The Untold Impact of Strength Training on Youth Mental Health

We overlook Mental Health not just for youth athletes, adults have been suffering in silence for as long as I've been around. If having to hide how you feel at the adult level is scary, imagine how a teenager must feel. The weight room and coaching have always been my outlet in regards to my Mental Health which I will always capitalize so you understand what I'm talking about. In my darkest days utilizing and building my strength is what got me to realize I don't have to suffer, and neither should anyone else. Being able to provide that type of outlet to people over the last 18 years is why I still wake up every single day and never regret or complain about doing what I do. That love and passion keeps any darkness far away.

Over the past 10 months I got to finally experience coaching at the High School Level as a Strength Coach helping with Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity Athletes. Getting to meet over 150 different kids is extremely eye opening and raised even more awareness to how much these kids need solid and caring people in their lives. From overcoming injuries, to season ending surgeries, shifting of positions, losing kids to grades, dealing with life at home, relationships, and everything else that comes with being a teenager, what was needed at most times was just standing there and listening.

90% of the time I could tell them it was going to be OK and that we would get through this, and not letting high school sports ruin your life helps put things into perspective, and a good workout can change any bad day that you are having. The athletes you see in this photo have gone through sports at high school and collegiate levels, each with their fair share of injuries, surgeries and Life itself. Their smiles including my own tell you everything you need to know about the impact Strength Training has had on all of us. The best part is you can keep that feeling long after sports have finished, what you learn in the weight room are tools for life.

You are never alone in the fight, so don't ever feel like you have to navigate the dark by yourself. Coaches care for you long after you finish playing and training with them, we will always be here to talk whenever you need it.

Former Athletes that have found success in the weight room, all are playing or have played Collegiate Sports