MIDDLESEX, NJ — Two new Planet Fitness locations will open in Central Jersey, in shopping centers in Watchung and Middlesex borough.

In Middlesex borough, a Planet Fitness gym will open in what used to be the Acme supermarket at Middlesex Corner at Rt. 28/Bound Brook Road. The Middlesex borough Acme closed in February 2022, and the store has sat vacant ever since.

And in Watchung, a Planet Fitness will open at the Blue Star Shopping Center on Rt. 22.

This was announced here Dec. 3 by commercial real estate services firm Levin Management Corporation, which does the commercial leasing for those two shopping centers.

Planet Fitness will occupy half of the old Acme space; Levin Management is currently looking for a tenant to occupy the other half.

Opening dates were not given for either new gym.

Both new locations will be owned by the same franchisee owner, who Levin says owns “dozens” of Planet Fitness gyms in New Jersey and other states.

“Fitness concepts” can significantly drive traffic to shopping centers, said Sidney Singer, vice president of leasing at Levin.

He said fitness centers bring repeat foot traffic back to a shopping center on a frequent basis, “which benefits a shopping center’s entire co-tenancy.”

“Moreover, the demographic profile of fitness consumers has become increasingly diverse; boutique and affordable concepts attract people of all ages looking for a community-centered fitness experience,” said Singer. “The last several years have seen an influx of boutique and affordable fitness concept leasing at LMC properties and nationwide. Chains like Planet Fitness — those that provide an affordable, high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment — have proven particularly successful at engaging consumers.”