Peter Attia’s Longevity Message Applies to Teens Too — That’s Why We Built This Program

‍Why Teens Should Be Weight Training — In or Out of Sports

The other day, I wrote a blog about Dr. Peter Attia’s recent appearance on 60 Minutes. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s a longevity-focused physician who’s dedicated the second half of his career to improving how long — and how well — people live. I’m a huge fan of his work. He doesn’t push pseudo-science or trendy quick fixes. He focuses on the basics done well: sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

One thing he emphasized that really hit home: our strength in midlife and beyond is largely determined by the strength we build in our younger years. And that’s exactly why I believe strength training is one of the most important things we can offer teens — not just for sports, but for life.

💥 6 Reasons Teens Should Be Lifting — Especially in the Off-Season

1️⃣ It Builds Strong, Resilient Bodies

Teens are in a prime window to develop strength, coordination, and structural stability. Lifting helps reinforce proper movement patterns and strengthen the joints, tendons, and muscles that support growing bodies. It’s not just about performance — it’s about durability.

Think of strength training as building “body armor” for life — not just the field.

2️⃣ It Fills in the Gaps Sports Can’t

Sports are awesome, but they’re repetitive. Most teams focus on skill, not movement quality. That leaves holes — undertrained muscle groups, poor mechanics, and overuse risk. Strength training balances out the athlete, helping them move better, recover faster, and last longer.

3️⃣ It Builds Body Awareness & Confidence

Ask any coach what separates average athletes from great ones, and they’ll often say: body control. Lifting teaches kids how to move — how to squat, hinge, push, pull, and brace. It’s not just about getting strong — it’s about learning how to use your body efficiently.

And let’s not overlook this: when a teen realizes they’re getting stronger, more coordinated, and more capable — their confidence skyrockets.

4️⃣ It Sets the Stage for Long-Term Success

The off-season is gold. It’s the one time teens aren’t in the chaos of games, tournaments, and constant pressure. That makes it the perfect time to build strength, improve movement, and develop habits that will carry them through the year — and through life.

Progress is hard to make in-season. The off-season is where transformation happens.

5️⃣ It Supports Mental Health & Focus

This one’s personal. I’ve seen it again and again: the gym gives teens a place to unplug, focus, and feel accomplished. With screen time at an all-time high and stress following many kids from school into home, having a physical outlet — especially one with structure and purpose — is a game-changer.

Lifting gives them a break from the noise and a way to feel strong inside and out.

6️⃣ It Builds Habits That Stick

We’re not just building athletes — we’re building humans. Teens who learn to train safely and consistently are more likely to stay active, healthy, and confident into adulthood. We’re planting seeds for the future — habits that will keep them mobile, pain-free, and strong well beyond their teen years.

Final Thoughts

I’ve worked with hundreds of teens over the years — some highly competitive, others just trying to get moving. And the truth is, every single one of them benefits from learning how to train smart. It’s not about who lifts the heaviest. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and building confidence one rep at a time.

Whether your teen is in-season, off-season, or just needs something positive to plug into — weight training is one of the most powerful tools we can offer them.

Let’s help them use it.

– Coach Scott

❄️ Ready to Get Started?

Our Winter CrossFit Teen Program starts November 10th and runs for 8 weeks. It’s perfect for athletes and non-athletes alike — and we welcome younger teens with maturity and body awareness, too.

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