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Planet Fitness is a fitness center brand that operates and franchises gyms across the United States and several other countries. It started in 1992 when two brothers, Michael and Marc Grondahl, took over a struggling gym in Dover, New Hampshire, and began building a different kind of fitness experience. Their idea was simple: create a gym that felt welcoming and unintimidating, where people who might feel out of place in a traditional gym could still get a solid workout. That concept became the foundation of what Planet Fitness now calls its Judgement Free Zone.

Over time, the company refined its model around affordable memberships and a consistent, no-frills environment. A major turning point came in 2003 when it opened its first franchise location, which allowed the brand to expand quickly while keeping costs manageable. That franchise-driven approach has been central to how Planet Fitness has grown, and in 2015 the company went public, giving it more resources to scale and strengthen the brand.

As of January 2024, Planet Fitness had more than 2,500 locations and about 19.6 million members. The brand is now in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Australia, with most of its locations operated by franchisees. This mix of company-owned and franchised clubs has helped the brand maintain a strong presence in a range of retail environments, from strip centers and power centers to lifestyle centers and urban areas.

In recent years, Planet Fitness has evolved beyond its original image as a gym for casual exercisers. While it still emphasizes affordability and a non-intimidating atmosphere, it has added more equipment and amenities to appeal to a broader range of members, including those with more serious fitness goals. The company has also continued to open new locations at a steady pace, often in formats that fit well within existing retail developments.

For landlords and developers, Planet Fitness represents a tenant with a long operating history, a recognizable national brand, and a track record of operating in a variety of retail settings. The company’s growth has been supported by a franchise model that encourages disciplined site selection and consistent operations, and its presence can bring steady foot traffic to a center. As the brand continues to expand and adapt, it remains a relevant player in the fitness and retail landscape.