Chris Rondeau: Planet Fitness new member sign-ups are matching 2019 levels
– Chris Rondeau
The number of people signing up for memberships at Planet Fitness has been at 2019 levels during May, according to CEO Chris Rondeau.
Speaking on CNBC, Rondeau delivered an optimistic outlook on the fitness franchise's prospects.
The interview coincides with the US gym industry slowly beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on businesses.
″We currently have around 50 sites open and I’m really encouraged by what I’m seeing,” he said in an interview with the channel (watch the entire exchange here).
"There was a slight cancellation bump on the very first day, but after that it's been like a normal May – and new joins are on par with last year.
"That is encouraging, mostly because there isn't any marketing out there – we've just been doing soft openings. So the fact that we're doing this many new joins, lille we would in any normal May month – I'm very pleased so far."
He also suggested that the company might be better equipped to tackle the challenges of operating in a post-lockdown environment.
"I truly believe that this will create a huge competitive advantage for us – bigger than we even had before.
"When you look at our strong franchise system. The average franchisee has 15 to 20 sites – and they might be across three different states. So
Planet Fitness has about 130 franchisees. In 2019, it opened 261 new sites, reaching the landmark of having 2,000 locations open in the US.
• To watch the entire CNBC interview, click here.
Planet Fitness Chris Rondeau COVID-19Planet Fitness reaches 2,000 club milestone
Planet Fitness to begin operations in Australia
Planet Fitness to accelerate new opening plans for 2019 following strong H1 results
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by




















