“I usually come work out five times per week,” says Eamon, a member at our Hale Family YMCA and 8th grader at Central Middle School in Quincy. “I want to get stronger and faster, especially for soccer, but seeing friends and relaxing after school is part of why I come so much too.”
Teens are coming to the gym to lift weights more than ever, and the CDC reports over 51% of high school students are strength training 3 or more days a week. Done properly, strength training has numerous physical and mental health benefits for teens, helping them set goals and build confidence while building strength.
I sat down with several of our South Shore Y teen members who are regulars in the weight room to learn what motivates them to exercise here each week.
Eamon has come to our Y since learning to swim here as a two-year-old and played soccer in Y sports leagues. As he turned 13, Eamon decided to set some goals for himself and start a healthy routine. Many of his friends also come to our Y, so coming here helps him stay active physically and socially.
When Eamon turned 13, he was old enough to use our Y’s weight room after being trained by our team. He has built friendships with our staff and trainers by asking questions or looking for assistance with certain exercises and form. Eamon now is a weekday afternoon staple at the Y and can be found running the track or asking his new friends at the Health & Well-Being desk what muscle group he should train that day.
Thomas is a 16-year-old sophomore at North Quincy High School. He started training at age 14 when he started playing high school football, and discovered he really liked fitness. So, he joined the Y and comes five times a week with a consistent routine. He and his school friends come every day by bus or train to keep each other motivated as training partners, with a common goal of becoming better, stronger athletes.
Sarah is a Wollaston native and current student at UNH studying health science. She has been coming to the Y for years and her passion to study fitness in college was sparked at the Y, taking group exercise classes like Body Pump and Zumba. The introduction of weights and proper form learned in Body Pump inspired Sarah to add weight training to her regimen and helped her built confidence and a sense of accomplishment. “Lifting is something I never thought I’d love, but now it’s my biggest hobby. I would recommend if anyone’s interested, they should give it a try and ask for help and not feel embarrassed -- because we all start somewhere!”
At the Y, teens of all backgrounds and abilities can grow stronger together in a safe, encouraging space. These teens demonstrate how a strong foundation can help build confidence that extends through all aspects of their lives.
