I am resistant to change. So what else is new—I’m a human ‘bean’ as SARK would say! After two years of working out and losing weight with the help of our local YMCA I was not open to the thought of attending another gym. But my budget couldn’t stretch to accommodate the Y anymore and I wasn’t using any of the amenities like classes, daycare or the pool.    

Internally I made the shift to be open to change before I was even aware and as soon as I did that people in my life told me about Planet Fitness—three people actually over a period of a month. Synchronicity? The Law of Attraction? The Universe tapping me on the shoulder? Yes, yes, and yes. They mentioned how inexpensive it was and how non gym-like it was. My inner critic warned me not to fall for it, ha a gym that’s non gym-like. As in the people there are not walking around showing off perfectly formed abs and quads? Sure.

Despite my critic I went to take a look. I was greeted by a young Planetwoman who was attentive, but not pushy, and was fine with me walking around and looking. It was a busy morning and although there were lots of people working out there were still plenty of machines and space. The facility was particularly clean, the layout inviting and mostly…they had me at PURPLE! Counters, walls, and many of the machines are purple which is a power color for me—it energizes and inspires me. A huge arrow inside the front door asks you to: Leave your egos here! The vibes felt right and although I did see several perfectly toned bodies I didn’t get the swagger feeling from these folks and there were definitely more normal looking bodies like mine.

Planet Fitness operates as franchise opportunities and this location is owned and operated locally and that appealed to me. Once I read their mission statement, a giant purple and yellow sign over customer service, I was willing to commit to ten bucks a month and have shifted easily into my biweekly visits:

We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone – and we mean anyone – can be comfortable. A diverse, Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built. Our product is a tool, a means to an end; not a brand name or a mold-maker, but a tool that can be used by anyone. In the end, it’s all about you. As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected. We are not here to kiss your butt, only to kick it if that’s what you need. We need you, because face it, our planet wouldn’t be the same without you. You belong!