Article content
KINGSTON — The launch of the first Mini Planet Fitness in Canada was unveiled Monday at BGC South East.
Article content
The new fitness centre will be located in the BGC West End Community Centre at 1300 Bath Rd. and will include the donation of 28 pieces of cardio equipment, including high-end treadmills, arc trainers, ellipticals and 14 bikes, as part of the philanthropic initiative of Planet Fitness, Judgement Free Generation.
The new Mini Planet Fitness will benefit more than 3,000 local children and youth with fitness and healthy living programs, starting in the fall.
According to Planet Fitness, the “Judgement Free Generation is designed to combat the bullying faced by teens and empower a generation of teens to choose kindness and accept and respect one another. The initiative has built more than 30 Mini Judgement Free Zone fitness centres in Boys and Girls Clubs across the U.S. and is now committed to expand the initiative in Canada.”
“For more than 25 years we have been welcoming thousands of local children and youth into safe and inclusive programs, where they learn active, educational and social skills to lead healthy lives,” Harold Parsons, executive director at BGC South East, said. “When you step into a BGC Club, you belong, no matter where you come from. The creation of a Mini Planet Fitness is a natural fit with our mission, vision, and values. It will advance our plans to expand specialized physical activity programs and sports training to children and youth.”
During the launch on Monday, representatives from Planet Fitness and the media got a tour of the BGC South East facility before the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Article content
“At Planet Fitness, we believe physical and mental health and wellness has never been more important than it is today,” said Jessica Roehle, president, International, at Taymax Group LP. “We also pride ourselves on being an active partner in each of our communities and supporting organizations who share our community-minded values. With the donation of more than 25 pieces of fitness equipment, we’re pleased to help bolster what is already a fantastic environment for Kingston’s youth at the Boys and Girls Club South East location by creating a welcoming, non-intimidating gym space where they can exercise, have fun and learn about fitness.”
The new BGC fitness centre will offer free structured fitness sessions for over 700 youth starting in September. The club’s older children will also benefit from the fitness centre through specialized programs such as the All Female Running Club and Junior Sports League.
“Teens have so much energy and we want to help channel and develop it in a positive way,” Parsons said. “We know that if children start learning fitness skills early and exercising regularly, they will develop a host of physical competencies that will set them up for a healthy life.”
twitter.com/JMcKayPhotoWhig