CityFitness launches a compulsory induction programme for 14- and 15-year-olds across its New Zealand clubs to ensure safe training practices and foster lasting exercise habits amid a surge in teenage gym memberships.
CityFitness is introducing a compulsory youth induction programme across its New Zealand clubs as it responds to a sharp rise in teenage membership and growing concern about how younger people are entering commercial gyms. The chain said the move is designed to give first-time teen members the skills and confidence to train safely, while also setting expectations around behaviour in shared workout spaces. According to Ausleisure, the programme will begin on 1 October 2026 and will apply across all clubs.
The new framework will require 14- and 15-year-olds to complete a supervised small-group induction with a parent or guardian before they can gain full access. The sessions will cover exercise selection, safe spotting, training volume and progression, along with practical etiquette such as returning equipment, wiping down machines and allowing others to work in. CityFitness chief operating officer Doug Hatten said the company sees the policy as both a safety measure and a chance to teach habits that can prevent injury and confusion for new users.
The timing reflects a broader shift in youth activity patterns. CityFitness said membership among 15- to 17-year-olds has risen from 22% in 2021 to 30% in recent survey periods. Sport New Zealand’s research shows that 58% of young people meet the recommended activity guideline of at least seven hours a week, but 42% do not. Even so, the same research found that 77% of those who fall short still like being active and 66% want to do more, suggesting demand remains strong if access and guidance are available.
That appetite for exercise is also being shaped by schools and wider public health efforts. A 2024 modelling study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity examined how secondary-school interventions in Aotearoa New Zealand could influence long-term activity levels, reinforcing the importance of early support. Separately, NZCER’s evaluation of Sport New Zealand’s Play.sport initiative has focused on creating better physical activity experiences for young people across schools and communities. Taken together, the findings help explain why gyms are increasingly treating youth onboarding as more than an administrative step: for many teenagers, it is the first stage in building lasting exercise habits.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
