MANCHESTER, NH – In an effort of good will – and to help get teens activated, off their couches and away from their devices – Planet Fitness, has launched a first-of-its-kind statewide summer initiative.
The ‘PF Teen Summer Challenge’ allows teens ages 15-18 to work out for free at all Planet Fitness locations in New Hampshire from June 26 through September 1. And to encourage teens to participate in the new program, helping them to incorporate fitness and health into their lifestyles, Planet Fitness will award four $2,500 scholarships* at the end of the summer that can be used for academic or physical fitness activities.
“Planet Fitness is excited to open its doors to teens, giving them a place to be active and improve their overall health and wellness,” said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer, Planet Fitness. “Many teens may not have visited a workout facility before, and this initiative gives them the opportunity to incorporate regular exercise into their daily lifestyles for potentially the first time while on summer break. This program is a stepping stone for teens to be healthier and happier and what better place to do so than in our welcoming, non-intimidating, judgement-free atmosphere.”
“This innovative initiative will benefit thousands of teenagers throughout the state, as they look to stay active and healthy over the summer,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Finding a safe and welcoming place to be active is a problem that many parents and teens face every summer. We are grateful to Planet Fitness for launching this exciting initiative right here in its home state of New Hampshire, and for stepping up to provide a solution without being asked.”
Teens – especially over summer break – need a safe and convenient place where they can exercise and be active. There is also a growing need for teens to embrace healthier habits. Nearly half of NH high school students are not getting the recommended 60 minutes of activity each day; and more than one in four NH high school students were overweight or obese in 2015.
Being active and staying healthy is about more than just weight. Exercise can help teens reduce their risk of developing certain conditions later in life, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown that in addition to improving their health, exercise and physical activity also increase teens’ self-esteem and body positivity. These factors led the state to create The Obesity Prevention Program, which promotes policies that encourage healthy eating and physical activity, working to prevent and mitigate obesity and other chronic diseases.
“The PF Teen Summer Challenge is a terrific initiative,” said Jeffrey Meyers, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. “In partnership with the state’s Obesity Prevention Program, this will help teens set out on the right path, developing healthy habits, like exercising frequently, at an early age. This program will help with more than physical health; because exercise boosts self-esteem, the program will also help increase teens’ confidence across the state.”
Teens can sign-up to exercise at one of the Planet Fitness locations throughout the state. If teens are 15- to 17-years old, they’ll need a parent or guardian to accompany them the first time to sign a waiver. Once they’re signed up, teens simply need to check-in with the front desk at that specific location when they arrive at the gym. Teens can use the machines and equipment at the gym and can also participate in workouts developed specifically for them; each club will offer these sessions once a day, Monday through Friday, along with a teen orientation to get to know the gym better on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For teens who can’t attend those sessions, a workout guide will be available at the front desk.
NH Planet Fitness locations include:
- Belmont
- Concord
- Derry
- Dover
- Goffstown
- Keene
- Lee
- Manchester (Huse Rd.)
- Manchester (Eddy Rd)
- Merrimack – opening in July
- Nashua (Coliseum)
- Nashua (Northwest Blvd.)
- Plaistow
- Portsmouth
- Raymond
- Rochester
- Stratham
For more information, teens can visit their local Planet Fitness location. To find the Planet Fitness location closest to you, visit www.planetfitness.com.
*Official sweepstakes rules can be found at: www.planetfitness.com/sweepstakes-rules
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2018, Planet Fitness had approximately 11.8 million members and more than 1,565 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Panama. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
