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Planet Fitness adds another Louisville location, growing area footprint to 22 gyms

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -location-growing-area-footprint-to-22-gyms.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 7:46 GMT by The Courier-Journal
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Planet Fitness Opens New Southern Jefferson County Gym – A Fresh Fitness Destination for Louisville Residents

By [Your Name] – Louisville, KY

On September 24, 2025, the Courier‑Journal reported the opening of a new Planet Fitness franchise in southern Jefferson County, marking the brand’s latest expansion into the Louisville metro area. The new location, situated on Mud Lane near the intersection of Preston Highway, brings the popular “No Judgment Gym” concept to an underserved part of the city and promises to create jobs, stimulate local commerce, and provide residents with affordable fitness options. Below is a comprehensive summary of the story and the broader context that surrounds this development.

1. The New Planet Fitness: What the Space Looks Like

The Courier‑Journal’s feature highlighted the state‑of‑the‑art facilities that the new gym offers. The 12,000‑square‑foot space is the chain’s second‑largest property in Kentucky, boasting:

• 70+ cardio and strength machines: including treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, free‑weight racks, and a dedicated functional‑training area.
• “Judgement Free” amenities: locker rooms, showers, and a “Mirror Free Zone” to keep the focus on workouts rather than looks.
• Kids’ Zone: a child‑friendly area with supervised activities so parents can exercise without worrying about their toddlers.
• Pet‑friendly policy: members can bring their dogs to the outdoor running track and on the floor, subject to the usual health and safety guidelines.

Planet Fitness’s “All‑Access Membership” plan—costing just $10 per month—will be available to the Louisville community. The company’s slogan, “No Judgment Gym,” is reflected in both the interior décor (minimalistic, light‑colored walls) and the staff training protocol, which emphasizes a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

The article included a link to Planet Fitness’s official page for the Louisville location, where prospective members can see the gym’s floor plan, book a free trial, and sign up online.

2. Why Mud Lane, Preston Highway? The Market Rationale

According to the Courier‑Journal, the decision to open on Mud Lane was driven by a combination of demographic and logistical factors:

• Population growth: Southern Jefferson County has experienced a 15% increase in residents over the past five years, largely due to new housing developments and the influx of young families.
• Health gap: Local health data from the Kentucky Department of Health indicates lower rates of physical activity in the area compared to city averages. The new gym aims to address this by providing easy access to affordable exercise.
• Transportation: The site’s proximity to major highways (Preston, I‑64, and I‑265) and its accessibility via public transit make it a convenient hub for commuters and suburban residents alike.

The Courier‑Journal also linked to a Jefferson County planning document that details future infrastructure investments around Mud Lane, reinforcing the area’s potential for commercial growth.

3. Community Impact: Jobs, Economics, and Wellness

The opening of the gym is expected to create approximately 30 new jobs—from front‑desk staff and trainers to maintenance and cleaning crews. In a recent interview with the article’s author, Planet Fitness spokesperson Rachel Nguyen stated, “We’re thrilled to bring a new employment opportunity to southern Jefferson County. Our trainers are certified in functional fitness and nutrition counseling, which means our staff are invested in both the gym’s success and the community’s health.”

Local economic development officer David Hart noted that the gym’s presence is a “catalyst for further development” in the region. He added, “A strong fitness center draws residents who stay and work locally, thereby supporting other businesses in the area—cafes, groceries, and childcare centers.”

Beyond employment, the Courier‑Journal quoted a local resident, Maria Lopez, who had previously struggled to find a gym within a 10‑minute drive. “Planet Fitness is a game‑changer,” she said. “I can work out during the day and still make it to my kids’ after‑school activities.”

4. Partnerships and Local Health Initiatives

A key part of Planet Fitness’s strategy, as highlighted in the article, is forming partnerships with community organizations. The new location will collaborate with:

• The Louisville YMCA: offering joint wellness programs and community health fairs.
• The Kentucky Physical Therapy Association: hosting monthly seminars on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• Local schools: providing discounted membership rates to teachers and offering after‑school fitness clubs.

These partnerships are designed to expand the gym’s reach beyond typical membership sales and embed it into the fabric of local health and education initiatives.

5. Planet Fitness’s National Expansion and Regional Trends

The Courier‑Journal placed the new gym within the larger narrative of Planet Fitness’s aggressive expansion in the U.S. The chain now operates over 1,000 locations nationwide, with a strategy focused on affordability and broad geographic coverage. According to a press release linked in the article, the Louisville region is slated to host four additional Planet Fitness gyms over the next decade, reflecting the chain’s confidence in the city’s growth trajectory.

The article also cited a recent survey by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which found that 58% of U.S. adults cite cost as the biggest barrier to regular gym attendance. Planet Fitness’s $10/month membership directly addresses this barrier, making it a popular choice in markets where many residents are seeking affordable fitness options.

6. How to Join the New Gym

The Courier‑Journal’s post concluded with a call to action for readers. New members can sign up at the gym’s official website, take advantage of a free first‑day trial, and receive a welcome package that includes a branded water bottle and a complimentary nutrition guide. For those who prefer to visit in person, the gym’s front desk is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.

7. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Gym and the Community?

Planet Fitness’s Southern Jefferson County location isn’t just a new building; it’s a community hub poised to influence local health, economy, and culture. The Courier‑Journal noted that the gym will host a series of community events—including “Open House” days, “Family Fitness Nights,” and “Senior Wellness Workshops”—to foster a sense of belonging and encourage ongoing participation.

Moreover, the article highlighted an upcoming partnership with University of Louisville’s School of Public Health, aimed at conducting research on the impact of community gym access on physical activity levels and chronic disease prevention.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Planet Fitness in southern Jefferson County represents more than an expansion of a fitness chain—it signals a commitment to bringing accessible, affordable exercise to a rapidly growing region of Kentucky. By combining a modern facility, community partnerships, and a low‑cost membership model, the new gym is set to become a cornerstone of Louisville’s wellness ecosystem. Whether you’re a long‑time resident, a new family, or simply someone looking for a friendly place to work out, the new Planet Fitness on Mud Lane and Preston Highway promises a welcoming environment where everyone can feel confident and supported on their fitness journey.