on another planet

i have to share my latest favorite place with you, and it's not the library this time (though i do still deeply love the library). mitchell and i are both working very hard on getting healthy and improving our overall lifestyle. as part of this effort, we joined planet fitness.

well, actually, i shouldn't really say we. mitchell joined, but because his black card membership allows him to bring a guest every time he goes, it means i can go with him every single time for no additional charge. his membership also includes unlimited tanning (who tans anymore?) and unlimited use of their massage chairs. and here is the (amazing) deal: he paid $33 to sign up, and will pay a $40 annual fee in june. on top of that, the monthly fee is $19.99. and that's it. oh, and most locations are open 24 hours.

the gym itself is pretty no-frills - a giant room with plenty of machines and weights - and there was really no scene at all. just a bunch of people working out at their own pace and then going on with their days. to me, it's so important that a gym like this finally exists - belonging to a gym should be accessible and affordable - for everyone. it shouldn't be a privilege.

planet fitness prides itself on being a judgement-free zone and even though i wanted to feel like that didn't matter, it was pretty nice to know we were somewhere that identifies itself so clearly that way. it's just about getting and staying healthy, and nothing else. here is the message posted prominently on the wall:

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!

love it.

photos from www.projects.frchld.com, www.detroit.metromix.com, and www.planetfitness.com