Another unoccupied Johnston storefront has come alive, as national franchise Planet Fitness opened last week inside the former Shaw’s Market at 1493 Hartford Avenue. Before the gym opened its doors, it had 1,000 memberships at the Johnston location.
Steve Eddleston, who has three other locations in Rhode Island, owns this 17,000-square foot Planet Fitness franchise. Mayor Joseph Polisena joined him at an official ribbon cutting that was open to the public.
On the wall, above wall-to-wall fitness equipment, is the message “No Critics,” a mantra for Planet Fitness.
“We welcome anyone and everyone to come here,” said James Alexander, a personal fitness trainer at Planet Fitness. “We don’t discourage anyone from becoming a member. There are various levels of fitness programs and exercises that can be adapted to any individual’s needs.”
Alexander pointed out that the “No Critics” message means that members do not have to worry about judgment or criticism from other members.
“Everybody can come here and not have to worry what anybody is saying,” he said.
Ambiorix “Ambi” Erazos, a former athlete at Hope High School in Providence, who is the on-site manager at the Johnston Planet Fitness, showed people around the spacious facility.
Erazos highlighted features like the 20 mounted televisions that people can watch while their working out, mirrored walls, 35 treadmills and as many Elliptical machines. Planet Fitness also has more than 15 Arc Trainers, 15 stationary bikes and areas for “30 Minute Workout” and “12 Minute Abs.”
“We’re open 24 hours, too,” Eddleston said. “The popularity of Planet Fitness really surfaced when those 1,000 people signed up before we even opened our doors.”
Eddleston also owns Planet Fitness franchises in Providence, Warwick and North Kingstown. His wife Gloria Eddleston and daughter Rae-Anna Reilly are very much a part of the everyday operation in Johnston.
“It’s amazing how this building has been transformed into a beautiful facility,” said Polisena. “Planet Fitness is indeed a welcome addition to our town. One of the most important things is that it can help people with health and wellness.”
The facility offers a variety of programs and packages, some of which allow people who sign up for various memberships to use other Planet Fitness Health Clubs throughout the area.
For example, Erazos pointed out that all PF memberships come with free unlimited fitness training and that a pre-Grand Opening sale offers people a chance to start up for as low as $1 and only $10 per month.
To take a tour of Planet Fitness or for more information, stop by the gym at 1493 Hartford Avenue (Route 6) in Johnston or call 351-5050.
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