LYNN — A mini Planet Fitness gym housed within the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn was unveiled Tuesday evening by Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Bruce Edwards, CEO of Core Development & Management, a Planet Fitness franchise division, and Brian Theirrien, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn.

“We all realized the kids needed a place to work out,” Theirrien said. “I feel it’s so important for the kids to stay focused on their goals, to realize nutrition and fitness needs to be part of their lives. Planet Fitness understands that they might not be able to make the trip over to the other side of the city. So to have a planet fitness here for our kids is something special.”

The new fitness facility allows the club’s youth members to work out in a judgment-free space, an initiative Planet Fitness supports. The gym has nine pieces of cardio and strength equipment donated by local Planet Fitness franchisees. The equipment includes two treadmills, two bikes, three benches, a “baby bell” rack, and a stacked dumbbell rack.

“The challenge we have in our society today is not having a total judgment-free zone,” Edwards said. “And I think anything we can all do is to promote a judgment-free space. It will make the country better and make all of us happier. So we’re really proud to be a part of this initiative.”

According to Edwards, the unveiling is an extension of Planet Fitness’ national philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generation®, which is designed to help end bullying, build youth self-confidence through fitness, and spread inclusivity and kindness.

The unveiling included a small ribbon-cutting ceremony after which the club’s youth used the equipment for a workout with Planet Fitness trainers. Mayor Nicholson congratulated Planet Fitness and the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn for their initiative.

“I know that this space is going to be put to good use by the youth of our community,” Nicholson said. “Having places where people can gather and learn to support one another is so important. It not only helps physical fitness but also helps character building.”