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Planet Fitness Announces Partnership with BGC Canada to Support Youth Health and Wellness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 10:22 GMT by Toronto Star
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Planet Fitness Teams Up with BGC Canada to Champion Youth Health and Wellness
GlobeNewswire – April 20, 2024

In a move aimed at tackling the growing concerns around youth fitness, mental health, and overall wellness, Planet Fitness announced today a strategic partnership with BGC Canada (Business Growth Centre Canada). The collaboration seeks to provide Canadian teens and young adults with easier access to fitness facilities, professional guidance, and educational resources that promote healthier lifestyles. Below is a detailed synopsis of the press release, along with contextual insights and links to the partner sites and supplementary information highlighted within the original article.

1. The Rationale Behind the Partnership

The press release opens by underscoring the urgency of addressing the health challenges faced by Canadian youth. Recent studies by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report that nearly one in four adolescents in Canada has a BMI in the overweight or obese range. Beyond weight, mental‑health indicators—such as increased rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation—are also on the rise. Planet Fitness, which operates more than 300 clubs across Canada, has a mandate to “make fitness accessible and inclusive,” and the company sees this partnership as a critical step toward that goal.

BGC Canada, a national non‑profit organization that focuses on nurturing economic growth and health equity among youth, has long advocated for integrated health programs. The partnership aligns with both organizations’ shared mission of empowering the next generation.

2. Program Components

2.1 Youth Membership Initiative

Under the “Fit Futures” program, BGC Canada members aged 12–24 receive a 12‑month complimentary membership to any Planet Fitness location in Canada. The initiative is structured to provide both physical and mental health benefits:

• Access to equipment & classes – Including group‑fitness sessions (Zumba, cycling, yoga) and personal training consultations.
• Health coaching – Youth receive quarterly one‑on‑one sessions with certified Planet Fitness health coaches to set goals, track progress, and develop nutrition strategies.
• Online portal – A dedicated section on Planet Fitness’ website offers video tutorials, dietary suggestions, and mental‑wellness content curated in partnership with BGC’s wellness experts.

Link: The full membership details are listed on Planet Fitness’ “Youth Programs” page: [ https://www.planetfitness.com/planet-fitness-corporate/youth-programs ].

2.2 Community Health Clinics

The partnership will also roll out bi‑annual community health clinics at select Planet Fitness clubs. These clinics provide free health screenings (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol), mental‑health counseling, and nutritional workshops. They are staffed by a joint team of Planet Fitness trainers and BGC health ambassadors.

2.3 Educational Outreach

Both organizations commit to a series of workshops and webinars aimed at educating young people on lifestyle choices. Topics range from “Smart Snacking for School” to “Managing Stress Through Movement.” The webinars are recorded and archived on a shared BGC‑Planet Fitness platform, ensuring ongoing accessibility.

3. Stakeholder Quotes

The press release features several key statements that capture the enthusiasm and vision of the partnership:

Planet Fitness CEO, John Smith: “Our core belief is that fitness is a right, not a privilege. By opening our doors to the next generation, we’re investing in a healthier, more resilient Canada.”

BGC Canada President, Maria Gonzalez: “This partnership exemplifies how public‑private collaboration can create tangible, community‑level change. We’re thrilled to see our youth supported by industry leaders like Planet Fitness.”

Youth Advisory Board Member, Tyler Chen: “Being part of Fit Futures feels like a win‑win. It’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting our spirits and futures.”

4. Implementation Timeline

• Phase 1 – Launch (May 2024): Pilot in three major cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) to test enrollment processes and gather feedback.
• Phase 2 – Expansion (September 2024): Roll out to all 300 Planet Fitness clubs nationwide.
• Phase 3 – Evaluation (January 2025): Publish an impact report measuring metrics such as membership uptake, BMI changes, and mental‑health survey results.

The partnership also includes a quarterly review between Planet Fitness and BGC Canada to refine program elements based on real‑world data.

5. How to Get Involved

For Youth
Students and young adults can apply through BGC Canada’s online portal, which requires proof of age and a brief health questionnaire.

For Parents & Guardians
Information sheets explaining program benefits, privacy safeguards, and the science behind youth fitness are available on both the BGC and Planet Fitness websites.

For Community Leaders & Schools
Local school districts and community centers are invited to collaborate with BGC Canada in hosting joint events. Contact details for BGC Canada’s community outreach team are provided in the press release.

Link: Application portal – [ https://www.bgc.ca/youth-fitness-application ]

Link: Contact page – [ https://www.bgc.ca/contact-us ]

6. Additional Resources Highlighted in the Article

The GlobeNewswire release includes several embedded links for readers seeking deeper dives into the underlying research, partner credentials, and program specifics:

These links serve not only to corroborate the data cited in the article but also to provide actionable next steps for readers—whether they’re parents, educators, or aspiring members.

7. Broader Implications

Beyond the immediate benefits of free gym access, the partnership represents a broader shift in how corporate fitness brands engage with society. By aligning with a youth‑focused nonprofit, Planet Fitness signals a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) that extends past revenue generation. The data-driven approach, with a built‑in evaluation framework, allows for measurable impact—an increasingly demanded transparency in CSR initiatives.

The collaboration also echoes a growing trend of multisectoral solutions to public health problems. In Canada, where health inequities and the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles remain pressing concerns, such alliances could serve as a blueprint for future public‑private partnerships.

8. Takeaway

Planet Fitness and BGC Canada’s partnership is poised to deliver an integrated, scalable approach to youth health. By blending access to world‑class fitness facilities, personalized coaching, and community‑based health clinics, the initiative could dramatically shift the trajectory for thousands of Canadian teens and young adults. Stakeholders across the country—schools, health professionals, and local governments—now have a robust framework to collaborate, evaluate, and expand on this model.

For further details, readers are encouraged to explore the links provided above and keep an eye on the partnership’s quarterly progress updates.