HAMPTON — Planet Fitness recently announced the return of its High School Summer Pass program for teens ages 14 to 19.

Online registration is currently available at https://www.planetfitness.com/summerpass. The program will run from June 1 to Aug. 31. Anyone under the age of 18 must register with a parent or guardian.

Program participants will have access to free fitness training from in-club certified fitness trainers, free workouts designed specifically for high schoolers in the free Planet Fitness App and workout plans.

Since the program began, Planet Fitness has invested more than $200 million in waived membership fees to promote health and wellness for millions of teens.

The American Heart Association has found that only 25 percent of teens complete the recommended one hour of physical activity per day – and screen time is partially to blame. Research also shows that nine out of 10 teens agree physical activity improves their overall mental health. A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that physical fitness among children and adolescents may protect against depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and afflictions related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the leader in fitness with locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Planet Fitness is proud to continue to invest in today’s youth by providing free access to fitness during a critical time in their lives,” said Craig Benson, interim CEO of Planet Fitness. “Many teens continue to be impacted by the long-term mental health impacts from the pandemic, yet studies show that exercise can have a significant, positive impact on teens’ overall wellness. We look forward to welcoming High School Summer Pass participants into our clubs to support them in their health and wellness journeys.”

To understand what is top-of-mind among teens today and better support them during the summer, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study, which found the following:

Mental Health Is a Source of Worry. Ninety-four percent of teens face emotional and mental health struggles and about 79 percent of parents are concerned about their teen’s mental health. Fortunately, 63 percent of teens have found that they feel better about themselves when they exercise, with 53 percent experiencing a mood boost and feeling more accomplished.

Internal Struggles are Real. Seventy-two percent of teens are self-conscious and struggle with body positivity issues, something that’s been consistent in year’s past.

The Moment is Now. Eighty-five percent of teens feel that there’s no better time than right now to concentrate on improving their health.

Limiting Screen Time. About 70 percent of teens report that staying off social media and their phones helps them cope with the challenges they’re facing.

Strength Is in The Numbers. Ninety percent of teens feel that exercising with a friend is beneficial to their fitness journey.