2 days ago
Canadian wildfire smoke stopping your workout? Planet Fitness opens doors this weekend
With Canadian wildfire smoke causing poor air quality across Michigan, Planet Fitness locations are opening to anyone wanting to exercise for free now through close of business on Sunday, June 8, the company said.
'With recent alerts due to the Canadian wildfires, we want to make sure those who normally exercise outdoors have a safe option to avoid unhealthy air quality levels,' said Keith Bertram, president of EPIC Fitness Group, one of the state's Planet Fitness franchisees.
EPIC Fitness Group, Impact Fitness, Cambridge Investors and Red Mountain Companies own and operate more than 80 Planet Fitness locations in Michigan.
'Part of a healthy lifestyle is making fitness a part of your routine. We hope this free access gives everyone the opportunity to exercise safely and continue their healthy habits," Bertram said.
Visitors will have no obligation to join Planet Fitness to take advantage of the opportunity, the company said.
According to AirNow, which provides air quality measurements, nearly all of Michigan has "moderate" air quality as of 7 a.m. June 6.
Moderate air quality means air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Readings across Michigan at 7 a.m. included:
Kalamazoo: 101
Grand Rapids: 88
Bay City: 85
Sault Ste. Marie: 80
Lansing: 80
Flint: 72
Houghton Lake: 70
Marquette: 70
Houghton: 61
In southeast Michigan, including the Detroit area, air quality was worse at 7 a.m. — in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected, according to the AQI.
Stations in Detroit and Ypsilanti measured readings of 118 at 7 a.m. Ann Arbor had a 129 reading and Manchester was at 139 on the AQI.
There are over 80 Planet Fitness gyms located in Michigan.
For address and hours of operations, visit
All Planet Fitness locations feature cardio and strength equipment pieces, plate loaded strength equipment and functional training, as well as amenities such as full-service locker rooms, tanning, massage chairs and HydroMassage beds.
Founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, Planet Fitness is one of the largest franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations, the company said, with approximately 20.6 million members and more than 2,741 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain.
More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Planet Fitness opens doors to non-members avoiding Canadian wildfire smoke
