By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — LaPlace residents will soon see contractors working at 607 Belle Terre Blvd., as a new 6,000 square foot Anytime Fitness franchise — located in the shopping center next to Riverland Chrysler Dodge Jeep — is set to open this spring.

Franchisees Kenny Cambre and Nick Riley, both from the River Region, said construction, performed by Lamar Contractors Inc., will begin in the next couple of weeks.

Riley opened Gramercy’s Anytime Fitness in 2009, and said plans for the LaPlace location have been in the works since October.

“What differentiates Anytime Fitness from other clubs is our focus on helping members get the results that they’re seeking,” Riley said. “Our gym will be small enough that we can provide personalized attention for all of our members. Whether weight loss is your goal or increased strength or improved balance and flexibility — or a combination — we’re committed to helping you achieve those goals.”

“We make it easy for our members to exercise whenever and however they like,” Cambre added, emphasizing patrons can expect exceptional customer service at the new workout facility. “We’ll have personal trainers available to help you learn how to use all of the equipment and to develop an individualized workout plan.”

Anytime Fitness clubs are staffed roughly 10 hours a day, but Riley said members can access the club whenever they like — even during unstaffed hours — by using a computerized key-fob system.

Riley said extensive security measures to keep customers safe inside and outside of the gym will include 18 cameras and emergency buttons in the gym, as well as on lanyards that can be worn if a member needs to get something out of their car.

Membership at one Anytime Fitness club gives members access to nearly 3,000 clubs worldwide at no extra charge, with Destrehan, Gramercy and Luling clubs located within the River Region. Members will also enjoy free access to AnytimeHealth.com, a comprehensive wellness website.

At the new club in LaPlace, Cambre said members will have full use of top-quality equipment and amenities, including circuit and resistance training machines, free weights and cardio equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes.

Live small group fitness classes, including spin classes, will be offered at no extra charge.

“We’ll have a state-of-the-art video projection system that allows members to choose from dozens of video classes whenever it’s most convenient for them,” Cambre said of the virtual training that will also be available.

Private bathrooms, changing rooms and personal showers will be located at the club, and several different tanning packages will be available.

Further membership information is available by calling 985-359-3482, emailing laplacela2@anytimefitness.com or visiting facebook.com/AnytimeFitnessLaPlace.