Planet Fitness construction begins

Construction of a new Planet Fitness is under way on Airport Boulevard as owners prepare for a fall opening.

“We’re looking to open during the beginning of the fourth quarter, so October,” said franchise owner C.J. Bouchard. “The goal date is Oct. 17.”

The 25,300-square-foot fitness center will be located at 2219 Airport Blvd., near Raleigh Road Parkway, and offer competitive memberships, preopening deals and 24-hour access Monday through Friday. The center will also be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Bouchard said.

“We’ve had a great response from our members in Rocky Mount and Wilson about being there,” Bouchard said of the Wilson site. “The facility is going to be huge with tons and tons of equipment.

“Wilson’s going to be our 13th location. We’re just excited about being in Wilson.”

The company will start hiring the center’s 20-25 employees in July, and a 65-foot-long presale center will be onsite in August. The center will offer customers a chance to sign up early, at a presale price of $1 down and $10 a month, with no commitment.

The company will be accepting online applications for the Wilson location at www.planetfitness.com.

Planet Fitness offers two memberships — $10 a month or $19.99 a month. The $10 membership allows access to the Wilson location. The $19.99 membership allows access to other Planet Fitness sites, tanning beds, hydro massages, massage chairs and the ability to take a guest to Planet Fitness at no additional cost.

Planet Fitness, known for its judgement-free zone, will have 100 pieces of cardio equipment connected to televisions, four circuits of resistance equipment, stretching areas, a spa area, locker rooms and showers.