Blog Posts

Arthur H. Thomas Companies’ Fitness Trainer Elected to the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame

Fitness has always been a big part of Heidi Lee Morgan DeBartolomeis’ life. Her father was a wrestler, and at 16, she won a teenage body-building contest. In 1985, she started doing body-building exhibitions for World Wrestling Entertainment. She was good at it, too, becoming the ICW Woman’s Champion, the LPWA Woman’s Tag Champion from 1989-1992, and is in WWE Encyclopedia 1, 2, 3 and 4.

In 2018, she joined one of Arthur H. Thomas Companies’ Planet Fitness® clubs as a certified fitness trainer. She quickly had her training classes full at the Millville club before she expanded to the Vineland, New Jersey, location for classes as well. Her PF® training programs at both clubs are consistently successful. She also coordinates the PE@PF training schedules for both clubs.

Not only does Heidi give her all while working with Planet Fitness, but she also brings her vibrant energy to other aspects of her life. She hosts a weekly radio show titled “Women Encouraging Women” on WVLT 92.1 FM every Sunday at 5 p.m. She also volunteers in the community at events such as National Night Out. Heidi organizes the Planet Fitness table and presentation during this event in Vineland.  

To top off her impressive list of accomplishments, she was elected to the Class of 2024 Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame. To be granted this honor, the nominee must have made a huge contribution to the history of women’s wrestling both amateur and professional in different time periods.

Heidi DeBartolomeis was elected to the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame, a huge accomplishment.

Heidi has made a big impact on Planet Fitness members, helping many people improve their lives through her love for fitness.

“Our lives are a gift; moving is a gift. Anything can be achieved using tools and equipment we have to be the best us that we can be,” she said.

in Recognitions  by 12 Jan 2024

Taymax Laces Up Shoes for Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Taymax helped thousands of runners speed to the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K in downtown Toronto on Oct. 14-15. According to local news outlets, 23,800 runners participated in the 5K, half-marathon and marathon. The race is one of the largest marathons in Canada, so Taymax was able to bring awareness of Planet Fitness® to many fitness fanatics.

Six Taymax staff members volunteered at the race over the two days. They supported the PF® brand by sharing information about Planet Fitness memberships. Taymax also gave away an exclusive offer allowing those who joined Planet Fitness at the race to receive their first month free. Additionally, those who joined Planet Fitness that day and/or downloaded the PF mobile app were given free PF swag items. Staff members handed out over 300 water bottles and 100 cinch bags to individuals in the area.

This was Taymax’s first time participating in the race event, and it was a huge hit.

“It was great to be at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon representing Planet Fitness, as it gave us an opportunity to connect with the local community outside of our club. The staff and I were able to interact with many people, letting them know all the benefits of the Black Card membership since many of the participants travel year-round for marathons, and letting them know there could be a Planet Fitness location near them was a nice takeaway for these individuals. Overall, we had a blast, and we hope to be back next year,” said Zander Scmitt, an assistant general manager at the franchise’s College Park location.

in Member News  by 12 Jan 2024

Taymax Sponsors Winning Team in Regatta Day Rowing Competition

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.

in Member News  by 12 Jan 2024

Taymax Celebrates Grand Opening of First Nova Scotia Club

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.

in Member News  by 12 Jan 2024

Taymax, Core Development & Management Creates Safe, Fitness Centers for Local Youth

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.

in Member News  by 12 Jan 2024