ROCKLAND — Planet Fitness is celebrating the launch of their new Rockland location with a Grand Opening Celebration on Monday, Sept. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will feature music, food and multiple chances to win a free membership, gift cards to area restaurants, Bluetooth speakers and many other items. Guests can tour the new facility and learn why Planet Fitness is the Judgement Free Zone, a press release noted.

New members can join for $1 down and then $10 a month with no commitment through Sept. 23.

Planet Fitness is located at 75 Maverick Street in the Rockland Plaza, where J.C. Penney was located. The location boasts 12,000 sq. feet and offers state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat screen televisions, HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning beds and more.

The facility is open and staffed Monday to Thursday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We’re thrilled to bring our Judgement Free fitness experience to Rockland,” said Planet Fitness franchisee Mike Cleary. “Whether you’ve never belonged to a gym before or you’re an existing gym member looking to try a new facility, we encourage you to come check out the Rockland Plaza club, meet our friendly staff, get a tour and see what the Judgement Free Zone is all about. We’re confident that our encouraging and hassle-free environment will be a welcome addition to the community.”

Planet Fitness, the release noted, prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment.

Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including free small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe@pf program.

In addition, as a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month, and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last, as a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself.

The PF Black Card membership ($22.99 a month) includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 1,900+ Planet Fitness locations in all 50 states.

Planet Fitness provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with “Planet of Triumphs,” an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. The Planet of Triumphs online platform allows members to recognize their triumphs (big or small), share their stories and encourage others, reinforcing the Company’s belief that ‘everyone belongs.’  Planet Fitness member stories and accomplishments can be viewed at PlanetofTriumphs.com.

Additionally, Planet Fitness has extended its judgement free philosophy outside of its gyms and into communities that need it most with its national philanthropic initiative, “The Judgement Free Generation.” Together with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the nation’s leading youth development organization, supporting millions of kids and teens during the critical out-of-school time, Planet Fitness aims to empower a generation of teens to grow up contributing to a more judgement free planet — a place where everyone feels accepted and like they belong.

For more information or to join online, visit PlanetFitness.com or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of today, Planet Fitness had more than 12.5 million members and more than 1,900 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.