Planet Fitness Unveils “Judgement Free” Gym at Boys & Girls Club

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (Aug. 29, 2019) – Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers, has opened a “mini Judgement Free Zone” at The Boys & Girls Club of Oak Ridge. An unveiling took place Tuesday at a grand opening ceremony attended by Club members and officials, Planet Fitness representatives and local dignitaries.

Known for its Judgement Free Zone®, Planet Fitness donated over $30,000 to transform the Club’s former dance studio into an inclusive and encouraging workout environment, where members ages 13 and up can exercise without the risk of feeling judged or bullied.

Renovations included painting the space and installing rubber flooring, Marlite paneling and signage.

Planet Fitness also furnished the gym with cardio equipment (lower body arc trainer, full body arc trainer, recumbent bike and upright bike) and strength equipment (bicep, tricep, ab and dual adjustable pulley).

"We are really excited about the opportunity this partnership provides. Encouraging our members to lead a healthy lifestyle in a judgement free environment is a perfect merger of our mission and Planet Fitness,” said James Powers, board chair, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oak Ridge.

The Boys & Girls Club of Oak Ridge unveiling is part of the company’s national philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generation®, aimed to spread kindness and end bullying faced by today’s youth.

One in five youth reports that they’ve been bullied and bullying is the #1 concern of parents of school-aged children. Together with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation's leading youth development organization, Planet Fitness provides youth with evidence-based tools and trainings to create a culture where bullying is not accepted and kindness prevails, as well as awards scholarships to Boys & Girls Club members who promote kindness and acceptance in their communities.

“We are honored to provide the youth of the Boys & Girls Club of Oak Ridge the opportunity to be active in a safe and inclusive fitness environment which we hope will help to build a foundation for healthy futures,” said Trey Moser, COO of PF Growth Partners, LLC.

Planet Fitness has opened several Mini Judgement Free Zones throughout country, including one nearby at the Northwest Middle Boys & Girls Club in Knoxville.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oak Ridge
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Club provides opportunities for youth to engage in programs and activities to promote their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Its leadership, facilities and services enable the club to provide a large number of youth with "FUN WITH A PURPOSE.” For more information, visit www.bgcor.org.

About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, 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, 2019, Planet Fitness had more than 14 million members and 1,859 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. 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 percent of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women. For more information, visit www.PlanetFitness.com.

About PF Group Partners, LLC
PF Group Partners, LLC, is a franchise division of Planet Fitness. PF Growth Partners, LLC owns and operates 65 Planet Fitness health clubs with over 500,000 members in the states of Maryland, District of Columbia, Tennessee, Florida and Washington State. In 2013 PF Group Partners, LLC was named The Inaugural Franchise of the Year by Planet Fitness Corporate. In 2014 the group was named Planet Fitness Developer of the Year for opening 11 clubs in 12 months as well as receiving the award for Highest BER (Brand Excellence Review) awarded by Planet Fitness Corporate. In 2015 the group was again named Planet Fitness Developer of the Year awarded by Planet Fitness Corporate. The following year in 2016 the group was given the Judgement Free Generation award for their exceptional work with the local boys and girls clubs in Tennessee by Planet Fitness Corporate.