By Anne Levin

Clients of Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro were given a jolt when a letter from management dated November 28 informed them that the club will close at the end of the year to accommodate additional space requirements on the Princeton Medical Center campus.

Having recently completed a strategic plan, Penn Medicine Princeton Health decided that the space will be repurposed, possibly for such services as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and an ambulatory care center.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we notify you that Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro must permanently close effective Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 4 p.m.,” reads a letter to members. “On November 16, 2022, we were notified by Penn Medicine Princeton Health that additional space is required on the Princeton Medical Center campus to meet the increasing demand for medical care and services. After a thoughtful and thorough strategic plan process, Princeton Health determined it must repurpose the space currently used by the Fitness Center to better serve patients and the broader community.”

Representing Penn Medicine Princeton Health, spokesperson Andy Williams said the closing was unavoidable. “Repurposing the existing building instead of construction a new one will enable us to make a transition in months, as opposed to the year or more it would take to design and build a new structure,” he said in an email. “In addition, there is only one available parcel on the campus. In our redevelopment agreement with the township of Plainsboro, that land is designated for medical research.”

The center, which features an aquatics center, massage spa, a café, and other amenities, is located on the grounds of Princeton Medical Center. The Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation site, which is housed at the fitness center, will remain in place.

Members can transfer to other locations operated by the company Fitness & Wellness, including Princeton Fitness & Wellness in Princeton North Shopping Center, RWJ Hamilton Fitness & Wellness in Mercerville, or CentraState Fitness & Wellness in Freehold.

“We understand the disruption this may cause to your fitness routine, so we are providing one month free to anyone who chooses to transfer their home club,” the letter reads. “In addition, we have extended offers to our staff to remain with the company. Our hope is that your favorite trainers, Pilates instructors, group fitness instructors, and swim instructors will still be available so you can continue your training, classes, and swim routines, as well as continue to see the familiar faces you have grown accustomed to.”

The fitness center, which has approximately 3,800 members, has been located on the Princeton Medical Center campus for the past decade. Memberships that are not terminated will automatically expire on December 31. Any remaining personal training, swim lessons, or Pilates sessions will be refunded within 30 days of the closing.