Help Spread Kindness And End Bullying By Joining Planet Fitness

HAMPTON, N.H., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., aims to spread kindness and end bullying this October (National Bullying Prevention Month) by donating 100 percent of all new member enrollment fees now through Oct. 13 to its nonprofit partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Everyone is invited to join for just $5 down, and then $10 a month with no commitment. Existing Planet Fitness members are also welcome to make a donation to the cause in-club during that timeframe.

The promotion, which last year raised more than $1 million, helps support programs to prevent bullying and promote a culture of kindness through Planet Fitness' philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generationtm.

Bullying has become all-too-common in today's society, with 1 in 4 youth reporting that they've been bullied and parents of school-aged children citing it as their number one concern. As the home of the Judgement Free Zone®, Planet Fitness is committed to addressing this issue and has funded trainings for more than 2,000 staff from 764 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country through a partnership with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

"Our gyms are safe, judgement free spaces for our members, and our goal is to extend that same culture of acceptance to youth and the communities we serve," said Chris Rondeau, Planet Fitness CEO. "Together with our franchisees, staff and members, Planet Fitness has funded trainings and resources for Boys & Girls Clubs of America professionals and youth leaders on how to create kinder cultures, awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to youth who embody values of kindness and acceptance, and built Mini Judgement Free Zone fitness centers within local Boys & Girls Clubs so that kids have a welcoming, non-intimidating space to be active. We look forward to continuing to deepen our impact in the years to come."

"Our partnership with Planet Fitness is not only helping to empower our Club professionals and youth to foster positive, emotionally safe climates in Boys & Girls Clubs, it's helping them to thrive day-in and day-out," said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark. "This effort is exemplary of our mission to offer Club youth a wide range of health and wellness-focused programs that extend beyond physical activity and proper nutrition to include social and emotional well-being."

"Emotional intelligence must be at the center of all bullying-prevention efforts, which is why we're are so thrilled to be a part of the Judgement Free Generation initiative and help extend our evidence-based trainings to afterschool settings," said Marc Brackett, Ph.D., Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. "These trainings equip both staff and youth with the tools to recognize and understand their own emotions ? and the emotions of others ? to help build a world where kindness prevails over meanness."

To further support its pro-kindness mission, this week Planet Fitness will unveil a mini Judgement Free Zone fitness center within the Lowell, Mass. Boys & Girls Club. Featuring Planet Fitness' signature purple and yellow colors and branded equipment, the gym replicates the judgement free environment of Planet Fitness clubs, complete with inspirational messages written across the walls. The new facility will provide the more than 350 youth who come to the Club daily the ability to exercise in an inclusive and encouraging workout environment, without the risk of feeling judged or bullied.

Planet Fitness offers extremely low membership fees and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. To find a Planet Fitness club and take advantage of this limited time offer, please visit PlanetFitness.com.

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 June 30, 2017, Planet Fitness had approximately 10 million members and more than 1,400 stores in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. 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.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.