In a major push to get Australian teenagers moving this summer, fitness chain Club Lime is throwing open the doors of its 130 gyms across the country for free. The 'Lime NRG' initiative offers two weeks of complimentary access to young people aged 13 to 17, with the offer running until January 25, 2026.
A Critical Boost for Youth Wellbeing
The program is a direct response to alarming research linking low physical activity in teens to poorer mental health outcomes. Studies indicate that adolescents who engage in less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity face a 70 per cent higher risk of experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Former AFL star and now psychologist, Dr Ben Robbins, has strongly endorsed the initiative. Dr Robbins, who played for the Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne and now heads mental health and wellbeing at the Essendon Football Club, called movement a vital tool for young people.
"Movement is one of the most accessible and effective tools young people have to support their mental wellbeing, especially when it feels social and low pressure," Dr Robbins said. "Everyone knows you'll get fitter, but the social and psychological benefits and the self-esteem that comes with doing positive things are important."
Breaking Down Barriers for Teens
Dr Robbins, who is also a father of two teenagers, identified key obstacles preventing kids from being active. Cost and the pervasive pull of technology rank as the most significant barriers.
"It can be at times challenging because there are so many other things to do, and a big one is our devices," he explained. "These devices are built to hold your attention... What we're doing here with Club Lime is trying to get kids engaged... to make a conscious choice to engage in physical activity."
By removing the membership fee entirely, even temporarily, the program aims to eliminate a major hurdle. "One of the biggest barriers is, particularly for teenagers, cost," Dr Robbins noted. "We're removing [that] here... to try and build some sustainable, positive habits."
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
The targeted age group of 13 to 17 is seen as crucial for instilling routines that can last a lifetime. Dr Robbins highlighted the greater neuroplasticity in young minds, making it an ideal time to cement positive behaviours.
While there's no universal prescription for exercise, the benchmark is clear. "One day a week is better than zero days a week," Dr Robbins stated. "The more time you commit to it, the compounded benefits are greater... You're trying to build habits, sustainable habits, and that's what Club Lime is trying to do here."
He also addressed social anxiety, a common reason teens might avoid gyms. "The only way to work through social anxiety is to put yourself in social situations, rather than avoiding them... you're often more capable than what you think," he advised.
The summer initiative has already proven popular, providing a timely, no-cost opportunity for thousands of Australian teens to explore fitness in a supportive environment and lay the foundation for long-term physical and mental health.
