Exercise and weightlifting can be a game-changer for youth athletes with ADHD. For kids with ADHD, it’s often challenging to focus, stay organized, or manage impulsive behavior, but regular physical activity can help in several powerful ways. First off, exercise boosts dopamine levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter linked to attention and focus. This natural “boost” can make it easier for young athletes to concentrate, not just during sports, but also in school and at home.

Physical activity also provides a healthy outlet for the excess energy that many kids with ADHD often have. Instead of feeling restless or fidgety, they can channel that energy into something productive, which can help them feel more calm and centered afterward. In fact, studies have shown that activities like running, swimming, or even team sports can reduce symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity, helping kids develop better self-regulation skills.

On top of that, exercise helps improve sleep, which is another area where kids with ADHD might struggle. Getting enough rest is crucial for both physical and mental health, and physical activity encourages deeper, more restorative sleep, making kids feel more refreshed and ready to tackle their day.

Exercise also provides a boost to self-esteem. For youth athletes, learning new skills, achieving personal goals, and being part of a team can help build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping kids with ADHD feel more capable and in control. 

How can Empower Youth Training be beneficial for your child? 

Our programs are designed to meet the neurological needs of the child. Whether we are doing a fast paced interval, or a slow focused weight lifting set, these components require staying focused on the task at hand. Weightlifting requires them to concentrate on their form, breathing, and technique, all of which can improve their ability to focus in other areas of life, including school and daily tasks. The structured nature of weightlifting also provides a clear sense of progression, which can boost confidence and motivation. The program is also constantly varied. Though many movements are repeated, it is delivered in a variety of ways, making the class not repetitive or boring. 

As a mother of children with ADHD, the struggle is real. I don’t know what it is like to be in that brain, but some days I can tell it is hard. I have personally seen the benefits of strength training with my own children and how much better they feel and can be focused after working out. 

If you want to learn more about how Empower Youth can help your child with ADHD, contact Coach Barb at [email protected] or visit our Empower Youth and Development page for program information. 

See you at the gym!

-OG 

Thursday Workout

3 Rounds for time:

15 chest-to-bar pull-ups
30 calorie row
45 air squats