For teens, summer means freedom, but it also means irregular sleep patterns, boredom, disrupted eating habits, and increased screen time without the routine of school. All of that contributes to teen anxiety and depression.
Teens who get active during these summer months reap benefits that go beyond the physical, playing a key role in predicting mental health outcomes and emotional resilience. Adolescent fitness also has major impacts on adulthood with the CDC reporting that physical activity habits formed during adolescence strongly predict adult behavior. JAMA Pediatrics also found that “teens who exercised regularly were twice as likely to meet physical activity guidelines in their 30s and 40s compared to inactive teens.”
That’s why, for a fifth summer, Planet Fitness Alhambra is inviting high school students ages 14 through 19 to work out for free as a part of the nationwide High School Summer Pass program. Now through August 31, students have access to Planet Fitness’ complete range of strength equipment, including new plate-loaded machines, best-in-class cardio equipment, stretching space, and more. They also can choose to receive free training from certified fitness trainers featuring teen-specific plans designed to build strength safely and effectively. Lastly, they get access to the free Planet Fitness App featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises.
One area student shared why fitness is a big part of her life. “As a high-level athlete, I’m thankful that Planet Fitness has the space for what I need to accomplish. It’s hard to find a gym that has all of the equipment required for me to train for my sport — dragon boat racing,” said LA-based Team USA athlete, Ysabella Cajanding.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by Planet Fitness, mental health is a major concern for parents — 66 percent of parents are concerned about their teen’s well-being and stress levels and 72 percent of parents believe that consistent exercise can improve their teen’s mental wellness. Unfortunately, around three in five teens report their stress and anxiety are not improving and getting worse as they get older.
Encouragingly, 90 percent of teens say exercise helps them feel happy, with 88 percent noting improved mood after exercise. Teens believe physical activity helps deal with emotional ups and downs of being a teenager, as 93 percent agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges.
Screen time is consuming and 81 percent of teens acknowledge that social media and video games take up a significant portion of their day. In fact, nearly four in five teens report that avoiding social media is helpful.
Finally, the report found that summer brings a fitness slump. Half of the teens surveyed reported that their fitness levels tend to decline when school is out for summer break.
If you know a teen, encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize their well-being this summer. Planet Fitness Alhambra is here to support their journey towards a healthier mind and body. For more information on how to sign up, head to planetfitness.com/summerpass.
