LAURINBURG — Gyms might not be able to open currently in North Carolina, but when it comes time to open again Laurinburg will be seeing a new one — Planet Fitness.

Community members driving on West Boulevard might have noticed the Planet Fitness sign replacing what used to be Save a Lot as it waits to open its newest location.

“At Planet Fitness, we pride ourselves on our unique, judgment-free, non-intimidating environment while providing a high-quality fitness experience at an affordable price,” said Chris Epper, the vice president of marketing. “We saw an opportunity to bring this unique brand to the community. It’s a great place for people of all fitness levels, including those who have never stepped into a gym before. Planet Fitness will be able to provide the residents of Laurinburg a clean, and comfortable place to work out at great value.”

When opening a new location there are several things the business looking into to make sure its a fit for local residents such as can we bring something new to this community and deliver it at an affordable price or if there is space available. The gym also looks into how to partner with the local community through the area’s chamber of commerce and more.

The location has been in the works for more than a year and, with COVID-19, the process has been delayed a bit longer.

“COVID-19 has certainly impacted all businesses within Laurinburg, and Planet Fitness is no exception — as a result of statewide closures there have been delays in opening this location,” Epper said. “with the extra time during the mandatory NC gym closures, our team has been busy making sure the club is clean and safe for new members.

“We have been giving cleaning a workout by increasing our cleaning stations, re-arranging our equipment with added space for cardio distancing, and training our team on keeping the club clean including the use of new electrostatic sprayers for additional sanitization,” he added. “Planet Fitness is committed to keeping this new club clean as we welcome new members in to start their fitness journey.”

Planet Fitness is staying in contact with its members digitally through its app which offers hundreds of at-home workout videos, a fitness tracker and tutorials on how to use the equipment that will be available in the Laurinburg club once it opens.

“It is our top priority to open up the new facility so that the residents can have access as soon as possible,” Epper said. “Health and wellness are incredibly important and we want to be able to give the Laurinburg community access to that resource when they need it … currently, the location is set to open by the end of this summer, however, that date may change if we encounter additional delays.”

Planet Fitness offers memberships starting at just $10 a month along with various other benefits besides just a gym.

“Overall, Planet Fitness hopes to be more than just another gym in Laurinburg,” Epper said. “Each PF location is locally owned and operated and we take pride in being a real part of the community — to take part in local events, work with local charities, and support those around us.”

For questions or to get a membership contact the Planet Fitness membership number at 888-237-9005.

Reach Katelin Gandee at [email protected],