Surge in Strength Training

“No Pain. No Gain.” This is the phrase that hangs over the door at a local gym. More individuals have noted this sign, as there has been an increase in the hype around “gym culture.” “Gym culture”, the phenomenon surrounding exercise and physical fitness, has seen an uprise among high schoolers. 

Many high schoolers, such as Gustavo Hernandez, a senior at the School, are fully invested in improving their body and overall health through the gym. When asked about his experience with lifting, Hernandez stated, “I enjoy it. I’ve been a pretty avid weightlifter for around a year and a half now. I’ve seen a huge body transformation. I just, you know, love gym culture in general. I like that it’s becoming a bigger thing.” 

One of the main reasons for the rise of “gym culture” is the desire to improve one’s physical health and fitness. Teens are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of staying active through technology, with content creators on social media platforms such as TikTok advocating for healthier lifestyles.With fitness influencers, such as David Goggins, being strong is continuously becoming more popular.

Another reason that working out has become popular is because the gym is a great way to reduce stress. This mood improvement happens because exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce anxiety. 

A final reason for working out is, as Hernandez explained, “[For] body appearance. For self-image. But it’s also a mental thing, for some people you could consider it like therapy. It just feels good. It’s healthy.” Many high schoolers report themselves feeling more confident and proud when going to the gym. High schoolers, like Hernandez, feel “More motivated to stay disciplined and commit to becoming stronger. It’s also a way to connect with others.”

Hernandez specifically focuses on weightlifting, claiming that, “Bench press, deadlift, and squat, those are those main and most popular ones. People always care how much weight you can put on them.” When asked about his maxes, Hernandez reported, “450 deadlift, 2 plate bench, and 285 respectively.” These are quite impressive feats. Through consistency and discipline, Henandez is able to stick to his rigorous weightlifting training and leave the gym feeling accomplished. 

Some parents, however, believe that gym culture promotes overtraining and false body ideas. There is also an issue with the lack of accessibility to a gym. Addressing these concerns, Hernandez stated,“You don’t have to go to a gym, you don’t have to like play a sport, just workout. If you’re scared to go to the gym, no one really cares what you do there. Everyone just focuses on themselves. Just start.” 

So use the School’s weight room and the pull-up bar near the amphitheater. Check in and chat with the School’s physical trainer, Bill Tillson. Take that first step to become healthier, stronger and eventually, a gym bro.