WATCHUNG, NJ — Planet Fitness will open a new location off Route 22.

The new location will be at the Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung. An opening date was not given for the new gym.

Planet Fitness is also looking to open another location 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.

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

“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.”