of Planet Fitness. "We are confident that our winning formula will resonate with Canadians and shake up the fitness landscape."

The company has also begun franchising in Canada as part of its commitment to developing and growing the brand across the country. To date, the brand has received interest from over 10 franchise groups to purchase over 150 clubs across eight provinces coast to coast, with development beginning in early 2015.  More information on the brand's franchising requirements can be found at www.PlanetFitness.ca/franchising.

Prior to the first corporate location opening in Toronto this December, people can join online beginning today at www.PlanetFitness.ca or in person at the pre-sale office (1245 Dupont Street Unit 13) for only $1 sign-up fee. The second club will open in Brampton in early 2015 at Centennial Mall (227 Vodden Street East).

At Planet Fitness, Canadians will enjoy a truly unique gym experience, including:

• Extremely low prices, with memberships for just $10 or $19.99 a month for the Planet Fitness Black Card®
• A "no commitment" membership option offered at all clubs
• Non-intimidating, Judgement Free Zone® that makes everyone feel comfortable and targets first time or occasional gym users, rather than fitness fanatics or body builders
• Tons of high quality, name brand cardio and strength equipment, flat screen TVs , and full-size locker rooms
• No pushy sales people or personal trainers – unlimited fitness training is included in all memberships
• No group classes, daycare centres, pools, spa services or juice bars that typically drive up membership fees and are considered unnecessary by most people
• Free pizza and bagels as a monthly appreciation gesture
• A "Lunk Alarm," a purple and yellow siren on the wall used to enforce the policy of no grunting, dropping weights or judging others
• Open 24 hours and staffed at all times

A recent survey commissioned by Planet Fitness found that cost is an important factor for Canadian gym-goers when it comes to membership, among both current (41%) and lapsed members (66%).  Six out of 10 Canadians feel intimidated by gyms, with not knowing how to use equipment (27%) and pushy sales people (24%) as factors.

"Planet Fitness is not your typical gym," says Rondeau. "We structured our business model around the idea of making fitness more affordable for everyone, and making people feel comfortable in a positive, judgement-free atmosphere regardless of their fitness level. We look forward to exceeding Canadians' expectations."

People seeking additional amenities can take advantage of Planet Fitness' Black Card membership for only $19.99 per month, which includes the ability to bring a guest every visit at no additional charge, use of HydroMassage Beds, massage chairs, tanning, and more.

Founded over 20 years ago, Planet Fitness has experienced aggressive growth over the past several years with locations in 47 states and Puerto Rico. Last year alone, the company opened 149 new locations, 94% of which were opened by existing franchisees.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is now the fastest-growing full size health club franchise in the United States, and has revolutionized the industry with a combination of extremely low prices and a unique, friendly, and hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone®.

Planet Fitness has over 850 locations nationwide and the company prides itself on giving people an unbeatable value, top-notch facilities, and an atmosphere that focuses on the needs of occasional or first-time gym users rather than hard-core fitness fanatics. All Planet Fitness clubs feature a wide selection of brand-name cardio and strength equipment, and provide unlimited fitness instruction with all memberships.

Planet Fitness is a national brand partner of NBC's The Biggest Loser^®. For more information, please visit www.PlanetFitness.ca.

¹ According to a survey of 1502 Canadians conducted between September 1 and 4, 2014 by Leger online panel, LegerWeb, with a margin of error of +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20

Image with caption: "Planet Fitness, the inventor of low-cost, high-value, judgement-free health clubs, and the fastest-growing full-size health club franchise in the U.S., announced its first international expansion into Canada today. Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., the company is now bringing its high-quality health clubs to Toronto for only $10 a month. (CNW Group/Planet Fitness)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141022_C3800_PHOTO_EN_6961.jpg

SOURCE: Planet Fitness