Getting Fit in the New Year With Planet Fitness


The New Year is almost here (can you believe it!?), and many of us are probably thinking about setting some sort of goal/resolution/intention to get fit. In fact, losing weight and joining a gym are two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. I’m also in the bunch that wants to get healthier and lose a few pounds next year. The problem is, I’m not really a gym person, and just walking on its own is not working towards the targeted results I’m looking for.

I’ve been toying with the idea of joining a gym for a few months now. My friend Salma posts Insta Stories from the gym on a daily basis, and we always talk about how working out helps her mental health, and makes her feel more productive, but I always have all sorts of excuses. Number one on my excuse list – lack of time. But who doesn’t have time to take care of themselves? What could possibly be more important than your health and well-being?  

planet fitness surrey

So, when the folks at Planet Fitness reached out about their new facility that just opened up in my hometown of Surrey BC, first I laughed a little (a gym reached out to me LOL), then I clicked through to the website and read about the Judgement Free Zone’. It really struck a chord with me. A gym where newbies and workout- phobic people can feel comfortable, with unlimited free fitness training? Plus, it’s 10 minutes away from my office. Even though I’m basically the most non-athletic person on the planet, I made an appointment to see a personal trainer.

Let’s sidebar and talk about personal trainers for a minute. The one time I joined a gym (in 2005, after having a baby), I booked a session with a trainer and it was a nightmare. He was mean, and I felt like an idiot for not knowing how to use the equipment, or my own muscles apparently. I was pretty scarred by that experience and never went back to a gym. At Planet Fitness, I met Taylor. He was kind, very informative, and didn’t make me feel for a second like it was weird that I didn’t know where your feet are supposed to go on the leg extension machine. So if you’ve been scarred by a trainer, don’t worry, you can keep reading.

planet fitness surrey

I spent some time at Planet Fitness touring the facility and working out with Taylor, and the best thing was – I could feel my gym and organized exercise anxiety easing away. The whole facility is set up so anyone, literally anyone from a sloth level exerciser (which is just slightly below me), to someone who has been training for years, can feel comfortable. There are free classes to help you develop fitness goals, a training plan, and work out specific areas of your body. Staff is on the floor all day (and night) and more than willing to help you understand the equipment. There is also , and there is a private area to stretch and do ab exercises – in case you aren’t graceful as a swan when you stretch.

Jokes apart, this is the only gym that I’ve been to that is designed with people’s self-confidence and mental health as top priorities, even as much as physical workouts. Of course, I’ve only visited the Surrey location, but from talking to the staff and reading online, the whole company’s culture is about making exercise accessible to everyone. Definitely worth checking out if you are considering joining a gym.

 

If you are Surrey resident, go check out the facility. It’s just $10 a month to join, and right now, just $1 down to get started. Although, I’m really considering the Black Card membership at $21.99 a month that gives you access to the Hydro massage table beds and Total Enhancement booth, to name a few. Worth checking out too!

Do you go to the gym regularly? How many times a week do you work out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

This post is sponsored by Impact Fitness, a franchisee for Planet Fitness. In exchange for this post, I have received perks in the form of products and/or compensation. However, all opinions on this blog are my own.

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1 Comment

  1. December 15, 2017 / 3:26 pm

    How fantastic! At my gym the trainers cost an arm and a leg and are kinda mean. Really hope something like this opens near me in Toronto!

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