Building Strong Foundations: My Day in the Weight Room with 6th Graders

All these years, I never really knew if my daughter Olivia fully understood what I do in the gym. That changed recently when her P.E. class started using the weight room, and she proudly chimed in to let her teacher know that her mom works in a gym, is a “bodybuilder” (she could’ve left that one out—thanks, Olivia!), and helps people learn how to lift weights with good technique.

Thanks to Olivia’s enthusiasm, I had the incredible opportunity to step outside of my usual routine and volunteer at her school’s P.E. class at Wayzata West Middle School. The class was all about introducing students to the fundamentals of strength training, and I was thrilled to lend a hand.

It was inspiring to see that the school had a fully equipped strength training gym and was prioritizing teaching students how to lift. With a room full of eager kids, it’s no small task for one teacher to ensure everyone is lifting safely and effectively. I was happy to offer my time and knowledge to help them get started on the right foot.

Throughout the day, I worked with students in the bench press area, guiding them through proper form and technique. It was amazing to see how quickly they picked up on the basics and started building confidence in their movements. Teaching good technique early is so important—not just to prevent injuries, but to help them develop habits that will carry over into adulthood. After all, we’ve all seen adults in the gym with questionable form, right? Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t need to unlearn bad habits later!

Strength training at a young age has countless benefits, from improving athletic performance to supporting long-term health and fitness. It’s about building more than just muscle—it’s about fostering confidence, discipline, and a foundation for a lifelong love of fitness.

At American Strength Training Center, we’re passionate about helping youth lifters and athletes develop these skills, whether for school sports or personal growth. We take the time to slow things down, teaching the fundamentals of lifting safely and effectively so that these skills can be applied to their sports programs—or to a more advanced lifting routine as they grow. This approach not only reduces the risk of injury but also builds the confidence and knowledge they need to thrive in the gym.

So many people remember their high school weight room days, but how many were actually taught how to lift properly? They often just remember doing the exercises, not necessarily learning the right technique. At ASTC, we bridge that gap. Whether you’re a youth athlete looking to excel in your sport or an adult ready to start your strength journey, we’re here to guide you through the basics and set you up for long-term success.

Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting your potential.