Healthy Body, Healthy Community
“Going to the gym more” may be a common New Year’s resolution, but one gym in Knoxville has proven that living an active lifestyle is more important to our community than just a nice thought as the year begins. Planet Fitness opened the doors of its first location in Knoxville in June of 2012. Since then they’ve opened seven locations throughout the greater Knoxville area.
Director of Marketing Cambrie Gagliardi has had the privilege to see Planet Fitness grow as a local enterprise as Knoxville itself experiences rapid growth, and she credits it all to the people in our community. In a large city with a small-town feel, loyalty to local businesses is a well-earned attribute. “We’re very grateful because we genuinely feel a part of the community now, not just a large corporation that’s out of touch with its local market. Due to the nature of the business, we are more involved in our members’ lives, and we see them grow and reach new successes alongside our business. I think the people of Knoxville are unique because they do support local businesses, such as we are.” Even though Planet Fitness is a national chain, the Knoxville locations are franchised and owned by locals familiar with the area and members of the community.
As a way of truly becoming a part of the community, Planet Fitness partners with local non-profit organizations and entities such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, Tennessee Volunteer Athletics, and athletic programs in various schools. Everyone at Planet Fitness is truly proud that they’re able to support future generations in so many ways. “We’ve seen people of all ages, sizes, circumstances and backgrounds achieve results that they never imagined were attainable,” Gagliardi says. Members are able to do this with Planet Fitness’s straightforward facilities. Each location boasts around 100 cardio machines ranging from treadmills to stairclimbers, to ellipticals along with free weights, weight-training machines, stretching mats and other proprietary functional training equipment.
Along with a plethora of workout equipment, Planet Fitness offers each member free access to a certified fitness trainer with over 40 classes to choose from each week with a range of topics such as stretching, cardio, and low-intensity strength training.
Both of Planet Fitness’s membership plans include access to all workout equipment and training classes in an intimidation-free and judgement-free environment. The most basic plan is meant for people of all schedules, experience levels, and incomes. $10 a month with no commitment at a 24/7, fully-staffed facility gives members the options to work out whenever and however they need to.
At $21.99 a month, the PF Black Card Membership® includes exclusive access to the Black Card Spa including top of the line tanning beds, hydromassages, massage chairs, and total body enhancement booths. PF Black Card Members may also bring a guest to workout for free with their membership.
No matter what experience a person may have had with working out regularly, Planet Fitness is an option for everyone, and their goal is to always be the best possible gym in Knoxville. “We’re thankful to the city of Knoxville for voting for us. Our promise to you is that we’ll work hard every day to provide a friendly and clean space, top equipment, and a non-intimidating environment at the lowest possible price.”