Julia Sanders

Eclipse Fitness demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community with an equipment donation to Camp Southern Ground, a nonprofit organization that supports children and veterans in Georgia by hosting summer camps and veteran programs. The franchise group donated 11 pieces of fitness equipment to the cause, including cardio machines and free weights. Through its generous contribution, Eclipse Fitness was able to successfully create a welcoming, accessible workout space for veterans, families and children who visit Camp Southern Ground.

Started by Grammy award-winning artist Zac Brown in 2011, Camp Southern Ground is located on 400 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia, and features a residential lodge, dining hall, a high ropes confidence course, an aquatics center, solar farm, and even a treehouse that was featured on an episode of the Animal Planet show “Treehouse Masters.” The organization’s Warrior Week program helps veterans transition to civilian life after military service, making the process much easier for those who have risked their lives for our country. Eclipse Fitness Group is committed to serving its local communities in Georgia, as the franchise group has 15 clubs in the state.

“Eclipse Fitness Group is proud to support Camp Southern Ground, a foundation that inspires us with its mission to serve veterans and their families. We were more than happy to help by donating a full gym, including cardio and weight training equipment so that guests can stay healthy and continue their fitness journey, even while away from home,” said Regional Director of Operations for Eclipse Fitness Group Paul Cook.

Camp Southern Ground was incredibly grateful for Eclipse Fitness Group’s equipment donation and generosity, which helped ensure that guests have the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle during their time at the camp.

“A big thank you to Eclipse Fitness Group for their generous donation of fitness equipment to Camp Southern Ground and our veteran programs,” said Lacy Gunnoe, wellbeing director, veteran programs at Camp Southern Ground. “Physical well-being is critical to achieving personal fitness goals and maintaining long-term well-being benchmarks set during our Warrior Week program, especially for veterans navigating the transition into civilian life.”

A new grand opening of a Planet Fitness^® club is always an exciting endeavor for PF^® members and franchise groups alike. CDM Fitness Holdings hosted a grand opening celebration for its Issaquah, Washington, club on Feb. 5.

During the grand opening celebration, community members were welcomed to work out for free in the club and try out the Black Card Spa. Dubs, the University of Washington mascot, joined attendees in the excitement of the new club. Attendees were able to sample complimentary drinks, enjoy the music from WARM 106.9 and enter to win several exciting raffle prizes. The grand opening event was wrapped up with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $1,000 check presentation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. Turnout for the event was strong, as attendees included club members, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue kids, City Council President Lindsey Walsh, Program Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue Anthony Myers and Site Director at South Bellevue Community Center Jalen Dupree.

The 18,000-square-foot Planet Fitness club opened on New Year’s Eve and offers an array of amenities, including 69 pieces of strength equipment, 62 pieces of cardio equipment, free fitness training with a certified fitness trainer, dedicated stretching and abs area, Black Card Spa, free Wi-Fi, fully equipped locker rooms and a training area equipped with the PF360 Connexus Functional Training System. Planet Fitness Issaquah is CDM’s 18th club in the Seattle-Tacoma area and boasted 2,328 members by spring.

“Planet Fitness is the gym for all fitness levels, and we were excited to welcome the Issaquah community in to grow stronger together at this new location,” said CDM CEO Bruce Edwards.

Losing a loved one to cancer can be one of the hardest things a person can go through. Shannon May, general manager of Taymax’s Burlington, Ontario, Planet Fitness^® location, lost her daughter, Terra May, from leukemia in May 2022. To support the May’s family, Taymax celebrates Terra’s birthday, Nov. 28, every year by wearing blue and supporting the family’s charity of choice. Blue was Terra’s favorite color, so by wearing the color, the franchise group is able to honor her legacy.

In November, the family chose Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit organization that is devoted to the ethical standards in yoga instruction, to honor Terra’s mindfulness and love for yoga. Taymax donated $1,458 to the organization. Taymax headquarters came up with part of the donation with many regional and club employees chipping in for the donations as well.

In addition to donating to the Yoga Alliance in Terra May’s name and wearing blue, Taymax headquarters’ staff supported the cause by wearing pins and bracelets in Terra’s memory. Some clubs within the Taymax group also celebrated by eating blue-colored foods or having birthday-themed sweet treats.  

“Taymax, along with our Canadian clubs, is honored to take part in ‘Turn it Blue for Terra’ every year. It’s a day of reflection on Terra and the amazing culture and support we have for one another within our Taymax family,” said Breanne Barth, area director for Taymax Group. 

Shannon May has worked with Taymax since July 2021. After she lost her daughter, her coworkers’ support and care helped her get through the hard times. While her daughter’s birthday can bring back a lot of tough memories of her loss, her teammates at Taymax help make the day full of happy memories.

“I can’t speak for all of Taymax, but my team at the Burlington, Ontario, club said the moment I walked in that day, ‘Happy Birthday to Beautiful Terra,’ and it certainly made my day,” said Shannon May. “I received so many amazing messages and pictures from everyone, and the support I receive makes my club a safe space to be in, even on such a hard day.”