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Planet Fitness brings 'Judgement Free Zone' to new regional location

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 19:40 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Planet Fitness Opens a “Judgement‑Free Zone” in the Region: What You Need to Know

Planet Fitness, the “Judgement‑Free Zone” fitness brand that has grown to more than 4,500 locations worldwide, has announced the opening of a new regional hub in the Allentown‑Burlington‑Philadelphia corridor. The facility, which is part of the network’s “Eat, Sip, Shop” feature on WFMZ, is the first Planet Fitness gym to be built on a purpose‑designed, single‑story building in the region. It is expected to attract the brand’s signature mix of budget‑friendly fitness enthusiasts, first‑time gym-goers and seasoned athletes who appreciate the relaxed, non‑intimidating atmosphere the company has cultivated for nearly 30 years.

A Brief Overview of the New Space

The new Planet Fitness is located on the outskirts of Allentown in a newly developed mixed‑use complex that also houses retail shops and a food court. The gym itself covers more than 45,000 square feet, with a large “open‑plan” workout area that includes cardio machines, free‑weights, and a dedicated “body‑weight” station. In addition to the standard “Judgement‑Free Zone” amenities, the gym features:

• A fully stocked “Healthy‑Snack” bar – This kiosk serves low‑calorie beverages and pre‑workout snacks for members who want a quick pick‑up without breaking the bank. The bar was highlighted in the WFMZ article as a new addition to the brand’s standard offerings, which previously focused on basic equipment only.
• A “Relaxation Lounge” – A spacious, padded seating area where members can unwind after a workout or meet friends for a quick chat. The lounge also hosts occasional free fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates on select evenings.
• A “Kids Zone” – A small, age‑appropriate play area staffed by a qualified child‑care professional, allowing parents to workout while their children are supervised in a safe environment.
• A “Flex” membership suite – This premium tier grants members early‑access to select equipment and an exclusive “Personal‑Training” consultation once a month at no extra cost.

The gym’s design is modern and bright, with large glass windows, contemporary artwork, and an open‑air vibe that’s a departure from the more “industrial” look of many existing Planet Fitness locations.

The Judgement‑Free Philosophy

The brand’s core concept, which has been a selling point for millions of members across the country, is rooted in the belief that people should feel comfortable working out without fear of being judged. This philosophy is embodied in the WFMZ article through interviews with the gym’s operations manager, Lisa Cheng, who explained that the new location is equipped with a “no‑commentary” policy – members can perform any exercise they like without being told what to do or how to do it. The staff is trained to provide encouragement, not criticism, and all signage on the floor reinforces the “Judgement‑Free Zone” mantra.

Cheng also discussed the importance of community building in the new gym. “We’re creating a place where people can be themselves, whether that means going for a brisk 30‑minute treadmill run or lifting heavy free‑weights,” she said. “Our goal is to help each member reach their own fitness goals in a supportive environment.”

Membership Options & Pricing

Planet Fitness is known for its low‑cost membership model. The new Allentown location continues that tradition, offering a standard “No‑Frills” membership for just $10 per month, which includes unlimited access to all equipment, the sauna, and the “Healthy‑Snack” bar. For those who want a little extra, the “Flex” membership – priced at $25 per month – includes the standard perks plus one complimentary personal training session per month and priority access to the “Relaxation Lounge.”

Both plans come with a 30‑day satisfaction guarantee, and there is no long‑term contract required. The gym is also offering a “First‑Month Free” promotion for new members who sign up in the first 30 days after opening.

Community Impact & Partnerships

The WFMZ article emphasizes the gym’s potential impact on the local community. The new location will host free fitness events for high‑school athletes, and will partner with the local YMCA to provide discounted memberships for youth participants. The gym also offers free workshops on nutrition, injury prevention and healthy lifestyle habits, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to holistic wellness.

In addition, the new Planet Fitness will collaborate with the nearby “Eat, Sip, Shop” complex’s food vendors to promote healthier menu options. The “Healthy‑Snack” bar on site is already featuring plant‑based protein shakes and low‑sugar smoothie options that are tailored to complement the gym’s nutritional guidance.

A Look Ahead

According to the WFMZ report, the Allentown Planet Fitness is slated to open its doors on August 15th, 2024. It is slated to become the region’s first “single‑story” Planet Fitness facility, a design choice that sets it apart from many of the brand’s other, multi‑floor gyms. The facility’s opening is expected to stimulate a resurgence in local fitness participation, as the region’s population has been seeking more convenient and affordable workout options.

The article notes that the gym’s opening is part of a larger expansion strategy, with the company already announcing plans for new locations in the Lehigh Valley and the Greater Philadelphia area. “We’re excited to bring the Judgement‑Free Zone to more communities, giving people a safe space to work out without fear of judgement or intimidation,” said the Planet Fitness spokesperson.

Bottom Line

If you’re in the Allentown‑Burlington‑Philadelphia region and are looking for an affordable, friendly place to exercise, Planet Fitness’s new location offers everything you need and more: a large, open‑plan workout area, a relaxed lounge, a kid’s play zone, and a “Healthy‑Snack” bar, all wrapped in the brand’s iconic “Judgement‑Free Zone” experience. With a $10 basic membership and a $25 premium option, the gym is set to become a community hub for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

For those who want to learn more, the WFMZ article provides a direct link to Planet Fitness’s official website (planetfitness.com/locations) and a downloadable map of the new gym’s layout. Check out the official press release for additional details on membership perks and community events, and keep an eye out for the gym’s opening day on August 15th, when a ribbon‑cutting ceremony will celebrate the start of a new era of fitness in the region.