With summertime around the corner, Planet Fitness is inviting high school students to work out for free beginning May 16.
The nationwide promotion is designed to help attract younger customers. Gyms and fitness centers have been among the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The High School Summer Pass is open to students ages 14-19 through Aug. 31. Teens under 18 must register with a parent or guardian online or in person.
Planet Fitness will also award a $500 scholarship to students in each state, and one grand prize $5,000 scholarship at the end of the summer.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open found that less than 15% of teens met the 60-minute daily physical activity recommendation during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a national study commissioned by Planet Fitness, 48% of teens admit they struggled with mental health for the first time ever. However, 92% agree that regular physical activity helps them feel much better mentally.
The Summer Pass aims to offer teens a solution to stay active when school sports, gym classes and after school activities take a hiatus for the summer.
Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau noted the adverse impact the pandemic has had on students.
“Our hope is that High School Summer Pass empowers teens to create life-long workout habits to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives,” Rondeau said.
In addition to free in-club fitness training, participating students will have access to certified trainer-led workout videos and downloadable workouts. All content will be available on the Planet Fitness App and website starting May 16. Visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass for more information.
Accessibility focus
The business has also made changes to attract customers who have disabilities.
Planet Fitness over the last few months expanded access to accessible exercise equipment through an initiative called “Coalition for Inclusive Fitness.” Planet Fitness teamed up with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Council on Independent Living and American Council of the Blind.
New accessible equipment ranges from an inclusive dual-cable strength machine that allows a person to perform multiple exercises from a seated position, including from a wheelchair, to new cardio machines which feature raised tactile buttons and the ability to receive audible instructions and performance feedback through headphones for sight-impaired users.
Richard Thesing, CEO of Coalition for Inclusive Fitness, said “We hope this will be the start of an industry-wide effort to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an accessible fitness experience.”
