Inspiring confidence, strength of character, youth leadership, and community building among youth through weightlifting, wellness, and mentorship. We help kids lift the weight of adversity through our trauma-responsive and culture-affirming approach. Our trainers help mentor youths in the community through weightlifting, yoga, and life-skills fitness activities.
Welcome to Lifting Inspirations, LLC, a youth health and wellness company that approaches the challenges of child trauma in a unique and impactful way. What makes us stand out? It's our focus on bodybuilding-style weight training, a dynamic approach that ...
To inspire youth confidence, character, leadership, and community-building through weightlifting, wellness, and mentorship.
Lifting Inspirations envisions a nation of strong, healthy, confident, and courageous youth, resilient to adversity and equipped for leadership.
Dr. Laurie Garo (Founder and Executive Director) has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Urban Education) with research on child trauma and trauma-responsive interventions. She received the Best Dissertation Award in the Counseling Division of the American Education Research Association (AERA). Through her work with the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods, she has over 20 years of experience in gun violence research and youth violence intervention. Laurie is certified in Ultimate Body Building through the International Association of Fitness Sciences and in Neurosequential Model in Sport (NM-Sport; the study of trauma therapeutics and healing principles through sports). She has been competing in bodybuilding for over 12 years. Her combination of education, research skills, and experience makes her uniquely positioned to lead the work of Lifting Inspirations, LLC.
We're thrilled that you're interested in Lifting Inspirations' unique approach to nurturing resilience and empowering youth. Whether you're curious about our innovative programs, the transformative impact of weightlifting and wellness, or how mentorship plays a pivotal role in our mission, we're here to answer your questions. Reach out through the form below, and let's embark on a journey of positive change together. Your inquiry matters, and we're excited to hear from you!