This summer, teens around the nation will have the opportunity to get fit for free. Lifestyle Family Fitness kicks off its annual “Teen Initiative” on May 15, opening all club doors to teens ages 12-17 for free.
“In an effort to battle teen inactivity, Lifestyle Family Fitness began donating free, two-month health club memberships to teens in 2006. In 2010 the number of registered teens increased 117 percent from when the program first started,” said Lifestyle Family Fitness founder Geoff Dyer. “We do this during the summer months, because many teens would not otherwise have access to physical education during summer break.”
Overweight teens are at risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Among the many benefits of physical activity are higher levels of self-confidence and lower stress and anxiety levels.
“A new study shows that even teens who are genetically predisposed to obesity will maintain a healthy weight by exercising for an hour daily,” said Dyer, who once battled childhood obesity tipping the scales at 248 pounds at 17 years of age.
“Family members tend to pass off their teens extra weight as ‘puppy fat’ or make excuses saying ‘you’ll grow out of it, don’t worry about it’,” added Dyer. “The better approach is for the parent to lead by example. Eat sensibly, be active and be supportive and encouraging.”
Last summer, Lifestyle Family Fitness donated over 11,000 free memberships to teens surrounding its 55 locations.
Nationwide, the program runs May 15 through August 15. For more information visit www.lff.com/teen. Teen memberships provide all-day access to the health club on weekends and access until 4:00p.m. on weekdays.
