Siouxland Magazine - May 2019

Luke knew he wanted to develop a plan to help young
teens, however their bodies are constantly changing so
creating a lifting plan takes some flexibility and certainly
some knowledge. Trainers know from various studies that
strength training done properly over a longer period of
time can have excellent results and prevent injuries. If you
have a good foundation and concrete knowledge, the
athlete will benefit from a strength training program.
Times, however have changed over the past few decades.
We have a more de-conditioned and less active society
these days due to lifestyle, eating habits, and, no doubt,
gaming and social media. So, trainers believe getting kids
active is more important than ever.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance / 53
Teens can use these skills over the course of their lifetime
and continue to see progress. It translates to the bigger
picture in life of putting in the hard work to achieve
“
The most important aspect is proper and
safe training while still being kids. We want
them to have fun while learning the basics.
– Luke
”
something, never giving up and always having a goal in
mind, then setting another one. “If you can push through in
the gym, you can push through in a test at school, on the
field, or you can push through tough times in life, I constantly
tell them. I also tell them a really strong dumb guy doesn’t
get very far, so you need to give 100% in every aspect of
your life.”
Having a trainer there to help with the mechanics of each
lift, and to encourage and support is what brings these
young kids in the door, but what they find when they get
to Big Iron is something they never imagined. Luke says,
“They become like a family. These young athletes go from
not knowing each other at all, to shouting encouragement
as they get under that barbell. They bond over the shared
experience and it leads to friendships outside the gym. It’s
a brotherhood of sorts. These young men and women gain
so much confidence in themselves by sharing in the journey
and being there for each other. It may not be a traditional
team sport, but there is an undeniable energy present when
they push and encourage each other.”
For more info on Big Iron Gym’s
Summer Teen Training call
(712) 899-8164
“It’s a Badge of Honor for these kids to grow and perform
the way they do,” He says, “I know that when I am out there at
a competition and see some of these kids cheering me on,
I will not quit, I want to be an example that I am not failing
them. That is what good teachers do, they inspire and are
inspired right back. That circle of giving is present each and
every training day with Luke Dreier.”
Peggy Higman, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor.
Photo credit (left page) Mario Red Legs Photography. Photo credit
(top right page) Caitlin Marsh.
Photo credit (bottom two photos right page) Peggy Higman.