After a long wait, the youth of East Fresno, California, have a new fitness space all their own. Planet Central Valley overcame the challenges of a pandemic to craft a mini gym for the local Boys & Girls Club in its area.

This project has been a long time in the works after COVID forced progress to be delayed. At the 2019 PFIFC Franchisee Convention, the East Fresno Boys & Girls Club was chosen to receive a Planet Fitness^® mini Judgement Free Zone^® grant worth more than $30,000. The mini gyms are part of an initiative to promote anti-bullying efforts and fight against the judgement the youth of today are up against. The aim is to create a kind and encouraging environment.

“Planet Fitness is tremendously proud and humbled to work with the great team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno,” said Brian Cassagio, director of operations for Planet Central Valley. “While this journey took longer than anticipated, we are excited to provide fitness opportunities to young people in our community. This only helps strengthen our Judgement Free Generation^® atmosphere. We are so thankful that the Boys & Girls Club is there to support the needs of our communities’ greatest treasures, and we look forward to continuing the outstanding relationship that a partnership with the club has provided for us.”

Helping youth is certainly a worthwhile venture, and Planet Central Valley’s generous gift of the mini gym will help provide Fresno youth with a warm, welcoming environment in which to exercise and focus on fitness.