Liam O'Toole sits down with Katie Verbruggen, the new head of youth programs at Wicklow Strength and Fitness, to dive into the exciting world of fitness for teens. We kick things off by reminiscing about Katie's journey from sports enthusiast to fitness professional, and how she’s found her way back to the gym after a brief hiatus. This episode is all about bridging the gap for young people in fitness, highlighting the importance of not just strength training, but also the confidence and community that comes with it. Katie shares her passion for coaching kids and the innovative methods she’s bringing in, thanks to her work with Brand X Method. So, if you’ve got a teen who’s ready to move, laugh, and learn in a supportive environment, this episode is a must-listen!

Takeaways:

• Katie Verbruggen shares her journey from sports enthusiast to fitness career, highlighting the role of triathlon in her life.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community within fitness, showcasing how Wicklow Strength and Fitness fosters friendships and support.
• Katie discusses the need for youth fitness programs to address the gap for teens who may not engage in traditional sports.
• The new youth program aims to promote physical literacy and confidence, helping teens enjoy movement in a non-competitive environment.
• Listeners learn about the structured yet playful approach of the youth program, balancing fun games with essential movement skills like the hinge and squat.
• Katie explains how strength training can prevent injury and promote mental health, using fitness as a tool for stress relief for teenagers.