Planet Fitness Wants You To Exercise Your 'Kindness Muscles'

HAMPTON, N.H., Feb. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., invites everyone to flex their 'kindness muscles' in celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day this Sunday, Feb. 17 (and every day thereafter). In an effort to make "random" acts of kindness more "regular," Planet Fitness will be inviting its Facebook and Instagram followers to tag a friend and comment how they regularly spread kindness. For each comment, the company will donate $5 to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, up to $25,000. The campaign will run from Friday, Feb. 15 – Monday, Feb. 18.

Consistent, regular acts of kindness are needed now more than ever. According to a national study* commissioned by Planet Fitness, home of the Judgement Free Zone®, fewer Americans are expressing their kindness this year than in 2018. Everyday kind gestures that are on the decline include:

• Smiling (10 percent decrease);
• Paying compliments (10 percent decrease);
• Being appreciative (nine percent decrease); and
• Doing a good deed for someone (eight percent decrease)

"Planet Fitness wants to empower today's generation of youth to shape a culture of kindness and inclusion. Kindness is a muscle that we should all exercise regularly," said Chris Rondeau, chief executive officer at Planet Fitness. "Spreading kindness is so important these days, especially with the unfortunate increase in bullying on social media. Together, we have an opportunity to turn the tide and spread positivity and encouragement."

Planet Fitness' recent study uncovers that 70 percent of Americans do not spread kindness through posting positive messages on social media, which can be the easiest place to start. The company's social media campaign encouraging regular acts of kindness will aim to address this.

"Spreading kindness is paramount for a brighter future for everyone, especially today's youth," said Julie Hertzog, Director, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. "We're proud to partner with Planet Fitness in inviting everyone to flex their kindness muscles by lifting others up through regular acts of kindness. Funds raised through the social media campaign will help us to continue the work that we are doing together to end bullying and spread kindness."

In partnership with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, a leading nonprofit bullying prevention organization, Planet Fitness shares five tips for raising consistently kind kids:

1. Model Kind Behavior. Being a copycat can be a good thing. Your kids are always watching and learning from what you do, so remember to exhibit kindness regularly with everyone in your daily life, from their teachers at school to wait staff in a restaurant or your postal worker. Even when you're tired, stressed or distracted, taking a moment to remember that the behavior you model will be the behavior they mimic makes all the difference. 
   
2. Watch and Learn. Whether watching a movie together or in line at the grocery store, your child will have many opportunities to observe examples of both kind and unkind behaviors. Encourage your child to consider how observed interactions impact those involved, whether positively or negatively. These interactions can serve as teachable moments for the future.
   
3. Caught Being Kind. Kids hear all the time about what they shouldn't be doing, but what about what they should be doing? Reinforce kind behavior by acknowledging specific examples and encouraging a dialogue around what they did and why it matters, such as, "I am proud that you included the new student from school today at the playground. How do you think it made them feel?"
   
4. Exercise Kindness Daily. Learning to be kind is just like learning to play a sport or an instrument. Make kindness a daily ritual by reflecting on something kind that you witnessed and discussing as a family to help your kids build muscle memory and make caring second nature.
   
5. Imagine If... Ask your children to consider the perspectives of people they don't usually talk to, such as a new student at school, a student who looks different than them or a student who has been teased. Ask, "How would you feel if…" to help your child see how actions impact others.

And don't forget, consistency is key!

Planet Fitness is passionate about spreading regular acts of kindness in its gyms and in its communities. On any given day in a Planet Fitness location, you'll find friendly and welcoming staff members high-fiving gym goers and chatting with members on a first name basis— all with the intent to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable and encouraged during their workout.

Planet Fitness has extended that commitment through the Judgement Free Generation®, its philanthropic initiative designed to combat the judgement and bullying faced by today's youth by creating a culture of kindness and encouragement. Through the initiative, Planet Fitness has made pro-kindness trainings and resources available for schools, as well as in the after-school setting with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and has funded scholarships that recognize young people for practicing kindness and acceptance.

For more information on Planet Fitness and to find a club near you, visit PlanetFitness.com.

* Online survey conducted by Kelton Global to 2,217 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percent.

About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2018, Planet Fitness had more than 12.2 million members and 1,646 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

About PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
Founded in 2006, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center – a program of PACER Center – actively leads social change to prevent childhood bullying, so that all youth are safe and supported in their schools, communities and online. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students. To learn more, visit PACER.org/bullying.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

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