Planet Fitness, 209 North Main Street, Shawsheen Plaza, plans to open its 17,000 square feet facility next month, at the former location of Marshalls, according to Manager Krista Moulton.

The space has been vacant since March 2011 when the store closed and moved to Lawrence.

The Andover franchise is one of five locations owned by the North Shore Fit Management. The group owns existing clubs in Methuen, Billerica and Newburyport and will also open soon in Reading, according to Moulton.

The Planet Fitness corporate office is located in Newington, NH. According to its website, it has over 600 franchise and company-owned facilities. 

The motto that describes each club as “a judgment free zone,” means that Planet Fitness does not “cater to power lifters or body builders,” said Moulton.  “We make sure everyone is comfortable in a non-committing atmosphere,” she explained.

Boasting the lowest prices, Moulton pointed out two kinds of membership; $10 a month for a regular membership, and $19.99 month for a PF Black Card. Black Card members receive additional benefits including unlimited privileges for themselves and a guest to any location nationwide, unlimited use of special equipment, discounts on cooler drinks and other perks.

Both memberships are pre-selling at $1 down, Monday-Friday 10:00am-7:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am-3:00pm. The annual fees are usually $29 for the regular membership and $39 for the Black Card membership she explained. Both options can also be purchased online.

Visitors to the facility will find it under construction, but Moulton said there are photos, and the staff there can answer any questions.

Planet Fitness does not have classes, a pool or personal trainers. “That is how we keep the prices so low,” explained Moulton. She said they do have a fitness trainer who will design individual programs for all members. Everyone can also take advantage of a scheduled fitness instruction sessions on the various equipment.

The workout area she explained will be divided into a cardio area, a 30 minute circuit, an 12 minute abs circuit, a free weight area, lifting machines and cable towers with over 100 exercises.

The club will also have a locker room with showers, and a cooler drink machine. In addition, Black Card members will be able to take advantage of a hydromassage machine, tanning beds, massage chairs and the Total Body Enhancement booth, according to Reading Manager Matt Jacobson.

Questions can be answered by going to the website or calling 978-409-2363.