Teen girls offered summer of free workouts

Teenage girls will get to work out for free this summer at any of the eight Lady of America and Ladies Workout Express fitness centers in the area.

"We want to provide a place for young women to learn healthy lifestyles at a young age," said Scott Breault in a press release issued by the firm.

Citing statistics related to the rise of weight-related problems among the young, Breault said the FitTeen program could help teenage girls improve their health and future lives through fitness.

In addition, participants in the FitTeen program will be eligible to enter an essay contest and win a lifetime membership, plus an all-expense paid trip to Jamaica. The subject of the essay contest will be "What being healthy means to my mother and me."

Teenage girls ages 13-19 are invited to take part in the summer program. Teens need only bring a letter of permission from a parent to any center in the area. Lady of America and Ladies Workout Express fitness centers are located in Freehold Township, Keyport, Millstone Township, Shrewsbury, Brick, Howell, Middletown and Old Bridge.

For more information on the program, call (800) 833-6239 or visit the company Web sites at www.ladyofamerica.com or www.ladiesworkoutexpress.com.