Kettlebell Bootcamps

Here are some pictures and Senior recommendations from all of our 2012 School of Strength Graduates. This is an AMAZING group of young men and women who are going to go on to do great things! It has been my pleasure to know them, coach them and be a part of their lives the past four years. You have have left your legacy, but you will be greatly missed! Coach Mills

Rejected to Respected:)

By Autumn Ferrando / Greenwood, USA

The first time I met coach Mills was the 2nd semester of my freshman year. I asked if i could come in during gym to workout. He said no, athletes only. So i came back later that semester and asked again, still said no. Then i asked if I could lift because I was in track, he was hesitant but finally said yes. So I lifted a few times and then one day Mills asked if I had ever Olympic lifts before, I said no of course. But apparently I was a natural with the movements. This is the moment that changed my life. After this I took lifting more seriously, coach Mills challenged me everyday to see if I could keep breaking my PRs. He really fueled the fire in me to really strive for the best I can be. He then took me to the State Olympic Weightlifting meet, which I got first place in! Then Mills crazy obsessiveness started to rub off on me. During the summers I was working out twice or maybe three times a day , and during school I came in during class and study hall, after school. Coach Mills has taught me so many lessons not only in the weight room but also essential lessons I will use in life. He has taught me to be passionate and hard working in everything I do. One of the things i love about coach Mills is that he is so passionate about what he does, and what he teaches us. He is always looking out for us and wants us to be the best because it is a reflection of him. Coach Mills is our number one fan, and kind of like a father to all of us. We can talk to him about anything whether its about weightlifting, dieting, school, or relationships. He will always be there to listen or give advice , and is always ready to give us a good pep talk. I firmly believe Coach Mills is the reason why Center Grove has been so athletically successful the past few years. It starts with the training. Coach mills is training us to be winners, and he puts everything he has in us and our training. He has especially done this for me. This past year I placed 11th at Weightlifting Junior Nationals. I would not be where I am today without him, and his dedication to me. I have been a TA for Mills for 3 years...(legally for 2), but being able to work under and and coach with him in Kettle bell Boot camps and see him coach his classes has been truly rewarding. And it has opened my eyes to see that i would love to do something like this and make people better like he does. I would like to thank Coach Mills for finally allowing me to come and train in his weight room, but also for making me into the well rounded, hard working individual I am today. And making my high school career amazing! I cannot wait to work with him in the future !! Number one coach and teacher I have EVER had.!

Dont Miss Your Chance

By Zac Hays / Center Grove, United States

I want to start by saying that Coach Mills is NOT here for the money, the perks, or the power that he has in his own weight room; and he is especially not here because he enjoys baby- sitting un- behaved kids. He is here because he loves what he does, and has a passion for it like no one I have ever seen. He knows who he is, and is not afraid to show it, or tell you how he thinks. He will push your to your limits and you WILL be uncomfortable throughout you time in here, but it will pay off in the end. He understands the real meaning behind life, and that is that money should not be the leading drive behind what you do. Instead, do something you love and excel at it. If Coach has taught me one thing it is, don’t be unhappy with your life because it’s YOUR life and YOU own it. He has given us the skill to be extremely successful, and we cannot take that for granted.
I came to this high school at 112 pounds and benching 85 pound. During the course of my high school career I have grown substantially. Mentally and physically and I owe an extremely large majority of that to Coach Mills and his class. He taught us that hard work is the key ingredient to being successful. Sure we weren’t as “gifted” as Warren or Ben Davis and didn’t have the size of Carmel on our side, but that didn’t stop our “weak/sub-par” football team from being one play away from a State Championship run. That also didn’t stop hardworking wrestler Sean Mappes from a State Championship, what is the same about all of these situations? It’s the hard work that we as Center Grove and Coach Mills’ students have acquired over the course of our journey here, and without the hard work none of this would be possible. Being in this class has truly changed my life, not only in the physical aspect but the mental as well. I am more mentally tough than anyone I come up against and I know this for a fact. Today I am leaving CGHS 160 lbs (solid) and maxing my bench out at 275lbs, I have the confidence, wisdom, and determination to be the best person I can be and no one deserves more credit than Coach Mills. Life isn’t about the money you make or the house you have, it is about the lives you effect on your travels, and I learned this here, don’t miss your chance.

-Zac Hays

More than just a weight coach

By Claire Hustava / Greenwood, United States

My name is Claire Hustava and I am a senior at Center Grove High school. I have been part of Marty Mills School of Strength since freshman year. He has not only developed me into a strong lifter, but also a charismatic person. He taught me how to lift with Kettlebells, and Olympic lifts, but most importantly taught me to strive to succeed and never give up. He taught me responsibility, respect, and self-worth. Working out was a chore but now it is a hobby. I now look forward to becoming a zumba instructor, and continuing my conditioning. Mills treats me like his very own, by helping me with making life decisions, and keeping me on track. He personally has become an inspiration and someone in my life I can look up too. He is one man I would never like to disappoint.

Dreams Do Come True

By Emma Schoettmer / Greenwood, USA

Coach Mills has influenced Center Grove High School and its athletic programs more than any other coach. He works with all ages and sports helping us to develop to our utmost potential. I know that I have grown stronger and more confident with myself because of his influence in my life. As a freshman, I dreamed of earning a spot on Team USA's National and Olympic teams for swimming, but I never thought that I would actually have a chance. Now, four years later, coming out of the School of Strength and Swimming programs from Center Grove, I am making my dream a reality! I have earned two State Championships and one Runner-up at the high school level, but I have also earned a spot on the National Jr. Team and qualified to swim against the world's fastest swimmers this summer at the Olympic Trials! I am still not as big or as strong as most of the girls, but Coach Mills has brought me a great deal closer from where I was four years ago. I strongly suggest experiencing any strength class that Mills has to offer because it might just take you shooting past the stars.

Center Grove Weight Coach

By Sam Bronicki / Greenwood, United States

I came into Center Grove as a very scrawny freshman with absolutely no strength or athletic ability, and I can confidently say that is no longer true. Coach Mills pushes every class and workout that I have ever been in, no exceptions. I couldnt even bench press 100 lbs and can now bench over double that. Its not even the statistical difference that matters to me, but my ability to work out on my own as well as the built character that I have gained throughout my 4 years here is not even comprehensible. Mills is an amazing mentor and trainer, he deserves to be number 1 and IS number 1.

School of Strength

By Peter Lorenz / Greenwood, USA

I started training with Coach Mills at the beginning of my junior year at Center Grove High School. At the time I was starting on the JV South Stars Hockey Teamand had done so for two years and wanted to make the leap to varsity. Coach Mills taught me that correct technique and a strong work ethic would make that possible. Every day I brought a good attitude and Coach Mills pushed me to be a better athlete and person. I am graduating this year and after 2 years of training with Coach Mills, I made the All-State Hockey Team and was named to the starting lineup for the All-Conference. Coach Mills inspired me to be the best I could be and to always give my very best. Next year I will be playing hockey at the University of Minnesota, and without a doubt I wouldn't have that opportunity without the School of Strength.

Coach Mills Best Weightlifting Coach in the Nation

By Brady Lynch / Greenwood, U.S.A.

Coming in as a Freshmen, I weighed a scrawny 125lbs and after going through Coach Mills's School of Strength I now weigh a solid 185lbs as a Senior. His training program has transformed my body and I am proof that his workouts work! He makes lifting not something that you dread like most people but he makes it fun and something I look forward to doing everyday. My favorite thing to do is lift weights, and if it was not for Coach Mills I know that this would not be the case. Coach Mills has easily made the greatest lasting impact on my life of anyone throughout high school. The different kettlebell and strength workouts he has taught me I am going to be able to use the rest of my life to stay healthy, fit, and be a strong human being.

Not just lifting

By Zach Kroll / Greenwood, United States

When i came to highschool i was not very strong becuase i had never really lifted before. Even after a year of lifting i was at twice the strenght that i previously possessed, but not that i have lifted for four year now i am much stronger than i ever imagined. Coach Mills not only help me reach my physical goals but also taugh me lessons like how to always give your all and not be a lazy bum. Coach Mills is not only a lifting coach but a great person which always wants his student to reacht heir goals and be good people.

Top Notch

By Eric Croft / Greenwood, United States

When I first began traning with Coach Mills my sophomore year of high school, I was hardly able to lift any weight. Now, three years later, I have succeeded in many areas of weightlifiting which include meeting military pull up standards and passing the kettlebell snatch test. With emphasis placed on strength, much "bulking" is taken out of the equation. Focus is transferred to strength and conditioning at it's core. Not only does the School of Strength teach how to be a better athlete and competitor, but also to be a better person. Emphasis is placed on making smart decisions and using your head in all situations. Coach Mills has my utmost respect as a teacher, coach and person. I love the school of strength and would recommend it to everyone.

School of Strength

By Jacob Berryhill / Greenwood, United States

I came into high school weighing 165 pounds, couldn't even bench press 135 pounds on a consistent basis. Through four years in the program Mills taught me how to put on weight by adding tons of muscle. For my senior year of football I weighed 230, bench pressing 335, power cleaning 330. Never could I have done that without the help of Coach Mills. He teaches his students how to not give up mentally or physically. He personally talked to me a lot about how working out directly correlates to doing better in school and opening your mind and relieving yourself of stress. We spent many times talking about how different workouts would effect your muscles differently. He never missed a moment to teach you the ways to build muscles that you will use for more practical issues, instead of working on them just for show. I could go on about all that coach Mills has taught me about working out, but the main thing that all those stories would show is that Coach Mills invests personally into each of his students and athletes. By far better than the best training program i would ever be able to think of. My best memories in high school were spent in the weight room with Mills.

Center Grove School of Strength

By Collin Westerfield / Greenwood, United States

I first started lifting with Marty Mills towards the end of my eigth grade year to prepare for my freshman football season. Movies and magazines had fed me the image that lfiting weights only consisted of bunch of guys working out on machines and pumping up. Quickly, Coach Mills got me hooked on his program by teaching me the correct way of how to lift correctly while remaining healthy and athletic. My summers and after school hours from that point consisted of countless hours in the weight room with Coach Mills. His unique program transformed me from the tiny/pudgy teenager into a strong and hardworking man. We utilized olympic lifts, kettlebells, and strength/condtioning circuits to prepare for our season. It's safe to say that the whole football team owes our success to Coach Mills and his program. One of my most proud moments of my high school years was when Mills gathered a lifting team from some of the football guys and went to a competition where I broke several personal records. Being an undersized player on the football team there's no doubt it my mind that without Mill's training I would have been on the field on friday nights. Coach has taught me how I can live a healthy lifestyle in and out of the weightroom. I will carry what I have learned in the School of Strength and take it with me for the rest of my life. I consider Coach to be one of my greatest role models and the weightroom holds a spot in my heart. No one should ever overlook an opportunity to become part of School of Strength. It molds atheletes into elite players, but don't expect to make it through without the desire to work hard and shed some sweat and blood.

Strength and Agility

By Jordan Bedan / Greenwood, Johnson

Coach Mills has always been a mentor to me. Coming into High School I Weighing 190 pounds, benching 180, and did not even know what a power clean was. I considered myself to be a small quick offence lineman. That all changed when I met coach mills. Over the past four years I have gained 70 pounds and one inch. I am now a 6’4” 260 pound offence Lineman with a 350 Pound bench and a 305 Pound clean going to the University Of Indianapolis to play football on a scholarship. And due to his type of training he has taught me to be a solid strong football player through not only power lifts but also athletic movements which kept me light and fast on my feet.

School of Strength

By Katie Lucaites / Indianapolis, USA

Coach Mills has been an amazing mentor to me, both in making me a better athlete, and a better person. His passion for everything he does inspires me to always try my best. He is an amazing motivator and encourages everyone to always work hard, in and out of the weight room.

If you come into the School of Strength program with a desire to work hard, you will get stronger and see yourself reaching new goals and new successes.

I owe a large part of my present and future success to Coach Mills and the School of Strength. Thank you for everything Coach Mills!

An Amazing Coach

By Brandon Cothron / Greenwood, United States

Coach Mills is an awesome strength coach and an amazing person. He will help you reach your goals in anyway possible, and make you acheive things you never thought you could. He has personally help me gain weight and tons of strength for football and track. As long as you listen to him and work towards what you want, you will be able to do great things.

Marty Mills

By Charlie Coy / Greenwood, USA

Coach Mills is very dedicated to working out and helping kids get in shape. He spends many hours in the weight room helping and perfectiing workouts and skills that benefits everyone. He's a great guy with a great attitude ready to make a difference.

Coach Mills is the Best in the Country

By Brent Kamer / Greenwood, USA

Coming into high school playing soccer I had never really heard about weight lifting but was open to the idea knowing that it would only help me out on the field. I had many different goals that I had set for myself to accomplish throughout my four years playing. Some that I thought that I would never be able to come close to reaching. But with Coach Mills every dream I had set for myself originally I had accomplished and now with my new ability I was starting to make even more goals to push myself more. I was able to play a few varsity games as a freshman, and I was a starting varsity captain by my junior year. These goals were what drove me as I worked out because as Coach Mills would preach, “If you don’t have a goal to get better, than GET OUT”. I think nearly all the lessons that I learned inside the doors of the weight room carried into the classroom and even into life. Coach was always ready to teach a life lesson threw the weights program and it is those lesson that have ultimately made me a better man today.

I entered the high school benching 100lbs and squatting about 150lbs. I am leaving as a senior now able to bench 275lbs and being able to squat 243lbs. I know that with what Coach Mills has taught me I will still be able to grow as an athlete over the next four years playing soccer for Rose-Hulman.

The Machine

By Trish Barton / Greenwood, USA

Walking in the weight room freshmen year I was intimidated with everything going on around me. Mills personally taught my freshmen soccer class in the summer to strengthen us for the years to come. He taught us all the basics and my freshmen year we were doing olympic lifts. Freshmen and sophomore year we trained for soccer so much that we came out drenched in sweat. He perfected everything and critiqued our techniques to make sure we were doing the lifts correctly. Out of the entire staff at Center Grove High School, he is one of the best. He helps and answers when you have questions, he is a role model for the young and a good friend when you become a junior and senior. I love the weight room and consider it to be another home. Mills pushes us to go hard and specializes on our strengths. Since my freshmen year I have become very strong. I can do olympic lifts, kettlebells, and you name it I can do it all thanks to one person: Marty Mills. He exerts energy and a passion for lifting and he is one of the best coaches I have ever had in my life. In soccer, he helped me diet, get stronger because I am a defender. I owe a ton to him, because he has helped me with many things in my four years of high school. He's amazing!

Coach Mills

By Tyler Mills / Greenwood, U.S.A.

Coach Mills has done a lot for me over my four years at Center Grove High School. Mills pushes his students more than any other teacher while at the same time giving them the most freedom. Coach Mills asks his students to work hard and to give their best while still trusting them to do what he tells them to do. Mills puts together many different types of workout to fit many different types of athletes. Coach has personally affected me through lifting. I have gained much strength and knowledege from Mills and it is because of him that I have been able to become strong and athletic enough to gain a football scholarship for college. Mills puts all he has into his students and in return, we give him all we have. Coach Mills is an inspirational man and teacher and he deserves the highest rating as an instructor. Thank you Caoch for all you do.

By Kes Smith / Greenwood, IN

I have been apart of Marty Mills course for two years and it has always been an enriching experience. There is always progress and Ive never been stronger. Not only does he endorse a healthy lifestyle, he takes time at the beginning of each workout with detailed instruction and valuable life lessons. Coach Mills teaches team work, determination, endurance, and excellence. He consistently offers intensive and challenging workouts every class and I will definitely be coming back for camps during the summer. I would reccomend this to any aspiring athlete or anyone looking to increase strength and have a healthier lifestyle! I love kettebells!

Lyndsey left & Kes right

School of Strength with Coach Mills!

By Lyndsey Donnar / Greenwood, United States

The School of Strength has taught us to be disciplined and serious about the exercises we complete every day. Signing up for this class is no joke and you will get in excellent shape! Coach Mills has different workouts to try every time and each one builds ridiculous amounts of strength. This summer before college, I will continue to workout during the summer at bootcamps. Coach Mills' workout pushes you to the limit but NOT to failure. Technique is everything to him. I wish I could have the bootcamps next year at Indiana University to have Coach Mills help me get into even better shape. I want to thank Mills for an amazing three years in this program and we'll all miss this next year!

The Road to Excellence

By Emma Raker / Greenwood, United States

Being healthy has always been an important goal of mine. Coach Mills encourages every single student in his class to be healthy, fit, and always try their best whether it's in the weight room or any other aspect of life. This class teaches you to push yourself to be the best athlete you can be. I did not even know what a kettlebell was until I took this course. Coach Mills has taught me so many different lifts and stretches to increase my athletic ability. This is definitely not a blow off, easy course. If you sign up for this course be prepared to work hard! Coach Mills influences his students to push themselves to become healthy and strong. Taking this lifting class has been one of the best decisions of my high school career. I run cross country and believe that Coach Mills and his workout techniques have helped me to become a better athlete and runner. Coach Mills genuinely cares about every student and helps them in whatever way they need. Take this class, it will be worth it!

School of Strength

By Alice Shupe / Greenwood, 'Murica

Marty Mills is nothing short of an influential, encouraging instructor. Only having been enrolled in his weightlifting course for a year I have obtained skill and knowledge that will last me a lifetime. Coach Mills teaches technique for advanced fitness, increases strength while also providing flexibility to the trainee with choices of routine. Mills offers diffuculity but always makes a point to only go as far as your body is willing to go, safety is just as important as strength and quality over quantity. I would reccomend his instruction and any of his courses for those who are seeking a challenging workout and a pleasant atmosphere. Mills positive renforcement and advice keeps the weightroom as a driving force to fitness excellence. My only regret is not enrolling in his course before Senior year. I am proud to be apart of the School of Strength!

Marty Mills- Our Leader Into Battle

By Taylor Sutton / Greenwood, United States

My name is Taylor Sutton and I am a senior at Center Grove High School, i have participated in football, track, and wrestling. Throughout high school I have never had the pleasure of meeting anybody who was a better coach, person, and leader than Marty Mills. His weight room is no joke though, he can push you to reach new max outs, push you to reach that desired goal. Anything you needed help with when you were in the weight room, Coach Mills had an answer. I came into high school weighing 230 lbs and bench pressing 240 lbs at the most. After 4 diligent years of working in the weight room with Coach Mills, I now am bench pressing 385 lbs and back squating over 400 lbs. Weighing 285 lbs now i still continue to push myself and work harder everyday i am in the weight room. Even for my big size i have worked myself to be able to rep pull ups with some of our strongest smaller athletes in the school. Coach Mills has taught me countless life skills since i've been in his weight room, and next year at University of Indianapolis i plan to carry these skills and continue to work hard in whatever weight room i might find myself in and continue to improve the quality of my life. Thank you Marty Mills

MY MAN MILLS- School of Strength

By Spencer Weeks / Greenwood, United States

My name is Spencer Weeks, and I've been a part of Coach Mills' School of Strength for the past four years. I played starting fullback for the football team, ran track, and lifted competively throughout high school. When I came into high school I was 6'0, and weighed 160 lbs. To be blunt I was tall, gangly, and goofy. In the past for years I have put on 55 lbs of muscle, increased my bench press from 170 to 325, and have learned what it means to be in the best lifting program in the country. Coach Mills' lifting program has greatly improve my strength, and aided me in becoming a starting runningback in the for the football team. The School of Strength transformed my body throughout high school, and tought me valuable skills that I will take with me next year to University of Dayton, where I will be playing football.

Coach Mills: Man Among Boys

By Kody Kavanaugh / Greenwood, Johnson

I played quarterback for the football team and also played right field for Center Grove High School. I have been in Center Grove's program for four years now and each year have improved tremendously on my athletic ability and also my strength as an athlete. This is due to Coach Mills amazing strength and conditioning program. He is the motivation that drives me and my teammates to work their hardest and get the best out of them. Coming into the program I weighed a total of 140 pounds and ending my senior year at 180 pounds. I increased my bench from a mere 95 pounds to 270 pounds almost 100 pounds over my body weight. I had a record high of 36 pull ups this year while having a strong care and staying lean with the kettle bell conditioning. Coach Mills program puts your mind and body to the test and gives you the tools to be the best athlete on the field. I appreciate everything he has done for me to achieve the goals that I have achieved.

Jordan Ruff and the School of Strength

By Jordan Ruff / Greenwood, IN, US

My name is Jordan Ruff, and I played basketball here at Center Grove for three years. Working out in the School of Strength has given me a stronger core, balance on my own two feet, and made me a harder-working person. Each year in basketball, I was able to run faster, jump higher, and defend harder and I owe this all to the School of Strength. Every other day, I look forward to lifting in this weight room because I know that the work I do in here is not only gonna make me a better lifter but also stronger person day to day. After we added the kettlebells to the workout here at the School of Strength, I was able to learn a system that I could do now while I'm in class but also that I can take with me and do the rest of my life (my last two years of Christmas gifts have included both a kettlebell and lifting gloves). Coach Marty Mills has always encouraged me to work harder even when i thought I was at my maximum and that is all I can ask for in a weights coach. I recommend the School of Strength to anyone who wants to become a better athlete, wants a system they can do every day to stay in shape, or just wants a tough workout that will challenge them in every way possible.

School of Strenth- Mark Garrett

By Mark Garrett / Greenwood, United States

I have been in the School of Strength lifting program for four years. I started out as a freshman benching 135 ibs and sitting the bench on the freshman baseball team. I am now a senior about to graduate. I now bench 275 ibs and am a starting pitcher for the Varsity baseball team. The lifting program that Coach Mills plans out for us week by week is by far the best out there. Not only does he care about our strength, but also about our health and flexibility. He has given us many tips on what our diets shoud be like and many other health tips that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. To play baseball you don't only need power. Being able to move quick and explosively is a big part of it too. Coach Mills introduced kettle bells to us. Kettle bells is the best type of training to get strong while maintaining flexibility. There are so many movements and exercises that you can perform with Kettle bells. They work your entire body from head to toe. I am going to Anderson University to play baseball and major in Pre-med next year. I would have never been able to get this far without Coach Mills and the Shcool of Strength.

Coach Mills & the School of Strength

By Mackenzie Kitchel / Greenwood, USA

I'm Mackenzie Kitchel, I have been All State in volleyball and track & field the past four years and I will be attending the University of Cincinnati on a full-ride volleyball scholarship. I have been working with Coach Mills and our School of Strength program since the summer coming into my freshman year of high school. I have been very fortunate to be able be a part of this program, it has made me into a better athlete in every aspect there is. Coach Mills is the best strength coach around and I would recommend him to train any athlete out there. He knows exactly what to do and what to do with all the different kinds of athletes we have. He helps us work around our injuries so that we can still be getting stronger while we are healing. The school of strength program has made me not only much stronger but also mentally tougher than what I used to be. It has helped me reach a whole new level of athleticism and I would recommend it any day for anyone.

Drew Ehle and the Great Marty Mills

By Drew Ehle / Greenwood, USA

"Failing is not an option. If you miss a rep you are not getting stronger,"- Marty Mills. i have heard the same speach since the age of 10. The things preached in class are not just good for your lifting benifit, but life. Freedom to experince on your own, and with help if need be, Mills delivers the proper necessities you'll need to know. "You're not as strong as you think you are, i am stronger." This man is never a let down in class, while you're sweating- he's sweating, while you're grunting- he's grunting. Except he's doing weight two times heavier than you. "You dont want to work out? Then leave! I dont want you here, you're a waste of mine and everybodys lifting air." Marty pushes you to the limit and more.

Best Instructor in the World!

By Lauren Courtney / Greenwood, USA

Marty Mills is phenomenal at what he does. My experience with him has been life changing. Not only have I been taught the proper lifting technique but also skills that can be applied throughout my life. He is obsessed with helping others achieve their goals and pushes each person to their full potential. I have reached mine because of him and have become a more well rounded person. Everytime I am in the weight room I have to give 110% effort or I fail- failing is not an option to Marty Mills.

By Tyler Rich / Greenwood, United States

Simply put, Coach Mills is an elite lifting instructor. He is highly commited to his students giving their best, and he gives his in return. MY largest mistake for this class is not taking before my senior year. This year I have had huge fitness and strength gains thanks to this class. If you are willing to work hard this class will be rewarding for anyone who takes it.

Baseball Strength

By Brock Koehler / Greenwood, United States

Coach Marty Mills has completely transformed my body and life. I can't image a life without fitness thanks to Coach Mills. I owe all of my achievement and success to him.

Three Year Varsity Soccer

By Halley Embree / Greenwood, United States

My name is Halley Embree and I have been a Center Grove girls varsity soccer player for three years. Ever since my freshman year, the team has trained with Marty Mills in the School in Strength. The combination of after school training and in school training has made me a stronger player. Because of this program, I am a step above my competition. Mills has a different excerise for any body type. Being so small my freshman year, held me back from being on the field with girls older than myself, but because of the School of Strength I was able to bulk up and reach a varsity level. Thanks Mills, you're the best!

Soccer-Girl Swag

By Abbey Edel / Greenwood, USA

As a Center Grove High School Girls Soccer player, Marty Mill's weightlifting program has put me a step above the rest of my competition. Natural ability and skill in a game are important, however, with the proper amount of strength, it is possible to overcome even the most skillful opponents. I have lifted in the School of Strength for all four years that I have been at Center Grove. Each year, Mills comes up with new and innovative ways to get strong. Freshman year, Olympic Lifting was the focus. Once kettle bells were introduced, countless new excersises were accessible. Overall, I would highly recommend that every girls soccer player utilize this lifting program both in school for class and after school training. As Mills always says, "My goal is to get every sport at Center Grove to win state." There is no doubt in my mind that his training program has helped other sports to win championships; girls soccer is next.

Let the mind work the body

By Hayden Geitner / Greenwood, USA

Mr. Mills is the best wieght lifting coach I know. I had a wonderful year in my weight class. I was able to gain about ten pounds and Mr. Mills pushed me when I needed it.

THE BEAST!

By Stephanie Coryell / Greenwood, USA

Coach Mills has had a tremendous impact on every single athlete here at Center Grove High School. The combination of unique conditioning/strength workouts he has taught us will have a lasting effect on me as a person. I have learned so much from his class. Not only about the intelligence of being at my top most physical condition, but top mental conditions as well. He is incredibly motivating, professional, and educated on everything that has to do with being physically fit. Honestly, I feel as if anyone were to walk into our weight room here at Center Grove, they would mistake it for a professional athletes weight room. I am unbelievably proud and priviledged to say I was a part of this organization. I could not have asked for a better lifting coach! :)

Mills

By Kellie Riley / Greenwood, USA

Mills has been a great lifting coach during the three years I have lifted. During those three years of lifting with Mills I have seen myself grow stronger physically and mentally. He is truly a great coach and person.

Marty Mills

By Natalie Lalich / Greenwood, United States

I am a senior at Center Grove High School. I have been lifting with Coach Mills since my freshman year and I can tell you that without his help there is no way I would be where I am today. I recieved a scholarship to play softball at Indiana University and I was concerned in the beginning that the physical conditioning and training was going to be hard to adjust to my first couple months. After seeing the workouts the team goes through I feel like I will adjust perfectly because of the preparation Coach Mills as given me. He comes in everyday focused and has definitely taught me how to push myself and never be satisfied with anything less than my best.

Just Buy Into It

By Zach Anderson / Greenwood, USA

I personally have enjoyed every minute I've spent in the weight room. I'll let it be said that my first two years in lifting I never bought into actually working hard. But I can say that my last two years I've bought into what Coach Mills has said and it has helped me tremendously. I may not look strong to the average person, but I know I am because i finally got it through my head that what we do in the weight room works. I am extremely happy Coach Mills is the lifting instructor here at CG, because what he tells you to do isn't hard at all and if you just follow his directions ans work hard your going to become a better athlete or more physically fit just by doing those simple ideas.

Marty Mills!

By Abby McClintock / Greenwood, United States

My name is Abby McClintock and I have had coach mills train me in weightlifting my past four years of high school. By taking his class and participating in after-school workouts, I have maintained a physically fit lifestyle. Playing Center Grove High School varsity soccer throughout high school I needed a way of keeing my strength year round and Mills has done just that for me! His dedication and hardwork to improving the athletes here at Center Grove has increased my intensity. Mills is an excellent instructor and very knowledgable of how to make a top level athlete better and better with his intense workouts.

Coach Mills

By Kelcey Daugherty / Greenwood, United States

My name is Kelcey Daugherty and I have played basketball at Center Grove the past four years. The one thing that stayed consistent throughout these years was Coach Mills and the weight room. Everyday he is motivated and that motivates everyone else around him. When I come into the weight room I come to improve and with Coach Mills that is always a possibility with extremely intense workouts. Over the four years I have been here I have seen significant changes in my weightlifing abilities. Coach Mills shown me how to work out by myself and that will carry me throughout my life. I have truly enjoyed the four years I have had under Coach Mills.

MILLS!

By Rachel Perry / Greenwood, USA

My name is Rachel Perry and I am a senior at Center Grove. I only started lifting second semester of this year, but thanks to Coach Mills I have improved immensley. Coming into this class I really had no idea what I was doing or what a work out should look like. Within 2 weeks I could see major improvement and I was already moving up in what weight I lift. I look forward to this class every day because I feel so accomplished during and I always feel great afterwards. I'm so happy with the results that I've gotten and how muchtThe School of Strength program has done for me. Not only is Mills know a lot about lifting, but he cares about all of his students. Well.....the ones who work hard :) Anytime I've ever needed something he has helped me out as much as he could. He is very understanding and has always been there for me. I absolutely will be coming back to lift with him and other students when I come home for college and breaks. Its an awesome program!

Nation's Best

By Brock Sokolowski / Greenwood, United States

I have been a part of the football and baseball teams for all my four years at Center Grove. And needless to say, I would not of survived at the varsity level if it wasn't for Coach Mills and the School of Strength program. By being a part of this great lifting program since my 8th grade year it has completely transformed by body and my athletic ability. Coming into the weight room for the first time I weighed around 130 lbs and as I leave my senior year I am 180 pounds. Coach Mills helped install the attitude of pedal to the medal for the time you are in the weight room and always giving your best effort. And he has ultimately affected the rest of my life from an attitude and health standpoint. I would strongly recommend the School of Strength to anyone with any athletic aspirations or wanting to transform your body, because it will happen. Hands down the best program in the nation.

Hard work pays off

By Matt Norris / Greenwood, IN, USA

I have had the pleasure of getting better everyday in the School of Strength. I will admit that I am not the least bit athletically gifted. Despite this, Coach Mills has treated me just like a top athlete, working every day to help me reach my fullest potential. Coach Mills instilled in me the attitude to work your absolute hardest so that you can have no regrets when you step on the playing field. I had no regrets throughout my football career here at Center Grove, as I gave every effort I had to be the best that I could be in the weight room, and that would not have been possible without the encouragement and tireless work of Marty Mills. I did get much stronger and now have the tools and knowledge to remain in good shape for the rest of my life, thanks to Coach Mills' work. Most importantly, I learned to never fail in giving your best effort, and from that comes success.

YOU DA BEST MILLS.

By Kelsey Brand / Greenwood, United States

My name is Kelsey Brand and I'm a senior at Center Grove High School. I've had a great experience throughout my three years of lifting with Coach Mills at this school. He has been an amazing support system and has always pushed me to my limit. He has had me come in early on some mornings and given me the oppertunity top have that responsibilty which will help in the future. He has built a School Of Strength program that could be beneficial to anyone. Coach Mills has not only helped me to be a better athelete or trainer but also to be a better sudent. He makes sure I am making good decisons outside of school and that I am staying out of trouble just like he would with his own kids. Over half of the school each year is a student of Coach Mills, yet he still is on that person level with everyone of them. I know from experience that he makes that connection with students to make sure they are able to achieve their goals. He has told us over and over again that he is living his dreams through us. He truely wants us as athelets for this school to strive and succeed for the best. The skills he has taught me in his class are skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I could not have asked for a better lifting/life coach to help me get through this stage of my life!

The Numbers Say It All

By Quinn Bowling / Greenwood, USA

As a Freshman coming into high school:

Bench: 195

Weight: 215

Leaving High School Senior Year:

Bench: 350

Weight: 275

As the heading suggests the numbers do say it all for me. Coming in I had no idea what to expect walking into a high school weight room. I was expecting simple workouts including a lot of bench press and curls, boy was I wrong! As a sophomore going into my junior year my main goal was to start all year on the offensive line for the Center Grove Trojans. The hard work that I put in, in the weight room with Coach Mills guidance helped me do so. Leaving high school I am moving on to play football at Morehead State in the fall and I attribute all of that to my coaches. The only reason I was able to perform on the field on Friday nights was due to my strength and conditioning. Not only was I bigger and stronger my character improved thought my career. Coach Mills makes sure that not only are you "super human strong" as he would say but to also be a good person in the end. If you are asking whether you should participate in this program or send your children into this program I would say you are crazy if you didn’t. I could not imagine my high school career without working out with this beast of a man.

School of Strength is AWESOME!

By Jenna Patton / Greenwood, United States

Training with Mills has made me able to be able to work out on my own and know all different type of lifts and workouts for what I want to make stronger. In addition, the School of Strength has made me a powerful athlete and perform at a higher level.

How Coach Mills Made Me a Better Gymnast.

By Megan Peters / Greenwood, United States

When I signed up for Coach Mills class I had many goals. After the first month I could tell I was getting stronger and my gymnastics was changing. I was able to get new skills and add them to my routines. At the end of my junior year I accomplished my goal of qualifying for the Easter Nationals Gymnastics Competition. I ended up placing first on bars, fourth on floor, and fourth all around for my age group.
I signed up for Coach Mills class again my senior year, and I had new goals. My goal was to move up to Level 10. This was going to be a major challenge for me because this level is very hard to do. I worked extra hard in his class and at the gym. In the end I was able to move up and accomplish my goal of becoming a level 10 gymnast. Now that my competition season and senior year are over I will be coming in during the summer to continue to get stronger, so I can do gymnastics in college. I am walking onto the gymnastics team at Ball State University. I am very excited to start this new chapter of my life. I kniow that none of this would have been possible without Coach Mills help.

Jordan Elsey

By Jordan Elsey / greenwood, United states

My lifting coach is the most dedicated teacher in the United States. The school of strength lifting program is so advanced.. It would be nothing without a Marty Mills. His motivation is what drives us to be champions. The advanced lifting he shows us allows us to put our bodies to the best of there abilities. I am so blessed to be apart of this amazing program.
I began my highschool career with a 19 foot 6 inch long jump as a personal best.. and with all the learning and strength gaining I have now jumped 22 feet 1 inch. ranking me the best long jumper going into sectionals.

School of Strength

By Kyle Miler / Center Grove School of Strength, USA

I was first introduced to coach Mills as a 140 pound, five foot ten freshman with very little insight into what it took to transform my physical body. I sit here today as a senior, 45 pounds heavier with an immense amount of knowledge about fitness, nutrition, and other health aspects. I owe all of these things to coach Mills, he often says that we are part of his extended family and I truly believe he feels that way. He treats every student with respect and fairness as if we would his own children. He has high expectations for us as athletes, but with the amount of preparation and attention he gives every single athlete there is no way you can not achieve every personal goal you seek. Coach Mills is not just a "strength coach", he is an athletic development instructor. We perfrom everything from strict strength lifts to complex olympic lift movements, all of which are taught step by step by coach Mills. I feel that not only has coach Mills prepared us physically but he has also instilled a ideaology about hardwork and what is takes to live a healthy lifestyle. Coach Mills is an excellent teacher, coach, but more importantly an amazing man!

From Scrawny to Strength

By Evan VanSant / Greenwood, IN, USA

When i came to high school i was a skinny and scrawny soccer player. I weighed about 115 and no muscle and a little on the chubby side. Since my soccer coach, Phil Orlando, really had interest in the weight program here at Center grove for his players, me and Coach Mills came to know eachother over the years. Mills taught me the fundamentals to weightlifting along with making me stronger and bigger along the way. Now, a graduating senior, Im around 150 pounds of lean, muscle and strength. Mills and the weight program brought me from scrawny to strength in 4 years, which is incredible. He has taught me to work hard and always train to meet my goals. Thanks for the dedication you have given to me and the rest of the school.

My Book About Coach Mills

By Hannah Adkins / Greenwood, U.S.A.

I came into Coach Mills class as a sophomore and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. All I saw was a big, scary man that had a true passion for what he was coaching. He makes everyone feel like they can always get better and strives to make us reach our goals. I jump rope and I thought,"I don't know if lifting would even have an effect with what I do." Right away I saw results in the way I jumped. When I first began lifting, I easily saw how he enjoys what he does. I fell in love with lifting Kettlebells. Not only because it is one of the best ways to stay in shape, but Coach Mills shared everything he could with me to make me better. He pours all he has into making sure everyone is the best they can be. He often tells us he isn't a teacher, but someone that coaches us to lead a healthy life and stay strong. While this may be true, he has taught me many things that I will never forget. Coach Mills runs THE best fitness program around. Not only does he manage making hundreds of athletes at Center Grove the best, he runs bootcamps that help adults in the community get in shape. Last summer I had the privelage to help coach at Kettlebell Bootcamps and have continued to do so ever since. Many adults that have tried numerous ways to lose weight and get stronger will agree that Mills program is fun, welcoming, and there truly are results. Coach Mills has shared his passion with me and next year I plan on going to the University of Indianapolis and studying something in the field of health. Thank you Coach Mills for everything you've done!!!

School of Strength

By McKenzie Essig / Greenwood, United States

Coach Mills was an awesome coach. I got physically fit fast! He was a motiviating coach, and he showed alot of dedication towards all of us. He showed us good form and good technique so we could do our best at sports, being stronger, and being physically fit. The way he teaches the workouts makes you feel stronger immeidately after! Its amazing how good of a coach he is. I couldnt ask for any better instructor. He has now prepared me to be a strong and dedicated young woman.

Coach Mills - Weight Training Guru

By Jacob Hage / Greenwood, United States of America

Over the past four years at Center Grove High School, Coach Marty Mills, has transformed me into what I am today. Coming in as a freshman was overwhelming and seeing older students that were twice your size. It was a scary place, until I found the weight room and Coach Mills. He told us each and every day that we would eventually be where we wanted to be if we listened to him and followed his workout plans. It worked. Freshman year I weighed in at 155 pounds, benching 115 and squatting 175. Going into senior year, at the peak of my athletic training I was benching 295 and squatting 375. I did all of that after I had accummulated 40 pounds of muscle over the previous three years. It is proven over and over again, that Coach Mills is a top notch trainer. Not only for weight training, but also life and character lessons. He has been an excellent role model for me, and I know that the things he has taught me over the past four years will help me in every aspect of life after high school. Nothing but high praise should be awarded to Coach Mills! Best class I ever had!

Adam Ferrell and The School of Strength

By Adam Ferrell / Greenwood, IN, USA

I cannot even begin to explain how much Coach Mills has impacted my life not only physically, but spiritually. I remember telling Coach just two years ago what my three main goals were. They were to 1) glorify God, 2) to get bigger, faster, and stronger, 3) and to win state in the high hurdles. I was only able to meet two of those goals (1 & 2) but not because of Mills. Within the course of training I gained 30 pounds (160 to 190), and became MUCH stronger and faster. Throughout these past couple of years there have been days where I just did not feel like training at all. I just wanted to be lazy, the very person Coach does not want in his weight room. But on these days he would always push me to strive to become better at not only lifting but at everything I do. I compare this to reading my Bible, even on days when I don't feel like doing it, I remember that I am called to absolute greatness, and Mills has helped me to realize this truth.

In our weight room Coach has this quote on the wall that reads: "If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do...The body is not tired if the mind is not tired." -General George S. Patton. Honestly, this quote, and others on the wall including Proverbs 24:5, have helped me while training. Coach has never really said anything to us about these banners on the wall but I know he lives by them. He wants to be a great human and I believe he knows this comes from knowing God and being everything He created us to be. Mills has taught me so much about being strong both physically and spiritually and fighting battles even when it hurts. When my body tells me to stop, my mind says to keep going; to keep getting bigger, faster, and stronger. My mind tells me to keep pursuing a healthy life and body. These same principles can be used in the spiritual and that's why having Coach Mills as my training coach has pushed me to strive for greatness and excellence. Mills has been such an influence in my life and has truly influenced the course of my life in some aspects. I thank God for him and will miss being a part of the Center Grove School of Strength.

O'rion Elder's Instructor Review

By Orion Elder / Greenwood, IN, USA

Summer before freshman year:

Weight:180, Bench:185, Squat:220, Clean:160

End of Senior Year

Weight:210, Bench:315, Squat:405, Clean:270

My career at Center Grove High School has been an awesome one for many reasons. All of them leading back to one man, Marty Mills. I am a football player and a track athlete in the spring. When you think of a weightlifting coach you think of someone who stands in the corner and to get a good grade your max in each lift has to go up a certain number. Mr. Mills is the opposite. Coach Mills, as well as teaching us to lift, also teaches us simple lifts and eating habits that we can use for the rest of our lives. He runs his weight room different than any high school, maybe even college, in the state. We do a variety of lifts and finishers that physically drain us but make us stronger than we have ever been. I have never met a man so dedicated to one goal, which is making all of his students stronger and better at their sport of choice. Besides being here every day, he also, instructs a Kettlebell boot camp for the parents or anyone who signs up, before school! As well as the boot camps, Mr. Mills takes weekend trips to study up on Kettlebell lifts and meet the men that started Kettlebell lifting. As you can see from my numbers i have come a long way since freshman year. Mr. Mills has devoted so much time to his players since I’ve been here and he has never let up or not expected us to do any less than our best. In result of myself getting stronger and playing better on the field because of it, I have received a football scholarship to the University of Indianapolis to play in the fall of 2012. On top of all of his school duties, Mr. Mills also has a family that he provides for. His oldest daughter is a tremendous lifter, and his son is an excellent wrestler. Coach Mills is an excellent coach, teacher, and man. Being around him for 4 and half years i can truthfully say that and mean it.

Marty Mills is the man.

Parker Radecki / Greenwood, USA

Before I had instruction from Mills, weighlifting was non-existant to me. I had never benched, squated, cleaned, or anything before; i was the typical scrawny soccer player. After 4 years of this program, I am still considered a skinny soccer player by weightlifting standards. However, through this program and Coach Mills' instruction I have learned how to lift, become faster and stronger, and gained over 50 pounds along the way. Mills teaching has influenced me more than any other teacher and not only taught me how to be a better athlete but also a better man.

Marty Mills School of Strength

By Jared Williams / Greenwood, USA

Marty Mills is a very rigorous and challenging instructor. He pushes you to your limits and doesnt stop until you reach your full potential. Then he challenges you even more to become not only physically strong but mentally strong as well. I have become an all around better person because of the training that he has put me through.

Christian Thomas' senior review

By Christian Thomas / Greenwood, 'Mer-ca!!!

Before freshman year:
Bench- 80
Squat-120
Clean- 135
Deadlift- 150
Weight- 135

End of senior year:
Bench- 245
Squat- 235
Clean- 200
Deadlift- 360
Weight- 180

Throughout my high school career i started at Whiteland Community High School and the coach there was unable to help me the way Coach Mills has done in the past three years that i have gone to CG. My favorite lift that he has taught me to do is the Olympic Ring leg raise/dip, this lift is very technical and requires a great amount of strength and balance to be able to do. I feel that any who comes into the weight room and trains under the influence of Coach Mills, will leave a totally different person both physically and mentally because Mills demands physical excelence and respect from all in the room.

Marty Mills Lifting Coach

By Alex Berg / Greenwood, United States of America

Entering high school as a freshman I weighed 115 pounds. Throughout the course of high school I learned, from Coach Mills how to become a better person, a better lifter, and a better athlete. Now as a Senior I gained 65 pounds of muscle. In the beginning I would merely go through the motions and did not really care. Towards the end of my high school career I became much more intense and inspired by Coach Mills. This man has inspired me to be a great person and a great lifter. His high expectations pushed me to become the best I can be. As a result of Coach Mills's high expectations I more than doubled the weight on each and every lift I learned. I really appreciate his time and dedication to the young men and women of this high school and community.

Coach Marty Mills lifting instructing

By Matt McPherson / Greenwood, United States of America

Coming in as a freshman, I was a tiny kid with little to no muscle at all. I had had some lifting experience but none compared to the work out regimate I went through when I began with Coach Mills. Coach Mills had a strict lifting routine that he knew would put muscle on us quickly. However, not only did it put solid muscle on, it also gave me flexibility and a strong core. Kettlebells helped me develop a strong core, gain strength, and increase flexibility. I have put on at least 45 pounds of hard muslce thanks to the strict and guided intructing of Coach Mills. The hard work I put into this lifting program, increased my ability to play baseball at a higher level than before. I had so much more strength and flexibility to be a much better baseball player.

Coach Mill's Influence

By Helena Bomber / Bargersville, United States

I have grown, physically and mentally, since the beginning of my freshmen year thanks to Coach Mills. Being an athelete has always been important to me and has made me a competetive person. Coach Mills has allowed me to be a winner and future collegiate athelete with his intense workouts and influential personality. His passion and knowledge for strengthening and bettering himself has given me motivation to be able to train independently and successfully in college and afterwards.

Mills is the Best Trainer in the World

By Joe Reed / Greenwood, USA

My freshman year I came into Center Grove high school as a scrawny 165 lb boy. I benched pressed 95 lbs and had never truly lifted in my life. I played basketball and averaged 1.9 points a game and 1.3 rebounds. I began training with Coach Mills everyday and it has helped me improve every aspect of my body physically and mentally. I now weigh 215 lbs and can bench press 275 lbs. My senior year I averaged 21 points per game and was third best rebounder in the state at 11.5 rpg. I'm now an all-state player in basketball in one of the best states in the nation for it. I have a D1 full ride scholarship to IPFW and i can contribute this to Coach Mills and the weightlifting program he put me on. Coach Mills has molded me into the man that I am now and I appreciate everything he has done for me.

Best in the Country

By Andy Ponder / Greenwood, USA

Coach Mills can take any kid and turn them into a champion weight lifter. As a freshman I could only bench 85 lbs, clean 65 lbs, and squat 145 lbs. Now I'm benching 275 lbs, cleaning 245 lbs, and squatting over 350 lbs. The only thing you have to do to become a better lifter is to work hard and pay attention to Coach Mills.

Best Strength Coach

By Haley Townsend / Greenwood, United States

Coach Marty Mills is by far the BEST weightlifting coach I could ever imagine. He always has the most innovative and effective lifts and equipment for the best results. I have never met an individual more passionate or educated about what he does. Coach Mills lives and breathes the art of weightlifting and strength building. From the dozens of kettlebell exercises, to rings, ropes, and sleds, every lift is a full-body excerise. Not only have I improved in pure strength, but my flexibility, coordination, and endurance have all drastically improved as well because of the wide variety of lifting options specialized for each individual in their respective sports. My reflexes for swimming have increased in speed as well due to the various fast-twitch muscle lifts incorporated into the daily workouts. I NEVER experience any joint, back, or additional pain aside from soreness because Coach Mills has taught me how to lift properly with the best results. Strength has contributed to an extremely large part of my success in swimming! I started out my freshman year hardly making the Sectional team for Center Grove. My sophmore year I won sectionals and made it to state. My junior year I made it to state finals, and my senior year I made individual All-State. I remember hardly being able to bench press the bar when i came to Center Grove High School, and man was my technique awful! I can now bench press 135 lbs without a problem, and that only scratches the surface at how much I've improved because of Coach Mills. Words cannot describe how phenomenal Coach Mills is and how much he has contributed to my athletic success. I am proudly planning to swim at the collegiate level next year (I never expected to ever be able to swim in college). I have met various strength coaches during my recruiting trips that coach at the collegiate level and not one has even come close to the level of Coach Mills. I do not have one negative remark or criticism of Coach Mills. He is the school of strength boss, and I wish he could be my strength coach in college too! Everyone should have the chance to work with Coach Mills at the Kettlebell Bootcamps! He does an absolute amazing job, and I can't thank him enough for all of his hard work.

Coach Mills is the Best in the Country

By Brent Kamer / Greenwood, USA

Mills

By Siara Chupp / Greenwood, United States

Mills is one of very passionate about everything and everyone in the weight room. He is encouraging and is sure to tell you what you are doing right and wrong to better your performance. He has developed an amazing program that I recommend everyone experience.

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School of Strength Graduates