member news
2017 Issue 1 | GearedUp
Two Sunshine Fitness Management PF Clubs Recognized for Being Blind-Friendly Business
In 2016, New Vision for Independence, an agency in Leesburg,
Florida, that serves the visually impaired, launched the Axy Awards( short for“ accessible”) to recognize blind-friendly businesses in the area, and Planet Fitness ® made the cut.
By operating with open arms and open hearts, two Sunshine Fitness Management locations were recognized for going the extra mile when it comes to accommodating members who may have low vision or be blind. Nominations and voting took place online by clients, friends and family members of the low vision and blind community.
“ It means a lot to know that the company I work for strives to help improve the quality of life for people of all sorts,” said Michael Boyd, manager of the Leesburg Planet Fitness.
Between the two locations in the area, there are five members who have low vision or are blind. Three of those members use service dogs to assist them around the facility, and one member is legally blind but requires no assistance around the club.
Planet Fitness Provides Lifetime Membership for 12 News’ Week of Wishes
An engagement ring, a dinosaur cake and a gym membership were among gifts that the Channel 12 News“ Week of Wishes” program gave out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a Planet Fitness ® in Glendale, Arizona, was among local businesses helping provide those products and services to the community.
Over 16 local businesses came together to grant the wishes that 12 News collected from community residents. One resident, Maria Flores, wished for a gym membership because she has a bad knee that she wanted to strengthen but couldn’ t afford a membership.
“ She wished for a membership that would offer fitness instructing to help her get started on a healthier lifestyle, which we offer at no charge,” explained JEG-Fit AZ franchisee Kevin Kelly.“ To know that something as small as a free gym membership can really make an impact on an individual’ s life is a great feeling.”
Todd Schliewen, a local sales manager with 12 News, called the PF ® location asking about current deals and fitness instructing packages.
“ Once he asked if we would be able to help out in any way, the Planet Fitness team immediately reached out and offered our assistance with a free lifetime Black Card membership,” added Kelly.“ It’ s a phenomenal feeling to be able to help this individual on her path to a healthier lifestyle. The Planet Fitness Glendale staff is excited to welcome in our new member and cannot wait to get her set up with a meeting with our fitness instructor, Jordan Huguez, to get her personal program designed for her. We are also looking forward to showing her around our facility and showing off our‘ judgement free’ environment.” G
The Planet Fitness clubs in Leesburg and Eustis, Florida, were recognized by New Vision for Independence as being blind-friendly businesses.
“ Planet Fitness is known for being the‘ home of the Judgement Free Zone™,’ and we mean that by being open and accommodating to everyone, even those with disabilities or limitations,” said Jonathan Terrio, manager of the Eustis Planet Fitness.“ It makes me proud to know that our company culture is accepting of all types of people.”
At the Eustis club, two treadmills are outfitted with Braille to assist low-vision or blind individuals, and at the Leesburg location, there is one member who is legally blind but takes public transportation to the gym. A bus drops him off and picks him up from the front door of the facility, and employees at that club communicate with him as to when his transportation has arrived and lend him a hand when needed.
“ Eric Dore and I started our first Planet Fitness franchise in 2003 with the goal of helping to improve the quality of people’ s lives,” said franchisee Shane McGuiness.“ Planet Fitness provides a great tool for the community to reach their goals, although the members are the ones truly doing the hard work.”
In addition to outfitting equipment in Braille, something the locations hope to do more of in the future, the managers are asked to keep a communication log and provide memos to staff members to communicate interactions, changes or concerns. Members who have low vision or are blind are also invited to come to the desk for assistance, and those who have service animals are welcome to bring them to the club.
“ Winning the Axy Award validates our efforts are working as we strive for continued improvement,” added McGuiness.“ Receiving this award is very special to us, and we are very humbled by this honor.” G
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