Free Gym Access This Summer for North Shore Teens Through Planet Fitness

For high school students on Boston's North Shore, summer often means fewer structured activities and less access to the resources that keep them active. This June, Planet Fitness hopes to change that — at least when it comes to fitness.

The national gym chain has announced the return of its High School Summer Pass® program, now in its sixth year, offering free gym access to teens ages 14 to 19 at more than 2,900 participating locations across the U.S. and Canada from June 1 through August 31. For North Shore residents, that means locations in Saugus and Salem are among the closest options — both easily reachable from towns like Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Marblehead, and Beverly.

Registration is open now at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass, and teens under 18 must sign up with a parent or guardian.

The timing is no coincidence. A nationwide study commissioned by Planet Fitness found that cost is one of the biggest obstacles standing between teenagers and a regular workout routine. Nearly half of teens surveyed — 47% — say they simply cannot afford to make fitness a top priority, yet 83% say they would work out at a gym if it were free.

That gap is exactly what the program aims to close. Planet Fitness has invested more than $460 million in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness since the initiative launched in 2019.

"Young people are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health," said Planet Fitness CEO Colleen Keating in a statement announcing the program. "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."

The mental health angle may resonate especially with North Shore families. The same Planet Fitness survey found that nearly all teenagers — 95% — report emotionally or mentally struggling, with more than half dealing with anxiety and close to half struggling with a positive body image. Exercise, the survey suggests, is one of the most effective tools available to them: 95% of teens say exercise helps them manage life's challenges, and two-thirds say working out makes them feel proud of themselves.

Through the program, participating teens will have access to Planet Fitness' full range of strength and cardio equipment, free training sessions with certified fitness trainers, and the Planet Fitness app, which features hundreds of on-demand digital workouts.

New this year, the program is powered by Gymshark, the gymwear brand, and all participants will receive an exclusive discount after signing up.

Planet Fitness locations will also host Open House events before the program begins, giving teens and their families a chance to tour facilities and meet staff in a low-pressure setting — a nod to the company's signature "Judgement Free Zone" philosophy, which may carry particular weight for teens who feel self-conscious about stepping into a gym for the first time. The survey found that 27% of teens cite feeling self-conscious as a barrier to working out more.

Teens participating in the program are required to work out at the location where they register and may not use other locations. Those interested should check with their local club for specific details, as Planet Fitness locations are independently owned and operated.

To sign up or find the nearest participating location, visit this URL:

Free Summer Gym Membership for Teens | Planet Fitness

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The High School Summer Pass® is open to teens ages 14–19 at participating locations. Teens under 18 must register with a parent or guardian.