The Gainesville Health & Fitness Center plans to combat teenage obesity for the second summer in a row by offering teens ages 13 to 17 a free gym membership.
Brian Russell, communications specialist for the Gainesville Health & Fitness center, said he thinks it's time for youth to be the focus of the center's efforts.
"This is not only a great way to get teens off the couch this summer but also a way for us to help the community," he said. "Families are hurting in this economy, and now they have a free place for their teens to go."
Last summer, the fitness center had about 1,800 teens participate in the offer, and it expects at least 2,000 to sign up within the next few months, Russell said.
"We want exercise and fitness to become a part of their lives," he said.
Available from June 15 through Aug. 15, teens can sign up for the membership at any time.
The only requirements are that a parent or legal guardian enrolls the teen and provides proof of age. After that, the teens may come without parental supervision.
According to the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center Web site, teens are allowed at the Main Center, the Tioga Center and the Women's Center on weekdays from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. On weekends they have access to the Main Center from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and the Tioga and Women's Centers from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
