FARGO — Planet Fitness has a new location in south Fargo, and it sounds like it might work out.

Ashton Heilman was lifting in the free weights area on Jan. 5, and the West Fargo man was pumped-up about the new surroundings.

“It’s awesome. There’s a lot more equipment, a lot more things to do. And it’s a lot brighter,” Heilman said, taking a break from using a Smith machine.

Meanwhile, over by the treadmills, Merian Alawadi was completing her first workout in the new facility, and she said the gym’s new location at 5100 14th Ave. S. is a big step up.

“I like it. It’s much bigger,” Alawadi said. “I do like the space.”

The new 22,500-square-foot location opened on Dec. 28, taking up more than half of what had once been a Gordman’s department store.
It’s about 3,000 square feet larger than the previous space, which had opened in a repurposed buffet restaurant spot in 2009, according to Mike Gillen, regional manager for the franchise operation.

Planet Fitness has about 2,000 locations worldwide, offering an all-you-can-workout model across a range of exercise equipment.

About 80 percent of the equipment is new, the locker room is roomier. For those that just want to quickly duck in and out, day lockers in the main exercise area allow patrons to securely stash outdoor shoes and other items.

“We’re looking forward to getting people in here,” Gillen said.

The rows of exercise equipment are impressive.

In the free weights area, lined with a wall of mirrors, there are racks for barbells for controlled strength training and machines that offer resistance control for weight training.

In addition, the facility has cable tower weight machines and plenty of treadmills (at least 40), stair climbing machines, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and rowing machines.

It’s a wide variety of cardio equipment, Gillen said, which should make getting in a workout no sweat.

Planet Fitness kept its 30-minute workout room for quick, timed, circuit training. Next to that, there’s a new functional training room, where patrons can exercise using movements they make in daily life. A Planet Fitness 360 area includes a Life Fitness SYNRGY360 and a large yellow apparatus that can accommodate several people working out at stations using kettle balls, resistance bands, battle ropes, dip bars, and other equipment to squat, lunge and pull-up to better health.

There is also free fitness training available.

“We’re really big on providing that customer experience,” Gillen said.

A special membership area now has a wellness pod, providing an immersive experience with soothing music and images on an overhead screen, heating therapy and scents to promote relaxation.

“If you want to go to Hawaii, if you want to go to Alaska, it’s all here,” Gillen said.

The spa has several types of tanning machines (including hybrid light and red light beds and stand-up devices); deep tissue massage chairs; and a cryotherapy bed for when you need the help you would otherwise get from a cold pack or ice bath.

The cryo bed has “been a big hit,” Gillen said.

On the opposite end of the soothing spectrum are two hydro lounges, which pulse hot water jets on your back as you lay on them.

“It’s top-notch,” Gillen said of the spa. “Member feedback has been fantastic.”

Planet Fitness is open 24 hours a day Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.