DURHAM, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is partnering with Piedmont Health Services and Planet Fitness (Excel Fitness) this fall to offer sports physicals at no cost to student athletes at select Planet Fitness locations in Durham and Orange counties. This partnership will provide greater access to youth sports, while also ensuring it is safe for a child to participate in athletic activities.

Sports and physical activity have a positive impact on an individual’s overall health. Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. Regular vigorous exercise supports cognitive development for youth and improves mental health.

Whether youth have goals to join sports teams or maintain physical health, Planet Fitness is helping teens stay on track with their fitness goals by offering teens ages 14-19 free access to the gym now through August 31st with The High School Summer Pass ’23 program.

“Blue Cross NC’s partnership with Planet Fitness highlights our shared commitment to help improve overall well-being,” said Kelly Calabria, SVP Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility. “We celebrate joining forces to provide resources that will help families prepare for the busy and exciting back-to-school season.”

Licensed staff from Piedmont Health Services will complete the required sports physicals via their mobile health unit on the following dates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.:

  • Planet Fitness Hillsborough – August 18th
    • 151 Mayo Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
  • Planet Fitness Durham – August 21st
    • 1720 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27701
  • Planet Fitness Durham – August 24th
    • 1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713

There is no pre-registration or appointment required, and physicals will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone under the age of 18, must have a parent or guardian accompany them to provide medical history and authorize the screening. 

For specific questions about sports physicals please contact Piedmont Health Services, rixa@piedmonthealth.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the leading not-for-profit health plan in North Carolina, is committed to making health care more affordable, easier to navigate and accessible for all. Since 1933, the health insurer has created programs and initiatives to provide North Carolinians the opportunity to be healthy. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 4.2 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. 

About Piedmont Health Services:

Piedmont Health Services (PHS) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) grantee under both the 330(e) Community Health Center and 330(h) Healthcare for the Homeless programs.  As North Carolina’s first FQHC grantee organization in service for 53 years, PHS’ mission is “to improve the health and well-being of the community by providing high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary healthcare.”  Its vision is “a healthy community where all people have timely access to quality care.” Piedmont Health Services is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Piedmont region, with 10 Community Health Centers and two PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) SeniorCare centers, serving residents in five counties. Visit www.piedmonthealth.org for more information.

About Planet Fitness:

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2023, Planet Fitness had more than 18.1 million members and 2,446 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.