Planet Fitness Returns Teen Summer Pass Program for Sixth Year
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
As youth mental health concerns and physical inactivity remain ongoing challenges, Planet Fitness is once again opening its doors to teens through the return of its annual High School Summer Pass program. Now entering its sixth year, the initiative allows high school students ages 14 to 19 to work out for free at participating locations across the United States and Canada throughout the summer months.
The program runs from June 1 through August 31 and will be available at more than 2,900 Planet Fitness locations. New for this year's initiative is a partnership with gymwear brand Gymshark, which will provide participating teens with access to exclusive discounts after registration.
The program reflects a larger conversation taking place across the fitness industry as operators continue looking for ways to engage younger demographics while reducing barriers to exercise. According to Planet Fitness, the company has invested more than $460 million in waived membership dues since launching the initiative as part of broader efforts aimed at supporting youth health and wellness.
"At Planet Fitness, our mission is to break down the barriers to fitness, and the High School Summer Pass program is a key part of that," said Colleen Keating, CEO of Planet Fitness.
"Young people are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health and making fitness part of their daily lives. This program gives teens the unique opportunity to build lifelong healthy habits in a welcoming and non-intimidating environment during the important months when school is out."
Participating teens will receive access to Planet Fitness' range of strength equipment and cardio machines, free fitness training from certified trainers, digital workouts through the Planet Fitness app, and additional member perks throughout the summer period.
The company also paired the announcement with findings from a national study examining the physical and emotional experiences of teenagers. The data points to mounting pressures among younger populations, with 95 percent of teens reporting some form of emotional or mental struggle. More than half reported experiencing anxiety, while nearly half indicated difficulties with body image.
At the same time, the findings reinforce the connection between movement and emotional wellbeing. Ninety five percent of teens surveyed said exercise helps them manage challenges in their lives, while 66 percent reported feeling proud of themselves after working out and 53 percent said exercise improved their confidence.
Strength training also appeared to resonate strongly among younger audiences. More than nine out of ten teens surveyed said strength training helps build confidence, and 91 percent said being strong is just as important as appearance.
Despite growing interest in fitness, accessibility remains a challenge. Seven in ten teens reported at least one obstacle preventing them from exercising more frequently, including time constraints, cost and self-consciousness. Nearly half said they could not afford to prioritize fitness, although more than 80 percent indicated they would work out at a gym if access were free.
For the broader fitness industry, initiatives like High School Summer Pass continue to highlight an ongoing opportunity. As younger consumers increasingly connect physical activity with mental wellbeing, lowering barriers to entry may play an important role in shaping the next generation of long-term gym members.
