There's a new gym Tri-Cities residents can visit, where it is said they can work on meeting their fitness goals in a "non-intimidating" environment.
Planet Fitness opened its first 24/7 regional facility in Coquitlam's Westwood Mall Shopping Centre (3000 Lougheed Hwy.) on Nov. 23 — its 11th location in all of B.C.
Next to Real Canadian Superstore, it boasts 28,700 sq. ft. of exercise equipment ranging from dozens of cardio machines to strength and weightlifting areas.
Planet Fitness spokeperson Adam Willaeys explained the company takes pride in its "judgement free zone" in allowing interested patrons to conduct their day-to-day routine without pressure.
"We are excited to bring our Judgement Free fitness experience to the Coquitlam community," he stated in a news release sent to the Tri-City News.
"At Planet Fitness, we offer an affordable membership for a high-quality fitness centre and welcome anyone, at any fitness level into our friendly, comfortable, and non-intimidating environment."
The North American chain is set to compete with several local gyms along Lougheed Highway, such as Coquitlam Fit Body Boot Camp, CrossFit CBC, Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness, BodyByBrandt, Gold's Gym (Port Coquitlam), Anytime Fitness (Port Coquitlam) and Orange Theory Fitness (Port Moody).
Willaeys added Planet Fitness has also taken measures to ensure residents' health and safety.
This includes touchless check-in via the company's app, a "crowd meter" online feature is see real-time gym capacity and an increased sanitization process for high-touch areas.
The business also hopes to be another option for Tri-Cities residents to endure physical activity as 22 per cent of active Canadian adults are said to have become less active during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a ParticipACTION survey from 2020.
For more information, you can visit Planet Fitness' website.
