Planet Fitness to invest $1.2M in new location

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Posted March 1, 2013 3:05 pm by

Planet Fitness to invest $1.2M in new locationThe exercise franchise Planet Fitness is coming to Ann Arbor’s west side, and bringing with it a new workout model and significant investment. The 26,000 square foot W. Stadium Hollywood Video building, which has been vacant for two years, is now under renovation, and franchisee Dennis Backos expect the doors to be open near the end of April. 

 
“We’re very pleased to be coming to Ann Arbor,” says Backos, who owns the forthcoming Planet Fitness, along with five other Michigan locations with partner Jim Matthew. “We wouldn’t be investing the money if we didn’t think it was a great place to be.”
 
According to Backos, he and Matthew have been looking to open an Ann Arbor-area Planet Fitness for some time, believing that the business’ “judgment free” attitude will appeal to locals. 
 
“This means member can relax and have fun without being subjected to the “look at me” philosophy some people have,” Backos says. “We have a lot of different rules others gym don’t. You’re not allowed to grunt, and we don’t allow people to intimidate others.”
 
Between renovations and equipment, Backos and Matthews plan to invest $1.2 million into the former Hollywood Video building. The facility will include about 250 piece of cardio equipment, 125 pieces of weight training equipment, circuit training space and massage chairs. 
 
Backos expects the Planet Fitness to open with a staff of up to 13. The gym will be open and staffed 24 hours a day during weekdays and offer perks to members such as monthly pizza nights and bagel mornings.
 
Backos and Matthews plan to open additional Planet Fitness locations in the future. They currently own the franchise rights to all of Washtenaw County. 
 

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