A new Planet Fitness location has opened its doors in Ballard, taking over the space formerly occupied by Bartell Drugs. The gym, located at 1500 NW Market St Ste 100, is now welcoming members, marking the fitness chain’s 16th location in Seattle. This opening follows the closure of the Bartell Drugs store in June 2023, a result of Rite Aid’s acquisition of the local pharmacy chain.
New Fitness Space in Ballard
The new Planet Fitness spans a sizable 16,395 square feet, offering a wide array of fitness equipment and amenities. Members can expect a range of options, including:
- Strength Equipment: A variety of user-friendly machines designed to target all major muscle groups, including multiple lines of selectorized machines, cable towers, free weights, and Smith machines.
- Cardio Machines: 51 state-of-the-art cardio machines to get the heart pumping.
- HIIT Area: A dedicated space for high-intensity interval training.
- Mobility and Stretching Space: An area designed for stretching, improving flexibility and mobility.
Premium Amenities for Black Card Members
In addition to the standard gym offerings, Planet Fitness‘s Ballard location includes special perks for its “PF Black Card” members. These include:
- HydroMassage Loungers: Innovative water massage beds to aid in muscle recovery and relaxation.
- Massage Chairs: For relaxation after a workout.
- Access to other Planet Fitness locations worldwide: A key benefit for frequent travelers.
- The ability to bring a guest anytime: Allowing members to share their fitness experience with friends.
- Tanning and Total Body Enhancement: These amenities offer additional health and wellness options for members.
Grand Opening Event
To celebrate its arrival in Ballard, Planet Fitness is hosting an open house on February 17th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature free workouts, giveaways, and prizes, offering a chance for the community to explore the new facility.
Revitalizing the Former Bartell Drugs Space
The transformation of the former Bartell Drugs into a Planet Fitness signifies a significant change for the location at 1500 NW Market Street. The Bartell Drugs store closed its doors in June of 2023, following Rite Aid’s purchase of the Seattle-based Bartell Drugs chain in 2020. The closure was part of a broader trend of Rite Aid shuttering multiple Bartell Drugs locations in the Puget Sound region. The Ballard location, which had been a staple of the community for nine years, was among those impacted.
The closure of the Bartell Drugs location occurred amidst a series of store closures within the chain, with locations in University Village, Lynnwood, Des Moines, and White Center also being shut down. The company had previously announced in 2019 that they would not be opening any additional stores in Seattle, due to ongoing issues with theft and assaults on employees.
Planet Fitness’s Growth in Seattle
The new Ballard location underscores Planet Fitness’s continued expansion in the Seattle area. The company is rapidly growing and this new facility is the 16th location in Seattle. This expansion also includes the upcoming opening of a new facility in Edmonds, WA, in a space that was also previously occupied by Rite Aid. This growth is a testament to Planet Fitness’s popularity as a fitness provider within the region.
Membership and Accessibility
Planet Fitness is known for its affordable membership options and “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy, aiming to provide a welcoming atmosphere for people of all fitness levels. The Ballard location offers two primary membership options, the Classic membership, and the premium PF Black Card membership.
The Classic membership provides access to the home club location with options to use partner rewards and discounts. The PF Black Card membership offers premium perks like the ability to bring a guest, access to all Planet Fitness locations worldwide, and access to the PF Black Card Spa.
The gym is open and staffed 24/7 and offers free fitness training, with certified trainers available to help members navigate the gym, use the equipment and create personalized fitness programs. In addition, Planet Fitness also has a free mobile app, that allows users access to hundreds of workout videos, a personal fitness tracker, partner rewards, discounts and more.
Ballard’s Evolving Fitness Landscape
The arrival of Planet Fitness in Ballard adds another option to the area’s fitness scene. With the closure of Bartell Drugs, the community gains a fitness center, revitalizing the space and offering more opportunities for health and wellness. The Ballard Health Club, located in the same neighborhood, has served the community with a range of classes and services. However, the arrival of Planet Fitness will provide a new fitness option for the local community.
Conclusion
The opening of Planet Fitness in the former Bartell Drugs location marks a new chapter for the space at 1500 NW Market Street. The new gym offers a wide range of fitness options and premium amenities, as well as 24/7 access. The opening is a sign of the evolving retail landscape in the Ballard neighborhood and will bring a new community amenity to the area. The gym is now open to the public and will be hosting a grand opening on February 17th.
