The Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Mental Health and Self-Esteem in Youth – A Guide for Educators and Coaches
by Josh McMillian, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
NSCA Coach
February 2026
Vol 13, Issue 1
This NSCA Coach article summarizes key findings on coach-focused strategies to help educators use resistance training as a tool to support healthy youth development.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
REFERENCES
- Biddle, SJ, and Asare, M. Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine 45(11): 886-895, 2011.
- Collins, H, Booth, JN, Duncan, A, Fawkner, S, and Niven, A. The effect of resistance training interventions on ‘the self’ in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine –Open 5(29): 2019.
- Ekeland, E, Heian, F, and Hagen, KB. Can exercise improve self-esteem in children and young people? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine 39(11): 792-798, 2005.
- Feng, W, Zhao, L, Ge, Z, Zhao, X, Li, T, and Zhu, Q. Association between physical activity and adolescent mental health in the post-COVID-19: The chain mediating effect of self-esteem and social anxiety. PLOS One 19(5): e0301617, 2024.
- Li, Z, Li, J, Kong, J, Li, Z, Wang, R, and Jiang, F. Adolescent mental health interventions: A narrative review of the positive effects of physical activity and implementation strategies. Frontiers in Psychology 15, 2024.
- Lubans, D, Richards, J, Hillman, C, Faulkner, G, Beauchamp, M, Nilsson, M, et al. Physical activity for cognitive and mental health in youth: A systematic review of mechanisms. Pediatrics 138(3): e1642, 2016.
- Stricker, PR, Faigenbaum, AD, McCambridge, TM, and Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Resistance training for children and adolescents. Pediatrics 145(6): e20201011, 2020.
- World Health Organization. Mental health: Strengthening our response. 2022. Retrieved 2025 from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response.
- Zhang, X, Jiang, C, Zhang, X, and Chi, X. Muscle-strengthening exercise and positive mental health in children and adolescents: An urban survey study. Frontiers in Psychology 13, 2022.
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About the author
Joshua J. McMillian, MS, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
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Josh McMillian is a Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Clayton High School in St. Louis, MO. In addition to his role at ...
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Topics:
Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Disease Professional Development
Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Disease Professional Development
Keywords:
Exercise and Self-Esteem Model Exercise Intervention School Educators Strength and Conditioning Coaches Self-Esteem Exercise Technique LTAD Mental Health School-Based Exercise
Exercise and Self-Esteem Model Exercise Intervention School Educators Strength and Conditioning Coaches Self-Esteem Exercise Technique LTAD Mental Health School-Based Exercise
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