New gym at Stateway Plaza helps novices get fit

The Watertown area has a new option for those interested in losing a few pounds or getting into an exercise routine.
Planet Fitness opens today in a portion of the former P&C Foods in Stateway Plaza, next to Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
"Most of our users are first-time gym users, so they don't really know what to do," general manager Danielle E. Barres said. "That's why we offer time with a trainer to develop a routine."
Planet Fitness is a national chain of franchised gyms known for its low membership fees. The memberships, at a basic rate of $10 or $19.99 per month, are low because the gym doesn't offer members perks such as towels or day care or have expensive facilities to maintain, such as pools. The memberships also have annual maintenance fees, of $29 or $39, and enrollment fees, which will be waived for the higher membership and $1 for the noncommittal membership until June 30 at the new franchise.
Both memberships offer time with a fitness trainer to show gym-goers the ropes on different machines and design a routine, and small classes on how to use machines or different types of training. The higher membership, called a black card, also comes with free tanning and red-light rejuvenation booth time, use of the massage chairs, half-price cooler drinks and free access to other Planet Fitness locations around the country. There are nearly 500 now, Ms. Barres said.
"A number of people contacted us and were begging us to put one in Watertown," said Robert Morris, owner of the new franchise and 13 others from Utica to Buffalo. "We have been looking into the market for the last couple of years, but we couldn't find the right fit for us."
The Stateway Plaza location, between two major thoroughfares in Arsenal and Coffeen streets, fit the bill.
On Tuesday, crews made final adjustments in the 19,000-square-foot space. The 13 staff members trained on the machines and signed a few passersby up for memberships.
The space is filled with more than 80 cardio workout machines. The weight circuit machines are lined up near an area with free weights and Smith machines, which allow for lifts such as squats, but have a locking mechanism for safety.
"Eighty percent of gym users do cardio," Mr. Morris said. "Planet Fitness is designed so that they would never have to wait for a cardio machine, or not wait long. And there is enough weight and strength equipment so that you can get good training in."
There are designated areas for a 30-minute weight and cardio circuit, a 12-minute abdominal muscle workout, leg weights and stretching. The gym does have locker rooms and showers with day-use lockers, but it does not provide towels or toiletries.
Planet Fitness touts its "Judgement Free Zone," which encourages people of all shapes and sizes to achieve fitness. It looks down on heavy weightlifting, and those who grunt loudly and drop their weights will be treated to a buzz of the "Lunk Alarm."
Planet Fitness, 1222 Arsenal St., will be open 24 hours Mondays through Thursdays, midnight to 9 p.m. Fridays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The new location's phone number is 661-6366.
"We don't cater to bodybuilders," Mr. Morris said. "Planet Fitness is designed for people interested in general fitness, who maybe haven't worked out in 20 years, or who want to come in a few times a month. That's great."