While rare, medical emergencies do happen in gyms. This is why many Planet Fitness® franchise groups take precautions to ensure their teams and members are safe and prepared should a health scare occur. Pinnacle Fit Clubs, LLC had a medical incident recently where their staff worked hard to help make sure their PF® members are safe. Additionally, the group adjusted their club standards, so they always have CPR-certified team members on staff.
In October, Gordon County, Georgia, PF member Harry Russell’s heart stopped while working out due to ventricular tachycardia. The group’s district manager, Brenique Lewis, didn’t hesitate to jump in to administer CPR, while Member Service Representative Katelyn Shigekawa called 911 and General Manager Shelby Purvine set up the AED equipment until the EMT arrived.
Due to their heroic actions, they were able to save the member’s life. A few weeks later, Russell brought the employees cookies and flowers as a thank-you for saving his life.
Thanksgiving is a great time to bring the family together. However, the holiday can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones. Knowing this, the staff at Excel Fitness’s club in Dalton, Georgia, stepped up to help a grieving member celebrate a happy Thanksgiving.
Planet Fitness® member Billy Byrd was having a hard time after his wife of 35 years passed away. He lived alone and was preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time without his wife. Thanks to General Manager Jessica Moss and Assistant Manager Chris Taylor, along with team members Jacob Land, Adam Rangel and Trinity Lowery, he did not have to spend the holiday alone, as they went to Billy’s home for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner.
It was a true feast, with everyone pitching in for the festivities. Jessica brought a brown sugar ham, green bean casserole, sweet carrots, homemade banana pudding, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Chris brought macaroni and cheese. Trinity brought mashed potatoes. Adam brought a fruit bowl and rotisserie chicken. Jacob brought the drinks, plates and utensils. Additionally, team member Olivia Akers sent homemade chocolate chip cookies and team member Sharlene Caldwell sent apple pie.
After eating a delicious meal, the team took a trip down memory lane with Billy, viewing his family photos in his home. Chris and Billy played the guitar and sang country music, classic rock and blues music together. The whole group joined in singing classics like “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Blues Man” by Hank Williams Jr. The day was filled with fun, lightness and comfort for Byrd during a holiday that otherwise would’ve been lonely if the Excel Fitness team hadn’t stepped up. It was proof that PF staff are truly there for their members, both inside and outside the gym.
“It was just an honor getting to spend time with Billy and hear stories about his wife and his time in the military,” Moss said. “He teared up showing us a photo on their wedding day. The love they had for each other was beautiful to see transcend past death.”
To Planet Fitness® member John Powers, Planet Fitness and exercise saved his life. Since March 2024, Powers has been a member of a Carolina Fitness gym in Shallotte, North Carolina, where he works out 4-5 times per week.
“Daily exercise keeps me healthy. It helps me recover. It gives me purpose. Some people start their day with coffee. I start mine with exercise: biking, lifting at Planet Fitness or stretching. That is what keeps me going,” said Powers.
John Powers is no novice to struggles. He was diagnosed with cancer when he was 34 but was able to fight through it. At 54, he had a five-level spinal fusion surgery to repair the spinal damage caused from the radiation treatment needed years earlier to treat the cancer. Just days after his spinal surgery, his daughter encouraged him to get out of bed and continue exercising. Before long, he was back to biking 20 miles a day, lifting weights and competing in the North Carolina Senior Games. Over the past five years, he earned 10 gold medals in shot-put and discus.
Things were looking up, but then tragedy struck him again at age 64. This past summer, he was in a car accident where he fractured his spine and ruptured his mesenteric artery. He was bleeding internally and his colon started to fail, so he had to have emergency surgery. His doctors credited his fitness as the major reason he survived. He luckily made a full recovery and is now back to hitting the weights and biking at Planet Fitness.
“You never know when your body might be tested to its absolute limit, so exercise will ensure you are always prepared if that test comes, and it will let you live a healthier life and may be the reason you get to keep living it,” said Powers.
Throughout all these struggles, he has gotten stronger, and he has learned the importance of continuing to show up for yourself, even when life keeps throwing hurdles. Planet Fitness gives members an affordable and judgement free place to work out and stay healthy.
“Fitness is not about medals or muscles. It is about resilience. It is about showing up. It is about doing what you can, especially when it is hard. Planet Fitness is a great environment for everyone to do that. If you think it is too late, it is not. You do not have to lift heavy or run fast. Any exercise is better than nothing,” said Powers.
