Beauty and relaxation at the gym? Planet Fitness making upgrades in Fall River

FALL RIVER – Planet Fitness, with several “judgment free zone” locations in the area, has installed some new equipment and innovative technology that promises well-being – and won’t trip the “lunk alarm” in the process.

The Planet Fitness at 657 Quarry St. was recently outfitted with brand new strength equipment, plus Hydromassage beds, and a Total Body Enhancement booth – adding relaxation components to complete the gym experience.

Franchisee Steve Eddleston — owner of 14 Planet Fitness facilities including the Somerset location and a new site planned at the former Benny’s store on Rhode Island Avenue — said it’s something his clients deserve.

“We can give people more amenities for their money and help them achieve their goals and keep their good habits,” Eddleston said.

The Total Body Enhancement Booth brings red light therapy to the gym. Users stand inside the very brightly lit booth for 12 minutes a few times each week.

“It helps firm and tone,” said Planet Fitness manager Lindsey Chace.

Chace said it opens pores, tones skin, and can help with stretch marks, wrinkles and blemishes. Improvements show up in about six weeks. Tip: Those with sensitive eyes may want to wear sunglasses.

Red light therapy, according to some research articles, is said to treat aging skin, acne, stretch marks, wounds, and other skin ailments. For aging skin, a study by physicians and published in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” showed that users reported fewer wrinkles.

“Members have been raving about it,” Chace said.

Another new member benefit is Hydromassage. Planet Fitness added two beds, in addition to massage chairs.

Clients use a touch screen to start their session and can choose the area of the body that could benefit from massage, including speed and pressure options.

“They can adjust it,” Chace said.

Water fills the cushion of the bed, and the user feels a pulsation that eases muscles and tension. They can listen to music, play games, or nap while they have their treatment.

“It’s rejuvenating,” Eddleston said.

The same upgrades were also made to Eddleston’s Somerset location. Other Planet Fitness upgrades include new strength equipment in Dartmouth, and 20 new treadmills in Seekonk.

The future Planet Fitness location at the former Benny’s will be located within a short distance from the new Crunch Fitness in Southcoast Marketplace, each bringing their own brand of workouts to the South End.

Eddleston said he wasn’t worried about the competition.

“I think the competition is good,” Eddleston said. “I think you’ve got such a huge population here. The more choices, the more we like it.”

Eddleston said some 80 percent of Americans do not have a gym membership. “We target that group,” he said.

Hydromassage and the Total Body Enhancement Booth are part of Planet Fitness’ Black Card membership area, which also includes tanning beds.

Planet Fitness also offers 30-minute circuit training, a Synergy 360 station for a unique workout, plus classes, and training sessions.

“We want to be seen as a one-stop-shop for fitness and wellness,” Eddleston said. “It makes Planet kind of special.”

To learn more about Planet Fitness or to become a member, visit www.planetfitness.com.

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.