Over 3.7 million teens signed up for Planet Fitness’ most recent High School Summer Pass as the gym giant readies for the next generation of fitness-obsessed kids: Gen Alpha
Gen Z is driving Planet Fitness to new records, with more than 3.7 million teens joining its High School Summer Pass this year, which gave high schoolers free access to the high-value, low-price (HVLP) gym chain all summer long.
From June through August, teens ages 14 to 19 completed more than 19 million workouts across Planet Fitness’ 2,700-plus clubs in the U.S. and Canada, making the 2025 edition of the program the largest in its history.
The numbers come as Gen Z proves fitness is climbing higher on their priority list. A recent survey from U.K. budget gym operator The Gym Group found that nearly half of financially squeezed Gen Z-ers rank fitness as their top discretionary spend category, outpacing streaming and dining.
The report shows 73% of young people work out at least twice per week, while 87% say exercise improves their mental health. Though the survey reflects U.K. habits, a similar pattern is playing out in the U.S., with Gen Z driving growth across gyms and wellness experiences. Those under 25 now account for nearly a third of all American gym members, according to the Health & Fitness Association.
Planet Fitness estimates it waived more than $168 million in dues to run the program this year, while noting that the initiative has a measurable impact: 93% of teens report building sustainable health and fitness routines beyond the summer, 78% feel more confident and 80% say they have more energy, according to a survey conducted by Planet Fitness.
Parents also saw a positive ripple effect, with 76% saying their teens inspired other family members to get active and 86% reported that their teens’ participation in the program sparked meaningful conversations about health and wellness.
Eyes on Gen Z — and Gen Alpha
Last month, Planet Fitness CEO Colleen Keating noted that Gen Z continues to be Planet’s fastest-growing segment of its memberships and is “highly fitness aware,” with another wave of young consumers on the horizon.
“There are still three years of this population that aren’t yet of age to join our clubs,” Keating said during Planet’s second-quarter earnings call. “And the next generation, Gen Alpha, is expected to be even more focused on health and well-being.”
Planet Fitness isn’t alone in chasing younger members. Fitness International, parent of LA Fitness and City Sports Club, has launched a fall initiative offering teens free after-school and weekend access at select gyms, aligned with the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test.
24 Hour Fitness also joined the youth fitness push this summer with discounted memberships for high school students aged 14 to 18, provided a parent or guardian was already a member, while F45 Training targeted younger consumers with a summer promotion offering high school and college students 20% off unlimited memberships and 10- or 20-class packs through September 1.
