East Brunswick Planet Fitness To Reopen Amid Pandemic

Sarah Salvadore
Updated ·2 min read

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Planet Fitness in East Brunswick is all set to reopen after New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the reopening of gyms statewide on Wednesday morning.

Under new rules, gyms can open with a limited capacity of 25 percent, while following safety guidelines like wearing masks. This goes into effect Sep. 1.

Planet Fitness has 64 locations across NJ, including the one at 1020 NJ-18, in East Brunswick.

In a press statement, Craig Benson, former Governor of New Hampshire and Planet Fitness Board Member said fitness centers are “critical to the mental, physical and financial health” of the state.

He said the franchisee will collaborate with local, county and state officials to ensure members workout in a “safe, clean and welcoming environment.” Benson, a New Jersey native, is a franchisee owner who operates 18 gyms in the state.

Gyms in New Jersey were shut for nearly six months due to the Coronavirus pandemic. While many businesses have opened recently, the governor refused to reopen gyms and has taken action against owners who defied his orders.

William Olson, Planet Fitness franchisee owner who operates 18 gyms in the state said he understands the role fitness centers play in communities, and will take this responsibility seriously.

“The health and safety of our members, our staff, and the local communities we serve is inherent to our mission and values. We want to thank Governor Murphy for working with us so that we can safely reopen with strict guidelines in place, which will empower us to help our members improve their physical and mental health during these challenging times," he said.
Planet Fitness will implement the following safety protocols:

  • Limited capacity to comply with social distancing

  • Advanced air filtration systems

  • Touchless check-in

  • Each machine will be reconfigured and set at least six feet apart

  • Cleaning stations amply stocked with hand sanitizer

  • Posters explaining best health practices displayed throughout gym

  • All machines will be cleaned before and after

  • One-way flow for foot traffic

  • Temperature checks for staff members at the start of each shift

  • Ample supply of PPE for staff and members

This article originally appeared on the East Brunswick Patch