Remember walking through your high school hallway and seeing students just carrying books? Now it’s gallons of water and stories sharing their gym achievements—bench press records, personal bests, and even medals from state competitions. Bodybuilding and powerlifting aren’t just adult hobbies anymore; they are becoming a major part of teen life.

For many students, the gym has become more than a pastime—it is a lifestyle, a community, and a way to take control of their physical and mental health. With the United States still facing a major obesity challenge, some see this growing fitness culture as a hopeful shift toward healthier habits among younger generations. Social media has played a huge role in this surge. Teen lifters often post their workouts, progress pictures, and motivational messages online which inspires countless others to start their own fitness journeys.

Some students have even turned their passion into organized school groups. One of them is Ilyas Yassin, an HSPLA (High School Powerlifting Association) national champion who created the Lincoln-Way East powerlifting club last winter. Despite being student-led, the group has already competed in three statewide meets and tied for third place in the 2025 season. When asked about the trend of teens striving for extremely low body-fat levels like many influencers online, Ilyas didn’t hesitate to share his opinion, “I don’t believe anyone should purposely be in a caloric deficit unless they are severely overweight,” he said. His perspective reflects growing concerns about teens attempting extreme diets that can interfere with growth, school performance, and overall well-being. Not every lifter feels the same way. Another student athlete, Conor Alvarado, described his own experience differently. “Honestly, cutting was the best thing I ever did in my life,” he said. At the same time, he admitted that the process came with significant challenges. “I was always thinking about my next meal,” Conor recalled, emphasizing how mentally consuming dieting can become.

These vastly different viewpoints highlight the complexity of bodybuilding in high school. This lifestyle has undeniable benefits, but it can also create pressure and stress if approached without balance. Without a doubt, the Lincoln-Way East Powerlifting team is going places in the seasons to come. So, come join us and make history in the 2026 season. Anyone is welcome to join, the 2026 season will begin shortly after the start of the second semester in the LWE weight room. For more information please take the time to stay after school on Thursday, December 11 in the faculty lounge.