Research Study Reports: 'Canadian Teens need to be more active.' GoodLife Fitness Responds with FREE Teen Fitness Summer Program!

LONDON, ON, June 4, 2013 /CNW/ - GoodLife Fitness launched on-line registration for the 4^th annual FREE Teen Fitness Program. The program is available for youth between the ages of 12 and 17, providing complimentary access to GoodLife Fitness Clubs from coast-to-coast from July 2^nd to August 31^st.

The statistics tell the story. According to the Canada Health Measures Survey 2010 over 26 percent of children and youth are overweight or obese and 60 percent of Canadian youth do not get the required daily physical activity for optimum growth and development. Additionally, 93 percent of children and youth are not meeting Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines as outlined by Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP).

More recently, Active Healthy Kids Canada gave Canadian Children a D- on their annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. In addition to low levels of inactivity, 69 percent of youth, ages 12-17, are spending increasing amounts of their lives sedentary and watching much more than the CSEP recommended two hours or less of screen time per day.

"Many different research studies clearly show that Canadian Teens NEED to become more active," says David "Patch" Patchell-Evans, GoodLife Founder & CEO. "GoodLife's Free Teen Fitness Program was implemented because we knew it was important to take a leadership role and be a part of the solution. At GoodLife, we are passionate about helping Canadians of all ages get moving and active and we are thrilled that so many Canadian Teens have gotten involved in our program."

"We want to provide all Canadians with the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life and we know the importance of starting these healthy habits at a young age," says Patch, who has four teenagers. "The growth of the Teen Fitness Program has been fantastic over the past three summers, with more than 38,000 teens participating last summer."

Last year, Teens who signed up for the FREE summer program averaged approximately three workouts per week, the recommended amount of vigorous activity and strength training for youth ages 12-17 as outlined by CSEP. (Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines).

"GoodLife is very excited for the growth of the program and the fact that the Teens who sign up are using the club regularly and reaping the benefits," says Kathy MacKinnon, GoodLife Vice President of Operations and the lead for Teen Fitness. This year we have even more enthusiastic GoodLife Associates are available to ensure that all teens have the proper club orientation, instructions and tips to ensure their workout experience is safe, fun, effective, and a building block for a healthier and more active future."

All Teen Fitness participants must register with a parent or guardian at www.teenfitness.ca and bring the completed registration form into the club.

Upon receiving their membership, Teens will be given a full orientation that outlines: club etiquette, rules and safety guidelines, workout tips, safe and proper use of strength training and cardiovascular equipment, Group Exercise classes, and appropriate workout apparel.

For more information or TO REGISTER YOUR TEEN, visit: www.teenfitness.ca

Media Opportunity:

• Kathy MacKinnon, Teen Fitness Operations Lead, is available to discuss GoodLife's Teen Fitness program.
• Local Photo and interview opportunities available upon request

GoodLife Fitness
Founded in 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness company in Canada. With over 300 clubs from coast-to-coast, over 12,600 Associates and more than 877,000 members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of 1 in 39 Canadians every day. Motivated by GoodLife's vision of giving every Canadian the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life, David Patchell-Evans, Founder & CEO, strives to develop innovative partnerships and collaborations in all areas of health, fitness and wellness and continues to play a significant role in the healthcare system in Canada. GoodLife has achieved Platinum Status Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, as well as Platinum Level Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures. www.goodlifefitness.com

SOURCE: GoodLife Fitness

For further information:

Media Contact: 
Adam Roberts

Public Relations Specialist- GoodLife Fitness
519-661-0910 ext. 424
aroberts@goodlifefitness.com