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Every 10 seconds, a child is reported to be abused, with 4 million total reports annually. Taymax Group heard this stat and decided to team up with Olive Crest to donate strength and cardio gym equipment to the nonprofit that is dedicated to preventing child abuse by assisting children and families in need, providing safe homes and support services.

Founded in California, Olive Crest serves over 5,000 children across California, Nevada and Washington. Local Taymax-owned Planet Fitness^® locations teamed up to donate to the nonprofit’s Goleta, California, location. This location specifically provides a space for girls 12-17 years old who are victims of sex trafficking.

“We are looking forward to not only restoring hope and healing to sex trafficked minor girls but also to helping improve their physical health, which supports them with their mental and spiritual recovery as well,” said Stephen Christensen, chief philanthropy officer for Olive Crest.

The franchisee group’s Riverside location donated the strength equipment, with their Fontana Summit club donating the cardio equipment. In total, Olive Crest received one Smith machine; three adjustable benches; a barbell rack with weights and a dumbbell rack with weights; a set of each 10-55 pound dumbbells; a beauty bell rack with weights; 20 plates ranging from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds; three treadmills; two row machines; a recumbent bike; an upright bike; and an elliptical.

Olive Crest reports that 60% of children who age out of the system are homeless within the first year. In addition, they also report that 150 children die every month because of abuse and neglect. That’s what made this donation that much more meaningful for the franchise group.

“Taymax believes in building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve and supporting the people and organizations that contribute to their success,” said Kelly Fleming, chief of staff at Taymax Group. “Partnering with and investing in local organizations strengthens the sense of connection within each community. It also reflects Taymax’s commitment to being more than just a business in the area, but an active and supportive community partner.”

Apart from the equipment donation, Taymax also partnered with Ecore, a flooring company that provided flooring material for the entire space to turn the area into a true gym environment. The girls at Olive Crest instantly began using the gym and have loved every second so far.

Staying healthy has no age limit. In fact, regular exercise can help people feel younger, stronger and more energized regardless of their age. Ohana Growth Partners’ Perry Hall, Maryland, club is proving just that through its fitness classes.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the club hosts a dedicated group of senior citizens for instructor-led classes. While the classes are open to all ages, senior citizens are the main participants in the classes. These classes provide the older members with a safe and structured way to work out and stay active. It started with one member wanting to stay active and working out with a PF^® trainer and then expanded to her friends and fellow members joining in on the weekly workouts. Now, the group boasts 12-15 regular members each week.

“This group is redefining ‘health and wealth’ in their golden years and why it’s never too late to join the class,” said General Manager Joshua Maxwell. “It’s a perfect example of how the Judgement Free Zone^® creates an inviting space.”

The fitness trainer who leads the class, Micah Burris, uses a functional training approach that includes a mix of free-weight dumbbells, bodyweight exercises and pin-loaded equipment for safety and resistance, along with total body coverage, cardio and specific training to improve balance and stability. The classes have had a huge positive impact on the members with many members noting a significant improvement in their balance, stability and overall ability to stay active.

“Our PE@PF sessions have evolved into much more than a workout,” Maxwell said. “They’ve become a cornerstone of these seniors’ lives and these seniors have built a vital community built on mutual support.”

In fact, the members loved the classes so much they had custom “Gym Is My Therapy” shirts designed to commemorate the classes.

“Seeing everyone wear these shirts, even on their off days, is a testament to the pride, unity and genuine connection this group has built being together at the Perry Hall location,” Burris said.

On Feb. 27, Excel Fitness celebrated the grand opening of its 14th club in the Austin area. Located in Lake Creek, Texas, the new 21,000-square-foot location marks Excel’s third Planet Fitness^® in northwest Austin.

The grand opening celebration hosted by local radio station 1300 The Zone was open to the public and included free workouts, complimentary Black Card Spa access, and food and refreshments from local restaurants. In addition, attendees could participate in contests and giveaways every 30 minutes with prizes such as University of Texas basketball tickets.

“Seeing the community come out to celebrate the opening of our Austin Lake Creek club was incredibly exciting,” said CJ Bouchard, Excel Fitness CEO. “Events like this are a great reminder of how important it is to create welcoming spaces where people can come together, get active and feel good.”

The event featured multiple local athletes. Host of 1300 The Zone, “World’s Strongest Man” and former WWE legend, Mark Henry, attended the event, as well as players from local MLS team Austin FC, Jon Gallagher and Jayden Nelson.

The new club will be open and staffed 24/7 and offer customers amenities such as best-in-class strength equipment, including free weights, expansive strength machines and plate-loaded bench presses, hack squats and a seated calf machine; 55 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio equipment; a dedicated mobility and stretching area; training area equipped with the PF360 Connexus Functional Training System and much more; functional training room; dedicated HIIT (high intensity interval training) area with air bikes and rowers; and Black Card Spa^® area for PF Black Card members featuring HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, salon-grade hybrid tanning beds and Recovery Loungers.

“Planet Fitness is the gym for all fitness levels, and we are excited to welcome the community in to grow stronger together at this new location,” said Bouchard. “Planet Fitness offers a high value membership and believes that everyone can get strong no matter where they are on their fitness journey. We encourage the local community to come check out our new Austin (Lake Creek) club and see what our unique, non-intimidating and Judgement Free environment is all about.”

Registered attendees of the grand opening event were also given a 72-hour access window for discounted membership as an additional incentive. 

EPIC Fitness Group has long supported meaningful causes in the communities it serves. Once again, EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness sponsored Walk for Wishes, a Make-A-Wish Michigan event that raises funds for children in Michigan facing critical illnesses.

On May 2, the participants started at the Detroit Zoo and walked around the city. The event was the organization’s 28th annual Walk for Wishes, and it was EPIC Fitness’s 11th time being involved with the event. In total, EPIC Fitness Group and Impact Fitness raised $159,977.97 for Make-A-Wish. The owner of EPIC Fitness Group, Pete Hopkins, donated one of the largest amounts to the charity with a $15,500 donation.

“The annual Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes at the Detroit Zoo is an event we are proud to support each spring. After 11 years, the strength and stories of wish families continue to inspire us, and we know every dollar raised helps create a meaningful impact in their lives,” said Mary Scott, VP of marketing at EPIC Fitness.

Planet Fitness^® franchise groups, EPIC Fitness Group and Ohana Growth Partners, joined forces and partnered with the West Michigan Whitecaps to donate to Boys & Girls Club. The franchisee groups and local minor league baseball team donated a total of $5,000 to the club’s Strike Out Bullying initiative. The anti-bullying program’s goal is to reduce bullying, cyberbullying and intimidation by teaching acceptance and respect for teammates, coaches, family and friends all while building a bully-free environment.

”At Planet Fitness, our Judgement Free Zone^® philosophy is all about creating spaces where everyone feels accepted and supported,” said Mary Scott, vice president of marketing at EPIC Fitness Group. “Through this initiative, we’re extending that same spirit beyond our clubs to classrooms and youth programs across our communities.”

Representatives of both EPIC and Ohana attended the West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Dayton Dragons game on May 5 at LMCU Ballpark. Before the first pitch, a check was presented to Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids during an on-field recognition. In attendance for EPIC Fitness Group were Lindsey Folk and Shane Burchett. In attendance for Ohana Growth Partners were Kyle Schepel and Brandon Bertoia. “We’re incredibly grateful to Planet Fitness, EPIC Fitness Group, Ohana Growth Partners and the West Michigan Whitecaps for their commitment to supporting the youth in our community,” said Hillary Sawyer, corporate engagement coordinator of Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids. “The generous donation will help us expand our bullying prevention efforts and continue creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, form positive relationships and thrive.”

Attendees of the baseball game were encouraged to take the Strike Out Bullying pledge, committing to foster kindness and safety, respect for others, stand up against bullying and treat everyone equally. The donation showcased all parties’ commitment to giving back to the local community.

“At Planet Fitness, we believe in investing in the well-being of the next generation, and this initiative is a meaningful way to promote kindness, inclusion and respect both on and off the field,” said Justin Drummond, president of Ohana Growth Partners.

This charitable gift enters a larger pool of donations procured by both Planet Fitness franchise organizations.