Workout Express will again be offering teenage girls, ages 13-17, the opportunity to work out FREE of charge at their club during the summer months. The FitTEEN® program, now entering its sixth year, runs from June 1 through September 1, 2008.

FitTEEN was created by Lady of America to positively address the nationwide crisis of teenage obesity, and to encourage female teens to embrace a more active lifestyle.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 15% of the nation’s youth are overweight or obese and over the past two decades, the number of overweight teenagers has tripled.

TIPS FOR TEENS: GET FIT FOR LIFE

Does your teen want to get fit but doesn’t know where to start? Teens have unique health issues when in comes to getting in shape and staying active. But starting young is the best way to create healthy habits that last a lifetime. Below are some top tips for teens to keep in mind when beginning a fitness plan:

• Don't be embarassed. So what if you can't run a mile? Who cares if you can barely complete a full push-up? You must start somewhere and no one begins at the level of a professional athlete. The important thing is to not let embarrassment prevent you from beginning an exercise program.
  
  
• Start small. Nobody expects you to run 10 miles or bench-press 200lbs on your first day. You need to work up to these things. In fact, if you do too much too quickly you're likely to either burn out or seriously injure yourself. Set small, manageable daily or weekly goals, and chart your progress in a journal.
  
  
• Do both cardio and weights. Many people do one or the other, but for faster results, you should do both cardio and weight training. If you’re a girl, lifting weight will NOT make you ‘bulk up’ like a bodybuilder. In fact weight training is crucial to help keep you healthy and strong.
  
  
• Don’t overdo it. Muscles need time to repair. You should not exercise the same group of muscles two days in a row, including abs. So while keeping a regular schedule is important, too much of a good thing is still too much.
  
  
• Find a buddy. Things are easier when you've got someone to help you along the way. Team up with a friend and exercise together. Even when you can’t find the time to exercise together, you can still motivate each other to stick with it and stay active.
  

To find out more information about the FitTEEN® program, simply visit our Location Finder and inquire at your nearest location. Offer valid at participating clubs only.