Julia Sanders

Each year, thousands of people visit Newfoundland, Canada, for Regatta Day, a day full of festivities and a rowing competition. Regatta Day, also known as Royal St. John’s Regatta, has been a Newfoundland tradition for almost 200 years.

Taymax, which has a Planet Fitness^® club in St. John’s, Newfoundland, participated in its first Regatta Day by sponsoring a women’s team in the rowing race. The team was a group of 10 women who are Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) officers in St. John’s NL, meaning they protect and serve the local community as police officers.

The rowing team promoted Planet Fitness by wearing PF^®-branded purple and yellow gear during the competition. The team ended up winning their division in the race, representing Planet Fitness well!

Taymax also had several team members at a booth on-site to sign up prospects for day passes. It is estimated there were about 500 prospects who visited the Taymax booth. This event was a perfect way to bring awareness of Planet Fitness, as Regatta Day is a highly attended event each year.

“Thank you to Planet Fitness St. John’s for supporting and sponsoring our team; without their support none of this would have been possible. We were proud to wear our Planet Fitness-branded gear during the event, and by being able to finish in first place, we were proud to showcase the PF brand to those in attendance. We look forward to another great season and hope to count on Planet Fitness’ support again,” said Laura Dawe, team captain of the women’s rowing team.

Taymax has expanded its footprint across Canada. In October, the franchise group opened the first Planet Fitness^® location in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, making it the fourth province where Taymax is operating clubs. This is Taymax’s 155th Planet Fitness location and 31st in Canada.

This 23,145-square-foot club offers a multitude of user-friendly cardio and strength equipment, free training and a Black Card Spa, which features HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, tanning and more. As of Oct. 15, the club already had 1,096 members.

“I am happy to see Planet Fitness in the city. I went today to check it out and really enjoyed the experience and loved the equipment offered. I will definitely be making the switch from my current fitness options,” said Justin Mercer, a new club member.

Taymax has plans to continue its trek across the country. They have four more locations planned for Canada in 2023. One of those locations will be in Nova Scotia, and the remainder will be in Ontario.

Gyms can be intimidating for any age group, but especially for younger generations. That is why two Planet Fitness^® franchise groups – Taymax and Core Development & Management – built Mini Judgement Free Zones^® in 2023.

Taymax completed the Mini Judgement Free Zone in Lindsay, Ontario, the first mini JFZ in the region. The space is in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawarthas (formerly known as Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes). The workout facility was unveiled to the kids on Nov. 15. Taymax representatives and BGC Kawarthas staff gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Mini JFZ. Others were there for the occasion, including City Councilor Charlie McDonald and Kawartha Lakes Police Service Special Constable Kevin Walden.

The Mini Judgement Free Zone in BGC Kawarthas includes 900 square feet of space. The gym features seven pieces of cardio equipment, along with medicine balls and yoga mats.

Core Development & Management also opened a Mini Judgement Free Zone this year. The franchise group opened the facility in the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, Massachusetts, in mid-November. There to celebrate the grand opening of the mini JFZ were Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, CEO of Core Development & Management Bruce Edwards and Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn Brian Theirrien.

The Mini JFZ in Lynn featured nine pieces of cardio and strength equipment, including a stacked dumbbell rack, two bikes, three benches, two treadmills and a “baby bell” rack.

Both Mini Judgement Free Zones allow the local youth to work out in a safe place without fear of judgement from others. These spaces are a part of Planet Fitness’ initiative, The Judgement Free Generation^®, which focuses on creating a no bullying environment for kids and on spreading kindness.