ROCKLAND — Those in the Midcoast in search of a new fitness facility or finally want to fulfill that New Year’s Resolution will be able to enjoy a new fitness facility in Rockland next month. 

In late August, Planet Fitness, which has approximately 1,900 locations with more than 12.5 million members across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico, will open a new location at 75 Maverick Street. 

The space will occupy one-third of the former J.C. Penney store in the Rockland Plaza, though it certainly does not feel like one-third of the property when stepping inside. 

The facility intends on hiring 10-12 employees, according to Bridget Finnegan, a Planet Fitness spokesperson, and is in the process of hiring employees. 

The total cost of the renovations will be $500,000, according to the application filed with the City; $385,000 will go to construction, $70,000 to electrical, $30,000 to plumbing and $15,000 to heating and air conditioning.

Construction, according to the application, includes new interior partitions, finishes and fixtures, new electrical and lighting systems, new mechanical systems and controls, and new toilet and plumbing. 

The facility will feature cardio and strength equipment, locker rooms, showers and small lockers for those with only small items such as wallets and keys. 

Black Card members, who can use their membership at any location, will have access to total body enhancement (an all-natural red and infrared light therapy treatment that works on the muscle groups, reduces stress and firms and tones the body ) hydromassage lounges, tanning booths and massage chairs. (The hydromassage lounge, which provides a multitude of entertainment options including movies, games and music, and massage chair are incredible products. Quite frankly, this reporter would have stayed in both all day long if time allowed.)

The facility will also feature a 30-minute express circuit which combines 10 strength machines and 10 cardio-step stations. Users follow a sequence on a green light, red light system where users exercise for 60 seconds on the green light before switching to the next workout.  

First time gym users who are encouraged to use the facility’s free fitness training to start the gym experience on the right foot. 

Planet Fitness prides itself on making all of its members feel comfortable while enjoying the Judgement Free Zone and maintains a set of guidelines for all members and guests. 

Operation hours will be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends. 

Memberships can be purchased online at planetfitness.com/gyms/rockland-me, or in the presale office located to the right of the construction and to the left of Aerus. Presale hours will be weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For the classic package, membership costs $10 per month (plus taxes and fees) with black card membership priced at $19.99 per month (plus taxes and fees). 

People who sign up during the presale period will receive a complimentary t-shirt to showcase they are a founding member of the new location. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.