What Is Teen Fitness International About?

The brainchild of publisher and founder Gary Carleton, master trainer Shpresa Perlleshi, and fitness pioneer Roger Wittenberns, the Teen Fitness concept grew out of their idea for free summertime fitness memberships for teens. First publicized in Gary Carleton's Fit Body and Women's Fitness magazines, this idea grew in popularity, eventually winning the support of the International Health and Racquet Sports Association (IHRSA), the world's largest trade organization for the fitness industry.

"I see Teen Fitness as having more influence over the future of the industry than the introduction of step-aerobics," says Gary. "All of America can see the need for change in our lifestyles, and that change will ultimately come from our country's youth. I see the Teen Fitness Magazine and TeenFitnessOnline.com as unifying forces in bringing teens together with programs and inspiration to create that change."

Unlike Anything Out There

It's easy to focus on problems. Anyone can complain, judge and criticize. It takes a special type of person who looks for answers and solutions, and then takes action. If that person just happens to be under the age of 25, you are someone who will no doubt affect hundreds if not thousands of others in your lifetime, and as do you, we want those to be positive changes.

If by chance you are not that person now, you can be.

Teen Fitness Magazine® works in combination with existing educational outreach programs that are giving trial memberships, scholarships, instruction, materials and information to help teens live a more productive and rewarding life. Our website will bring together all the resources that will make a difference in this and future generations.

Whatever choices you make in life, they all need to begin with a healthy body. That is why we work hand-in-hand with TeenFitnessConnection.org®. Working with the largest health club trade association in the world, IHRSA, Teen Fitness Connection® is registering hundreds of health clubs to offer teens access to their health club facilities this summer. Most of these "matinee memberships" will be absolutely free and most participating clubs are offering special teen programs in June and July.

Teen Fitness International Offers Endless Avenues

Teen Fitness International is about opportunities for teenagers. Whether it's referrals to martial arts clubs, dance studios, pageant organizations, culinary institutes or any of a dozen new career building and healthy activities, any of the connections we make may be the door that takes one more teen away from boredom, drugs, apathy and a wasted life.

If you are a parent, pass this on to a teen. If you're a teen, share it with a friend. Teamwork is what this is all about—teamwork to make America's next generation the "Dream Team of Achievers."

Helping the Network Grow

Use us as your guide and explore some of the many ways mentioned to get more fit, active and happy. Whether it's a sport, a game or a club, belonging to something always brings out the best in people. Teen Fitness will be offering new programs all year long.

We are social animals. As children, parents provide that network; as teens there are millions of choices to be made. Let this guide help you explore some of them, and then stay with us as we increase our scope and your opportunities.

Become a part of Teen Fitness International, America's New Dream Team!