Nature

New fitness chain Plant Fitness promises acceptance for all plants

A new gym chain called Plant Fitness has sprouted up nationwide that welcomes plants in every condition. Unlike its better-known, human-focused counterpart, Plant Fitness caters exclusively to plants, proudly proclaiming itself as “a judgment-free zone” for every leaf, vine, and cactus, regardless of aesthetic appeal or chlorophyll levels.

“We’re here to tell the world that all plants are beautiful,” said founder Marcy Fernsworth, a former plant nursery owner and self-proclaimed “houseplant whisperer.” “At Plant Fitness, no succulent is too shriveled, no fern too crispy, and no orchid too impossible to keep alive. We welcome them all.”

A Gym Where Photosynthesis is Always Encouraged

The chain’s flagship location boasts an impressive array of plant-friendly amenities. Forget treadmills—Plant Fitness offers “light therapy zones” with customizable LED spectrums for picky plants that require just the right shade of blue light. There are hydration stations where plants can soak up distilled water or—if they’re feeling fancy—premium coconut water mist.

“We even have a Humidity Haven for tropical plants,” said manager Kyle Moss, gesturing toward a glass-walled room that looks like the Amazon rainforest’s cousin who moved to Brooklyn. “And for desert dwellers, there’s the Dry Heat Retreat. Everyone deserves a space where they can thrive at their own pace.”

A Judgment-Free Zone, Except for the Ficus

True to its mission, Plant Fitness does not discriminate against plants based on popularity or condition. Wilting pothos are welcome to join yoga classes. Balding spider plants can enjoy supportive group sessions with titles like “You’re More Than Your Drooping Limbs.” Even Venus flytraps have their own Fly-Free Fridays to relax without having to snack on unsuspecting gnats.

However, tensions have arisen with one notable exception: the ficus. “We don’t turn them away,” Moss explained carefully, “but let’s be honest—they think they’re better than everyone else. They’re always hogging the light therapy zones and dropping leaves in passive-aggressive protest when things don’t go their way.”

Membership Perks

Membership starts at $9.99 per month and includes a free terracotta pot upgrade after six months of consistent attendance. Members also receive discounts on “personal growth trainers,” a team of certified botanists who specialize in boosting plant confidence and reviving stubborn root systems.

For those with particularly chaotic schedules (or water forgetfulness), Plant Fitness offers a premium service called Plant Sitter Pro. “You can leave your plant here while you go on vacation, and we’ll make sure it thrives—or at least survives,” said Fernsworth. “We’re not miracle workers, though. If your aloe has seen things, well, it’s seen things.”

The Lunk Alarm Gets a Green Makeover

One standout feature at Plant Fitness is its spin on the infamous “lunk alarm.” Here, the Leaf Alarm goes off whenever a plant starts acting too showy. “If your monstera won’t stop flexing its new fenestrations or your peace lily blooms again just to make everyone else feel bad, the alarm reminds them to tone it down,” explained Moss.

Early Reviews Are Rooted in Positivity

Early adopters of the gym have given glowing reviews, except for a couple of disgruntled orchids who called the atmosphere “too casual” and a bonsai who felt the potting soil in the snack bar lacked sufficient artisanal flair.

Nevertheless, Fernsworth remains optimistic about the chain’s growth. “Plants deserve a safe space to photosynthesize, stretch their roots, and be appreciated for who they are—not what Instagram says they should be. Because let’s face it, even the scraggly succulents deserve a chance to shine.”

Sources report that Plant Fitness is already working on new programs, including “Zumba for Zinnias” and “CrossFit for Cacti.” Whether it will become a global phenomenon remains to be seen, but the fitness world is no longer just for humans.

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.