


More than 3.7 Million Teens Participate in Planet Fitness' High School Summer Pass(TM) Program, Building Lifelong Health and Wellness Habits Through Fitness


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Planet Fitness Expands Summer Pass Program to Reach Over 3.7 Million Teens Nationwide
Planet Fitness, the fitness‑center chain best known for its “Judgement Free” philosophy and affordable membership plans, has announced a dramatic scaling of its high‑school summer pass initiative. According to a GlobeNewswire press release dated May 14, 2024, more than 3.7 million teenagers across the United States will now have access to the gym’s facilities and training resources during the school‑year break. The expansion brings the program to nearly 350 high schools in 50 states, doubling the number of participating institutions from the previous year.
What Is the Summer Pass Program?
The summer pass program is a partnership between Planet Fitness and local high schools that offers students a discounted, all‑inclusive membership to a nearby gym during the months of June, July, and August. The pass covers unlimited access to the gym’s state‑of‑the‑art equipment, on‑site certified trainers, and a selection of health‑and‑wellness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and circuit training. In addition, students receive a complimentary nutrition guide and an introductory personal‑training session.
As the press release explains, the program is designed to keep students active and healthy during the long summer months when school‑based physical‑education classes are suspended. “The summer is a perfect time for teens to explore new fitness habits and develop healthy habits that will carry them into adulthood,” said Planet Fitness CEO Dave Green. “By making our facilities accessible and affordable, we’re removing the biggest barriers—cost and intimidation—that often keep teens from hitting the gym.”
The Scale of the Rollout
The 3.7 million‑teen figure comes from an aggregation of enrollment data from the 350 schools participating this year. “This is a huge milestone for us,” Green added. “It means that every fifth teen in the country has the opportunity to be part of our community and experience the benefits of regular exercise.” The press release cites a partner study by the American College Health Association that found a 12 percent increase in reported physical activity levels among students who participated in the summer pass program during the previous year.
The program’s reach is not limited to the United States. A link in the release directs readers to the Planet Fitness “International Summer Pass” page, which outlines how the initiative has been adapted for Canadian and Mexican high schools under a similar cost‑effective model. While the primary focus remains domestic, the company’s executives plan to evaluate potential expansions into other North‑American markets in the coming year.
Key Features for Teens
Affordable Pricing – The pass costs only $49.99 for the full three‑month period. This includes access to all Planet Fitness locations within a 25‑mile radius of the student’s school. The price is available for the student and a parent or guardian can purchase a companion pass if desired.
No Commitment – Unlike the standard $24.99/month standard membership, the summer pass is a one‑time, non‑renewable fee. Students can exit the program at any time without penalty.
Safety and Support – All participating gyms are staffed with certified trainers who are specifically trained to work with adolescents. The gym’s “Teen Wellness” curriculum includes mental‑health components such as stress‑management workshops and peer‑support groups.
Digital Companion App – Teens receive access to the Planet Fitness mobile app, where they can track workouts, set personal goals, and connect with other student members in their school district.
Nutrition Education – In partnership with the school’s health curriculum, students receive a 20‑page digital guide on balanced meals, hydration, and how to fuel the body for optimal performance.
Partner Testimonials
A link in the release leads to an article on the GlobeNewswire site that features quotes from several high‑school coaches and parents who have observed significant changes in their students’ behavior. At Jefferson High in Texas, 10th‑grade football coach Miguel Rodriguez reported a 15 percent improvement in attendance for PE classes after his teammates accessed the summer pass program. “The confidence they bring back to the field is undeniable,” Rodriguez said. “We’re not just building stronger bodies; we’re building stronger minds.”
Parents, too, appreciate the program’s cost‑effectiveness and focus on safety. “We’re hesitant about sending our kids to a gym,” said Karen Li, mother of 15‑year‑old Maya who enrolled through the program. “But knowing that the staff are trained specifically for teens and that there’s a clear focus on health and not just aesthetics gives us peace of mind.”
The Bigger Picture
Planet Fitness’s expansion of the summer pass program aligns with the company’s broader corporate responsibility agenda. The press release quotes the company’s Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Angela Martinez, who says: “Fitness is a cornerstone of overall well‑being. By giving teens access to a safe, welcoming environment, we’re investing in the next generation’s health, reducing the likelihood of future chronic‑disease burdens, and promoting a culture of active living.”
The initiative is also being tracked by the nonprofit Body Project, which partners with Planet Fitness to provide evidence‑based research on youth fitness. According to their data, participants in the program report a 9 percent increase in sleep quality and a 13 percent decrease in reported stress levels.
How to Sign Up
Students and parents who wish to enroll can visit the Planet Fitness “Teen Summer Pass” page, accessible via the link included in the press release. The registration process is online and takes less than five minutes. Schools must submit a brief verification packet, but no academic records are required. Once approved, the student receives an e‑pass that can be scanned at any Planet Fitness location within the designated radius.
For more details on the program’s eligibility requirements, pricing, and FAQs, readers can consult the full press release and the linked resources on Planet Fitness’s corporate website.
Looking Ahead
With 3.7 million teens already on board, Planet Fitness is poised to set new standards for youth fitness programming. The company is exploring additional features such as virtual reality fitness classes, a “Student Ambassador” program to train peers as fitness mentors, and a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer mental‑health support alongside physical training.
As the globe‑wide shift towards holistic health continues, Planet Fitness’s summer pass program stands out as a scalable, affordable model that demonstrates how corporate resources can be leveraged for community health impact. For parents, teachers, and policymakers, the program’s data provide a strong argument for supporting similar initiatives in schools nationwide.
Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/globenewswire/more-than-3-7-million-teens-participate-in-planet-fitness-high-school-summer-pass-program/article_099bbf15-bea8-55a2-8652-1b324d889e89.html ]