As teenagers focus on self improvement, one way they are improving themselves and boosting their confidence is through after-school workouts. With there being an increase in high school students that go to the gym.

Junior Braden Kern has been going to the gym for quite some time. Kern stated, “Just honestly wanting to better myself and be more disciplined.” Kern’s gym routine consists of going every day of the week after school focused mainly on push and pull on his legs and arms.

Since he started going to the gym he has had a positive improvement in his school life and more commented as Kern remarked “It made me way more productive and I just feel more awake from things.” When Kern started going to the gym more often he was shocked at how helpful the community was. Kern stated  “How much the community helps and how like they include you in and like help you with other things.” Kern is always joined by his friend, junior Spencer Rocha which makes going to the gym a bit more fun. 

Rocha goes to the gym every day of the week right after school with Kern. Rocha explained, “Just for fun, Just for kind of like a thrill of it”. Rocha and Kern do their routine together like lifting weights. Since Rocha has been going to the gym  it helps with his mental health as he commented “It makes me stronger.” Rocha likes being at gym helping him not only get physically stronger but mentally as well. 

 Freshman Evlyn Morris, has been going to the gym for a couple years now. Morris started going to the gym because she wanted to be better when it comes to playing sports. Morris has always enjoyed going as a way to relax but it also was a fun bonding experience to go with her dad. Normally, when she goes to the gym in the afternoon, she does a warm up followed up by cardio, treadmill, weights but always ends her workout with pull ups.

 When first starting out Morris exclaimed, “How nice of environment it is, I thought there was gonna be a ton of people but it was pretty chill.” Going to the gym also helps with Morris mental health, as she continues, “It helps me have a better attitude with things and keep going when it gets rough.” 

Teenagers have been going to the gym for all sorts of reasons but it can help in all sorts of ways.