If you feel like the world of young people revolves around their phones, TikTok, and group chats with friends, you’re certainly not the only parent wondering: How can I get my child to move more? More specifically, what trainings would be right for my child?
The lives of today’s youth are different than they were even ten years ago. Screen time have increased, schoolwork load is heavy, and social media influences daily life more than ever before. At the same time, interest in the gym, functional training, and general physical activity is growing, especially among teenagers. More and more young people want to be stronger, more confident, more energetic, and simply feel better.
But how can we make sure that training doesn’t become a burden, but a natural part of young people’s lives?
MyFitness trainers Jessica Lauter and Avely Heinloo share insights on how to help young people find joy in movement, the importance of instructor-led workouts, and why modern trainings like HYROX can be just the thing to get young people moving.
Why is moving more important for young people today than ever before?
For young people, exercise isn’t just about sports or improving their physical fitness. Movement directly affects their well-being, ability to concentrate, sleep, stress tolerance, and even self-confidence.
Many parents note the same problems:
- lack of energy
- loss of motivation
- bad sleep
- too much screen time
- lack of movement
- low self-esteem
Often, teenager needs not a pressure to move more, but an environment where movement feels natural, safe, and even fun.
Training can be a way for teenagers to escape the stress of school, social media comparisons, and the constant barrage of information. This is a time when attention shifts back to themselves.
“Many young people want to go to the gym not because they have to, but because they simply enjoy being there — their friends are also working out, and you feel like you can do something for yourself,” says MyFitness trainer Avely.
How to get a teenager to move without forcing?
One of the biggest and most common parental pitfalls is turning exercise into a chore. Saying, “Go to the gym because you need to move your body” usually doesn’t motivate a teenager.
The question works much better:
“What would you actually like?”
Not everyone enjoys team sports or traditional workouts. Some prefer to exercise more independently, in a more modern way, or at a more comfortable pace.
Trainer Jessica suggests thinking about three questions:
What really interests a teenager?
If fitness videos, gyms, running or HYROX catch your eye on TikTok or Instagram, it’s worth pursuing this interest and don’t underestimate it. Often, simple curiosity is the first step.
Does the teenager want to train alone or with friends?
For many, the social aspect is important. Bringing a friend along makes it much easier to get started.
Team spirit works especially well on teenagers.
Does the workout seem fun?
If the first experience turns out to be too difficult, heavy or serious, motivation can quickly fade.
A teenager needs to feel that he can handle it.
Why is HYROX suitable for young people?
In recent years, functional training and strength exercises have rapidly gained popularity among young people. HYROX is one such method, becoming increasingly popular.
HYROX combines running, strength training, endurance training, and functional training into a single experience. For young people, this can be much more engaging than the classic “go to the gym and do something.”
Why do young people like it?
- various activities
- development quickly becomes noticeable
- training seems more game-like
- you can move at your own pace
- group training creates strong motivation
According to Jessica, young people especially enjoy the feeling of rapid development.
“When a teenager feels like they’re getting stronger, more resilient, or can do more than they could a month ago, they feel a sense of pride. This motivates them to keep coming back.”
HYROX-type workouts also develop overall fitness: coordination, endurance, strength, and body awareness, which are beneficial at every stage of life.
Is the gym safe for young people?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents.
The short answer is yes, as long as the activities are supervised and age appropriate.
One of the most common myths is that strength training stunts growth or damages joints. In fact, the key question is how you train.
Under the guidance of a trainer, young people learn:
- correct technique
- safe load
- awareness of one’s own body
- the importance of recovery
- gradual development
Avely emphasizes that for young people, the goal is not “heavy weights,” but rather the development of motor skills and self-confidence.
“A young body is still developing. Therefore, it’s important to first master proper movement patterns, coordination, and body control. If the foundation is strong, development will follow naturally.”
A good workout teaches a teenager much more than just doing exercises – it teaches them to listen to their body and cooperate with it.
“My teen wants to build muscle.” What should a parent know?
The influence of social media is enormous. TikTok and Instagram are full of fitness content, before-and-after videos, and recommendations that may not always be realistic.
It is not uncommon for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 to say:
“I want to buff up.”
“Should I take creatine?”
“How to get in shape faster?”
According to trainers, it’s important to remain calm. While it doesn’t hurt to be interested in developing your body, it’s crucial to set the right direction.
A teenager needs a realistic understanding that development comes from:
- continuity
- getting enough sleep
- balanced nutrition
- correctly chosen training
- recovery
The most important thing is to help young people understand that a strong body does not happen overnight or through fashion trends.
Why is group training more effective than independent one?
MyFitness trainers often note that young people stay in the gym when they feel feel a sense of belonging.
There are several major advantages to a training group:
- safe guidance
- a teenager doesn’t have to guess whether he’s doing something wrong
- the trainer guides, motivates and helps choose the appropriate load
- team spirit
When other youngsters of the same age are work out alongside you, training becomes more natural.
- no one feels “alone”
- more motivation
- people come to training even on bad days because there is positive energy in the group
- less screen time
Once a teenager develops a new routine, he automatically starts to pay up less attention to the phone.
“Young people love feeling like they’re part of a group,” says Jessica. “When there’s a group and a supportive environment, working out becomes something they actually look forward to.”
What kind of training is suitable for young people?
All youngsters are different, and that’s perfectly normal! Trainers recommend choosing workouts based on personality, not on current trends.
An energetic teenager
Suitable for:
- HYROX
- functional training
- gym with an instructor
- more intense group training
A more shy or insecure teenager
Suitable for:
- smaller groups
- gym with an instructor
- general physical training at a more relaxed pace
Social teenager
Suitable for:
- group training with friends
- youth training
- training with a strong team spirit
A goal-oriented teenager
Suitable for:
- strength training
- HYROX
- functional challenges
- training sessions that measure progress
The important thing is to find not the “perfect workout,” but one that the teenager will want to return to again and again.
MyFitness for young people: discover new things, experiment, and find your own pace
Sometimes youngsters don’t immediately understand what’s right for them, and that’s okay. The best way is to try!
At MyFitness, you can try different workouts, discover new forms of movement, and even exercise with a friend. For young people, a new environment, an inspiring trainer, or the feeling that you don’t have to be “the best” – just showing up can make a big difference.
MyFitness trainers Jessica and Avely believe that training should primarily improve the well-being of young people, because the most important thing is not perfect form, but the habit of movement.
Some tips for parents: how to support a teenager?
If your teen lacks motivation to move, try these principles.
Don’t force, guide. –> Ask what he’d like to try.
Don’t focus up on weight or appearance. –> Talk about energy, well-being, strength and good sleep.
Lead by example. –> Young people pay more attention to actions than to words.
Come to training together. –> Starting together can make the process much easier.
MyFitness offers a variety of group workouts where you can work out together – sometimes one positive experience is enough to form a new habit.
Movement should not be a chore
Summer is a time to relax, but the body still needs to move. A teenager doesn’t need to train every day or set a goal of becoming a top-level athlete. Finding a way to move that brings genuine enjoyment is enough. Whether it’s HYROX, a gym, group training, or simply trying something new with a friend – the most important thing is to make movement a natural part of life.
Youth training isn’t just about exercise. It means more energy, better self-esteem, confidence, new friends, and the ability to take care of yourself in the future.
