Ellington

Planet Fitness general manager Ramsey Black says he wants everyone to feel comfortable while working out.

“Planet Fitness is the judgment-free zone,” he said of gym, which opened earlier this spring. “We don’t cater to power or body builders. We cater to a lot of first-time gym users. Part of our policy is a lunk alarm that goes off anytime guys are dropping weights, intimidating people or grunting loudly.”

Located off of Lee Highway at 6231 Perimeter Drive, the facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and features a wide variety of cardiovascular equipment, weights and circuit training options.

“We have over 80 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, which is more than most gyms,” said Black. “We also have a 30-minute circuit that’s a 30-minute full-body workout and a 12-minute circuit for abs.”

One of the gym’s most unique features is the fact that each member gets the opportunity to work with a personal trainer for free after signing up, according to Black.

“Free access to a trainer gives members a chance to learn how to use the equipment and use it on their own,” he said. “Ladies especially will sometimes come into a gym and see a piece of equipment and think it looks kind of difficult. All they really need is a little education, but instead they just stick to a treadmill and don’t succeed in reaching their fitness goals. We’re here to prevent that.”

Black encourages anyone to come out for a tour and experience the judgment-free zone.

“Everyone should be able to exercise according to their goals and shouldn’t have to be distracted or bothered by other people,” he said. “So far we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback, especially those first-time gym users that haven’t really been to a gym atmosphere or those who say they have and didn’t like it.”

Cost for joining Planet Fitness begins at $10 per member per month without a contract. There are showers, locker rooms and a tanning bed on-site.

The franchisers also plan to open another Planet Fitness location in Hixson later this summer.

For more information call Planet Fitness at 553-8900 or visit www.planetfitness.com.