If you have been in the club recently, you have seen that work has already begun on our half-million dollar club upgrade. Here’s an estimated renovation schedule for the project:
Phase 1: Starts Monday July 21st with the remodel of the Group Exercise Room & Spinning Studio. Group Exercise classes will continue to be offered during this phase by using the basketball court and Plymouth Fitness Park as needed. Spinning classes will continue as scheduled in Racquetball Court #3. Some selectorized strength machines will be temporarily located on half of the basketball court while the other half will remain available on a limited basis for basketball play. The floor on Racquetball Court #4 will also be refinished during this phase. We expect Phase 1 to take 3 weeks.
Phase 2: Begins August 11th with the expansion of the strength training area. We will have limited access to the basketball half-court during this phase and we will maintain access to almost all the strength training area. 3 weeks is what we are estimating Phase 2 to take.
Phase 3: Starting September 1st, this phase refinishes the floor of the basketball half-court, replaces the ceiling outside both racquetball courts and installs the turf flooring for the HD Training Zone. 2 Weeks to complete.
Phase 4: The modernization of the Cardio Deck and the building of the Private Pilates Studio is the focus of the last phase which will begin September 14th. This phase includes some dramatic design elements and the addition of the Fitness Bar. Much of the cardio equipment will be available throughout this phase. We are projecting 3-4 weeks for Phase 4.
It is expected that there will be some overlap to the four phases and, as with any large renovation, some schedule changes may occur. We will constantly be communicating to members, clients & staff to avoid any confusion. Also, during this project, designated Plymouth Fitness staff will be on-hand to direct members through the club, answer questions and give construction updates. Just look for the safety vest & hard hat!
Since last October, Plymouth Fitness has been planning how $500,000 will be used for upgrades to the club. The final design has now been approved, the permitting process has begun and a contractor has officially been hired. S3 Design of Quincy has been selected as the architects and P& P Construction of Holden is the contractor.
Watch a 10-minute video with more detail here…
Plymouth Fitness expects renovations to initiate new programs adhering to fitness trends while enhancing current offerings. Fitness Director-Nate Graham said, “We continue to transition from a traditional multi-purpose health club to a modern facility focused on training. These upgrades allow for an enhanced experience that will help members accomplish the individual goals they set for themselves.”
Construction is expected to conclude in the fall. With the half-million dollar budget, the following renovations will occur:
- The space presently occupying half of the gymnasium will be converted into the HD Training Zone, equipped with indoor turf flooring and specialty equipment to accommodate new high-definition small group training programs. A half basketball court will remain and its flooring will be refinished. A 3-on-3 format basketball league will also be introduced.
- The present strength training area on the lower level will be expanded into what is now racquetball court #3 and a new line of equipment will be introduced. The remaining two racquetball courts will have their floors refinished, while the space outside the courts will become a much more comfortable environment for players to relax in-between matches. Club Racquetball Pro, Mary Ottani, will be devoting her energy primarily towards racquetball programming and promotion (leagues, clinics, tournaments, challenge courts, etc.).
- Group exercise participants will find the Group Exercise Room changed to better accommodate classes and increased attendance. Built-in storage will be added to remove all equipment and props off the raised, hard-wood floor, thus creating much more space. The floor will be refinished and the sound system will be upgraded.
- In the Spinning Studio, bikers will find a dramatically enhanced experience. The ceiling is being raised, more cycles are being added, and the air cooling system is being reengineered. The sound system and lighting will also be upgraded.
- What is now just a corner of the club with some Pilates equipment will become an enclosed and private Pilates Studio. This will generate a more focused experience for participants, with a larger space, free of outside distraction.
- The present cardio deck will be completely redesigned to include a more open and inviting layout. A dramatic architectural element in the form of a stone wall with an opening to the lower level will add a modern feel. The new Fitness Bar, similar in concept to Apple’s Genius Bar, will be a dedicated space for members to connect with staff before, during, and in-between their workouts.
President and CEO, Curt Larson said, “The goal of this project is really two-fold. First, we are striving to upgrade and open the club up as much as possible. Along these lines we are incorporating a more modern, up-scale décor with a more spacious design. Second, it is important for us to keep current with fitness trends. The addition of our HD Training Zone© will provide endless opportunities for functional training, sports conditioning, and other small group personal training programs.” Earlier this year, a $90,000 “go green” project helped to replace all lighting and enhanced systems throughout the club to improve energy efficiency. Plymouth Fitness expects to reduce its energy use by 10% as a result.
As group exercise programming continues to grow in popularity, the renovations will create a more user-friendly and motivating environment. “Members will now be able to choose programs ranging from high-intensity, to something calming like Pilates. There will be smaller group exercise classes, and possibly some 30-minute classes as well,” said Group Exercise Director, Marlene Velez-O’Brien. Recently a new program referred to as “CARDIOSPORT©” began with great success, and Velez-O’Brien believes members can expect to see similar programs as part of the club upgrade.
The 35th anniversary of the club is approaching this year and General Manager, Paul Baldrate said, “As a small business, we are very thankful that this community has supported us so loyally for the last 35 years. I’ve seen a lot of health clubs come and go in that time, and it’s really our customer’s commitment that allows us to constantly reinvest in the club. Although we are very excited about this project and the new programs it will bring, we are equally excited to continue our offerings in racquetball & basketball, aquatics, and children’s programming. Plymouth Fitness is a special place for many people of all ages, shapes and sizes. This investment ensures we will continue to be special for them for many years to come.”
In addition to the new programs and physical improvements to the club, the “New” Plymouth Fitness will also introduce on-line software which will allow clients to easily schedule appointments, manage their accounts and perform transactions. A redefined fee schedule will also add value by including services like child-care, first-time guests and tanning as part of membership.
Plymouth Fitness has been recognized as the area’s premire health club for 35 years. In that time the club has been the recipient of multiple awards including, U.S. Commerce Association’s Best of Plymouth, GateHouse Media Reader’s #1 Choice, and South Shore Living Magazine’s Best of the SouthShore. The club has plans to celebrate the grand opening of the “New” Plymouth Fitness in October with several events including an open house, member appreciation days, and a Chamber of Commerce mixer.
Watch a 10-minute video with more information here…
