For senior Dylan Lubarski, going to the gym was a way to combat insecurity regarding his physique.
“I started lifting weights because I used to be super skinny. I was insecure when I would go to the beach or pool and see the people who were bigger than me,” Lubarski said.
Senior Josh Conklin cited similar concerns as one of the reasons he began lifting weights as well.
“In middle school, I was skinny and people picked on me for it. That was one of the factors that led me to start lifting,” Conklin said.
Going to the gym has become an increasingly popular activity for many high school students. From lifelong athletes to those looking to improve their physical and mental health, lifting weights offers a positive outlet for those seeking self-improvement.
However, not all kids have found their way into the gym because of the same reasons. Lubarski started getting more interested in weightlifting after seeing gym content on social media.
“Joe Shulk is my favorite fitness influencer. His content was the thing that really convinced me to start working out,” Lubarski said.
For Conklin, watching his brother lift heavy weights inspired him to give it a try.
“My brother lifts insane amounts of weight. I look up to him, so I wanted to try going to the gym as well,” Conklin said.
Both Lubarski and Conklin have been going to the gym for two years.
Gym owner and personal trainer Christian Hirt said that going to the gym has been a part of his life since he was young.
“I started weightlifting when I was a freshman in high school. I was a small athlete, and I needed to get stronger if I wanted to compete,” Hirt said.
Hirt’s passion for weightlifting inspired him to open his own gym, Hirt Locker. Hirt works with customers ranging from ages 10 to 65. However, he has noticed more high school students seeking his service.
“I’ve noticed a major increase in high schoolers looking to get into the weight room,” Hirt said.
When Baldwin class of 2023 alum, Sophia Pittman, began weightlifting her junior year, she noticed a positive change in herself.
“I noticed that I started feeling better mentally and physically. I love going to the gym because it’s something I can do to improve myself,” Pittman said.
As Pittman started her freshman year of college at Slippery Rock University, going to the gym and participating in weightlifting competitions gave her a healthy stress outlet.
“If I ever had a long day of classes, going to the gym would always make me feel better. It’s helped me a lot in stressful times. The competitions were also a great way to boost my confidence,” Pittman said.
History teacher Doug Graff agrees that weightlifting provides a healthy challenge.
“I primarily started weightlifting to challenge myself because there is a certain level of competitiveness within yourself,” Graff said.
He agrees that working out provides an opportunity to reduce stress and serves as a form of self-care. Graff feels a sense of peace while working out.
“I find myself in a happy place when I work out. There’s never been a time when I’ve done a workout and regretted it afterward,” Graff said.
Lubarski admits that when he was first starting out, his lack of experience led to complications.
“During my first couple months in the gym, I got injured while doing chest flyes. I pulled the weight down really hard and hurt my shoulder,” Lubarski said.
After a two-month-long recovery, Lubarski was able to return to the gym. However, his injury taught him that he needed to change the way he worked out.
“I learned that I have to focus on using better techniques. I had to focus on my technique over how heavy the weight was that I lifted,” Lubarski said.
Conklin believes that his time in the gym has jump-started a greater fitness awareness in his life overall.
“I do a lot more cardio and make an effort to get ample sleep each night. I really try to live a healthy lifestyle,” Conklin said.
Weight lifters may be tempted by the idea of anabolic steroids, which can exponentially increase their gains. However, the use of these products results in negative side effects. According to the FDA, steroid use can result in depression, increased aggression, and hair loss.
Conklin understands the dangers of steroid use and prefers to develop his physique naturally as opposed to artificially.
“With the results I’ve had lifting naturally, I wouldn’t consider it. I’d rather be natural and look the way I do than destroy my body for an unnatural physique,” Conklin said.
Hirt believes that all high school students should lift weights for the positive effects it has on mind and body.
“There are major impacts with weight lifting due to the increase of confidence, endorphins and just feeling better about yourself,” Hirt said.
Graff agrees that lifting weights is beneficial for high school students.
“I think it’s great for high school students to get into weightlifting because it’s a recreational activity that they can do for the rest of their lives,” Graff said.
Lubarski believes that the discipline that going to the gym has instilled in him is just as important as the positive impacts it has had on his health.
“Every time I step into the gym it’s my time of improvement. When I walk out, I have to make sure I accomplished everything I wanted,” Lubarski said. “If I’m not sore the next day, I didn’t work hard enough.”
