Planet Fitness says approximately 3.7 million teens ages 14 to 19 participated in its 2026 High School Summer Pass program, highlighting continued interest among younger consumers in structured fitness.

The program, which ran from June 1 through August 31, gave teens free access to participating Planet Fitness locations. Participants logged more than 19.4 million workouts, up 2% from the previous year, while overall participation remained roughly in line with 2025.

Since launching the initiative in 2019, Planet Fitness says it has provided more than $620 million in waived membership dues through the program.

One of the more notable findings for fitness operators is the number of new users introduced to the club environment. According to a survey of participating teens and their parents or guardians, 58% of teens said the program represented their first experience working out in a fitness club.

The survey also pointed to the social and mental-health aspects of fitness participation. Among surveyed teens, 93% reported an immediate improvement in mood after working out, while 84% reported improvements in overall mental health and 83% said their self-confidence improved.

Fitness was also frequently a shared activity. More than half of participants surveyed said they regularly exercised with a friend, while others trained with siblings or groups of friends. Planet Fitness reported that 42% of parents worked out alongside their teens, and 67% said their teen’s participation encouraged other family members to become more active.

For fitness operators, the results offer another indication that younger consumers can represent an important entry point for future membership growth. Programs that lower the barrier to trying a fitness facility may help teens become comfortable with the gym environment while establishing routines that continue beyond the promotional period.

The longer-term question is how effectively operators can convert that initial exposure into ongoing participation as teens move into adulthood. With nearly six in 10 surveyed participants entering a fitness club for the first time, programs such as High School Summer Pass also provide an opportunity to introduce a new generation to strength training, cardio, group fitness and the broader health benefits of regular exercise.