Thanks to social media, teen interest in strength training has skyrocketed post-pandemic, as has health and wellness misinformation. Madison Area YMCA staff wanted to design a program to educate teens of all abilities while debunking fitness myths.

According to Madison Area YMCA’s Kyle Giffen, there are three main steps to creating a successful youth training program.

1. Meet teens where they are. Program around their interests. “Teens may not feel like they fit or belong at a typical gym,” Giffen says. “It’s important to us to show that we mean it when we say this is for everyone.”

2. Educate them. “We show kids the proper technique, the reason for the lift, how they should be doing it and helpful [tips]. If we want to build a strong foundation with teens that they can build upon, this is a good start.”

3. Make it fun. “We try not to talk too much,” Giffen says. “We want them to tell their friends about it.” In addition to hands-on training, the program features charismatic instructors who can create enduring relationships.