US-based gym chain Planet Fitness – which markets its gyms as having non-intimidating environments – has opened a “judgement free” gym at a youth club in New Hampshire (NH).

Described as the first “mini” Planet Fitness, the gym is housed at the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, NH, and will provide nearly 1,700 children and teenagers with a space to work out and learn about healthy lifestyles.

Designed to have the look and feel of a Planet Fitness club – but aimed at younger users – the facility includes a number of cv and resistance stations as well as a free weights area.

The opening is part of Planet Fitness’ national philanthropic initiative, called The Judgement Free Generation. The campaign launched in March with a US$1.3m (€1.2m, £1m) commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America – a non-profit youth organisation – and Stomp Out Bullying to fund anti-bullying programmes across the US.

The initiative has been designed to combat bullying and other forms of abuse faced by teens and “empower a generation of teens to choose kindness and accept and respect one another”.

Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Manchester said: “The fitness centre allows us to reinforce the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, both physically and emotionally.

“We are confident that it will make a huge impact on our kids’ and teens’ overall health and help build their confidence and self-esteem.”

There are plans to build additional “mini Judgement Free Zones” in local Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country in the future.

“With nearly one in five teens reporting that they’ve been bullied, and Boys & Girls Club’s desire to teach their kids and teens the importance of living a healthy lifestyle,” said Jessica Correa, Planet Fitness’ senior vice president of marketing.

“We’re excited to give kids the opportunity to get active in a non-intimidating, safe environment and empower them to be kind and accepting of one another.”