Remodeling of the old Save Mart building on Whitmore Avenue is taking place for a new Planet Fitness gym, a nationwide chain of fitness centers.

"We are very excited to bring Planet Fitness to the Ceres community," said Becky Zirlen, Public Relations Manager at the company's New Hampshire headquarters. "We expect the 21,000 square foot facility to open by the end of the year."

The remodel is part of a larger one for the entire Whitmore Plaza Shopping Center. The center is also preparing for Bob's Coffee Shop which will be relocating from Central Avenue.

Planet Fitness says it provides a welcoming, non-intimidating environment for members with memberships beginning at just $10 a month. Planet Fitness has more than 1,400 locations in the U.S., Canada, and the Dominican Republic.

Planet Fitness offers memberships for just $10 or $19.99 a month and a variety of benefits including a hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, and unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer.

Ceres is already served by two In Shape City fitness centers, one on Mitchell Road and the other on Hatch Road, as well as a Curves for Women gym inside the Richland Shopping Center.

Planet Fitness also operates in Turlock on West Main Street; and in Modesto on Orangeburg Avenue.