Planet Fitness centers across the U.S. have invited teens ages 15 to 18 to work out for free until September 1st.
Keith Larsen is the managing partner at the Logan Planet Fitness and he said the idea was first tried a year ago on the east coast.
“The clubs aren’t heavily used in the summer, because a lot of people are outside,” Larsen said. “So, they had this idea ‘why don’t we just let high school kids use the gym? Nothing off our back and we’d be helping the kids.’”
He said this year it was expanded to all 1,800 Planet Fitness gyms, and is referred to as the Teen Summer Challenge.
“It’s the middle of the day, when we’re less busy,” he continued. “It’s a great opportunity to support this age group and help them. It’s the future.”
Scholarships are also included in the program. One per state will be given away by the end of the summer, including a $5,000 grand prize scholarship.
According to Planet Fitness, The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently released new physical activity guidelines, which revealed that 80 percent of Americans do not currently meet the recommended amount of physical activity. The guidelines also challenge youth (ages 6 – 17) to pursue a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Planet Fitness’ Teen Summer Challenge offers a solution for teenagers eager for an opportunity to stay active during the summer when school sports programs, gym classes or after school activities wind down.