The School of Strength is a unique Strength and Conditioning gym located in Greenwood, IN. We offer adult group fitness classes, Russian Kettlebell instruction, and sports performance classes for athletes.
🚨 Exciting News for Center Grove Students! 🚨
***ALL STUDENT CLASSES ARE SOLD OUT FOR FALL!!!
2024 “FUTURES” LIFTING
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR Elementary AND Middle School Students
Coach Mills is excited to announce the upcoming Strength and Performance
Sessions at Center Grove High School! 💪
To accommodate everyone's busy schedules, we have SIX available timeslots
each week. You need to sign up online and register for the timeslot you will
attend the most. But don't worry, you can attend any TWO sessions per week that
work best for you!
📅 Available
Timeslots:
1. Tuesday 3:05pm,
starting October 22nd
2. Tuesday 5:00pm,
starting October 22nd
3. Thursday 3:05pm,
starting October 24th
4. Thursday 5:00pm,
starting October 24th
5. Friday 5:00pm,
starting October 25th
6. Sunday 5:00pm,
starting October 27th
Sign up and register for your preferred primary timeslot here 👉
While you register for one primary timeslot, feel free to join any two of
the six sessions each week. This way, you can choose what fits best with your
schedule!
Got questions? Need more info? Don't hesitate to reach out.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Marty Mills
Center Grove High School Strength Coach
October / November / December 2024
ALL STUDENT CLASSES ARE SOLD OUT!!!
M/W/F
5:30-6:15AM, Saturday
8-9AM, Sunday
5-6PM
October 7 - December 29
Middle School starting 11 years old
1hr (10/22/24 - 12/19/24)
Middle
School 2-Day (Tuesday, Thursday)
T/Th -3:05PM, Start Date Tuesday October 22
Middle
School starting 11 years old 1hr (10/25/24 - 12/20/24)
Middle
School 2-Day (Friday, Sunday)
F/Sun - 5PM, Start Date Friday October 25
Middle School starting 11 years old 45min (10/22/24 - 12/19/24)
2-Day (Tuesday, Thursday)
T/Th 5PM, Start Date Tuesday October 22
Elementary starting 7 years old 45min (10/22/24 - 12/19/24)
2-Day (Tuesday, Thursday)
T/Th 5PM, Start Date Tuesday October 22
Elementary starting 7 years old 45min (10/25/24 - 12/20/24)
Elementary
2-Day (Friday, Sunday)
F/Sun - 5PM, Start Date Friday October 25
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY
CGHS Weight Room – Enter through door 8 by the SAC
Mastering the Fundamentals: The Philosophy of Marty Mills
When it comes to strength and conditioning, Marty Mills has one primary focus: mastering the fundamentals. As the Director of Strength and Performance at Center Grove High School and owner of The School of Strength LLC, Marty believes that excellence is built upon doing simple things savagely well. His mantra is clear: “Brilliant with the basics.” It’s not about complicated or flashy exercises; it’s about flawless execution of the essentials.
Technique Matters
At The School of Strength, Marty and his team emphasize technique above all else. Their training revolves around the idea of rep integrity and rep discipline. Every rep is treated as a reflection of an athlete’s character—something to be done with focus and pride. As Marty often says, “Each rep is your reputation. You should take great pride in every single rep that you do and hold it to the highest standard possible!” This relentless attention to detail drives home a powerful message: mastery comes from discipline.
In Marty’s words, “Results always tell the truth.” No matter how much weight is lifted or how many reps are completed, it means little if the athlete sacrifices form. At The School of Strength, they never prioritize heavier weights or extra reps at the cost of proper technique. Their simple training philosophy, done with savage levels of execution, energy, and enjoyment, drives incredible results.
The Myth of Fatigue: Chasing Productivity, Not Exhaustion
One key aspect of Marty’s philosophy is his avoidance of unnecessary fatigue. Many coaches may push athletes to exhaustion, believing that fatigue equals progress, but Marty disagrees. Quoting famed coach Yuri Verkhoshansky, he reminds us that “Any idiot can make another idiot tired.” In his view, fatigue is not the same as improvement. When an athlete perceives fatigue, their ability to respond to training diminishes. That’s why he emphasizes planned rest, which allows for full recovery, optimal output, and ultimately, better results.
“Rest,” Marty insists, “ensures you’re actually training speed, strength, and power.” By backing off when fatigue sets in, he protects the athletes’ performance, ensuring they are not just busy but truly productive. This intentional approach leads to long-term athletic success.
No Conditioning or Endurance Training
Marty’s weightlifting program doesn’t include conditioning for a very specific reason: the focus is on building power, strength, and explosiveness. Here’s why endurance conditioning is counterproductive in their program:
- Reduces Vertical Jump Power & Explosive Speed
- Decreases Fast-Twitch Fiber Activation (the muscle fibers responsible for explosive movements)
- Converts Fast Muscle Fibers to Slow Twitch (leading to reduced power and speed)
The priority is clear: develop athletes to perform at their peak with strength and explosive power, not endurance. By maintaining this focus, athletes maximize their potential without compromising their explosive capabilities.
Environment Is Everything: Building Unbreakable Athletes
At The School of Strength, the training environment is everything. Marty’s goal is to build unbreakable athletes—athletes who are more durable, more resilient, and harder to break. His training methodology revolves around three core pillars: lifting, jumping, and sprinting.
- Lift to increase strength, tissue resilience, and support the development of other qualities.
- Jump to build vertical force and power.
- Sprint to develop force, power, and velocity.
This holistic approach doesn’t just build strength; it builds better athletes. Marty’s athletes not only get stronger but also faster, more explosive, and better at their sport. “If you got stronger but didn’t get faster, jump higher, or improve your sport,” Marty asserts, “then you didn’t get stronger.”
The Power of Simplicity
Marty is clear: while simple training may not be flashy, it works. In a world filled with complex programs and endless exercises, Marty focuses on a few essential movements done consistently and at a high level of execution. The structure of his athletes’ training sessions is straightforward:
- Get Fast/Explosive: Exercises like box squats, dumbbell jumps, sleds and kettlebell swings.
- Get Strong: Heavy variations of bench presses, squats, and deadlifts.
- Get Jacked: Higher-volume exercises to build muscle mass and fitness.
Every session, year-round, is built on this foundation of speed, strength, and muscle development.
Love What You Do, Love Where You Train
At the core of Marty’s program is a deep love for the work itself. He strives to create an environment where athletes thrive, not only because of the physical results they achieve but because of the experience they have. “It’s all about loving what you do, loving where you work, and loving who you get to be around,” he says. Marty wants every athlete who steps into the Center Grove weight room to leave with positive memories and a sense of accomplishment. His program is designed to give every student an opportunity to get better—every single day.
In the end, Marty Mills is not just training athletes—he’s shaping them into disciplined, resilient, and unbreakable competitors. By focusing on the fundamentals, avoiding unnecessary fatigue, and fostering a love for training, Marty has created a system that doesn’t just build stronger athletes but builds better human beings. At The School of Strength, every rep counts, and every athlete leaves stronger—both physically and mentally.
Celebrating Carrie Mills: A Strength Coach Extraordinaire
Today, we want to give a huge shoutout to the one and only Carrie Mills, who has been the backbone of our strength and conditioning program at Center Grove High School since 2015. For nearly a decade, Carrie has dedicated herself to training our student-athletes, coaching every sport, and guiding hundreds of kids through their first weightlifting experiences. Her influence has reached far beyond the weight room, impacting not only the athletes but the entire CG community, from ages 7 to 70!
During her time at CGHS, Carrie played a crucial role in our football team's 4 State Championships, 6 Semi-State Titles, and numerous other victories across all sports. Her hard work and dedication were recognized with the Outstanding Service Award in 2018, but her legacy is etched in every championship, every athlete she has coached, and every life she has touched.
Carrie, thank you for being an extraordinary coach, mentor, and role model. Your impact will be felt for generations to come. 🏅💪 #ThankYouCarrie #CGProud #StrengthAndConditioning #Legacy
MEASURED RESULTS
As the Strength Coach for Center Grove High School for over 20 years, Marty Mills has trained athletes who have gone on to achieve All-State honors, state championships, and even college and professional success. His strength and speed program focuses on making athletes faster, stronger, and more explosive—crucial for excelling in sports. At The School of Strength, we specialize in training athletes from elementary school through high school. We also prepare athletes for college combines. With over 23 years of experience at Center Grove High School, we understand what it takes to build speed, strength, and agility.
OUR METHODS
The School of Strength isn’t for everyone. We take a unique approach, focusing on developing well-rounded athletes rather than just building bulk. Our training is designed to push you beyond your limits, ensuring that you don’t settle for anything less than your full potential. Training with us is challenging, but the results speak for themselves.
SPEED
Our athletes consistently see significant improvements in their speed. Many have shaved a full second off their 40-yard dash time in less than a year. We use the same electronic/laser timing systems as the NFL Combine to ensure accuracy, and we test each athlete at the end of every month to track progress.
JUMP TRAINING
Jumping ability is a combination of strength and the rate of force production. While technical tweaks can provide immediate gains, sustained improvement requires a dedicated program of strength and explosive training. At The School of Strength, it’s common for athletes to see over 10 inches of improvement in their vertical jump within a year.
STRENGTH
Strength is the foundation of all athletic movements. The stronger your base, the higher your potential for explosive power. Our athletes progress through various phases, with ongoing assessments and technique adjustments to ensure maximum results. We continually monitor and refine your program to meet your specific needs and goals.
Built at CG
Carson Steeles Nickname From His Days At Center Grove High School Is ‘War Horse’: “I've known Carson since he was a little kid. Glad to see he is becoming a fan favorite. Here are a few things I know about him.
In the weight room he will be one of the strongest non-lineman in the league. Kid is a monster with an unreal work ethic.
On the field he is exactly what you have seen. He won't have any 80 yard TD runs but he's not slow. His hip flexibility is better than people think, his vision is great, but most of all he is a bruiser. He always falls forward. Always.
Watch the expressions of the guys who tackle him. It hurts to tackle him. He has great hands out of the backfield. If they ever release him and he catches a ball in open field he will flat out terrorize the DBs who have to tackle him.
He is a way above average blocker, and when he played for me he was a great tackler. Call it contact courage. He has it in abundance. In fact one of our biggest challenges was getting him to run around people in open field. His preference is to steamroll anybody in his path.
Off the field you have a kid living his dream. He is a genuine, God-fearing young man who has a heart as big as his muscles. Back home he spends every opportunity in the youth football program where he played. He gets swamped by kids wanting autographs and he will sign every one with an ear-to-ear grin. He has a boyish charm that is captivating.
Oh, and his first nickname is War Horse. If you've seen the movie you understand.
You got a steal by getting him as a undrafted free agent but, likewise, he landed on the best possible team for his talents.
Works for Any Sport And Any Age🏆 🏀 ⚽️🎾🏐🏈⚾️🥎🏋🏻♀️🏋️♂️🤼♀️🏊♀️🏊♂️🥇👌🏻
At The School of Strength, we offer specialized training to boost your speed, strength, and explosive power, no matter what sport you play. Unlock your full athletic potential with us!
Football
Baseball
Basketball
Basketball players need to focus on strength, conditioning, and explosiveness to excel on the court. Training during preseason, in-season, and postseason is crucial for increasing and maintaining gains. At The School of Strength, we train athletes using functional strength techniques to enhance lateral speed, agility, endurance, vertical jump, and overall conditioning, helping them reach their true potential. Our jump training program is one of the most effective you'll find, designed to take your game to the next level.
Softball
Softball players, like their baseball counterparts, require a strength program that enhances their throwing and bat speed, along with their running and hitting power. At The School of Strength, we focus on improving a softball player's acceleration, overall performance, strength, explosiveness, speed, agility, flexibility, vertical jump, and power.
Wrestling
Wrestling involves a high level of anaerobic power and
endurance. With frequent bursts of movements, these athletes must be explosive and strong. We do not focus on building muscular size, but
strength to allow athletes to compete in their same weight class. SOS offers strength training, explosive training,
injury prevention, flexibility, and power.
SOCCER
Soccer players must have speed, agility, and explosive strength.
Soccer players are constantly changing their foot speed and direction. SOS works with soccer players to increase their strength to be able
to handle the constant movement changes without enduring injuries. Our programs
work on acceleration, agility, flexibility, interval training, verticals,
endurance, strength, and stamina.
LEADERS IN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
WHY SCHOOL OF STRENGTH?
At School of Strength, we measure what matters: speed, strength, and power. Our athletes undergo rigorous monthly assessments to track their progress and prove their results.
We prioritize performance over flash. In our gym, it’s all about the numbers.
Training without tracking is like working without getting paid. Our method ensures that every session counts, with real, measurable outcomes.
Warning: The atmosphere is intense. Our athletes create a competitive environment, fueling the energy and focus needed to push limits and achieve greatness.
With over two decades of experience, School of Strength has a proven track record of elevating athletes to their highest potential. We consistently measure vertical jump, sprint times (10yd, 20yd, 40yd), broad jump, agility, and even bar speed using cutting-edge technology.
WHAT SCHOOL OF STRENGTH OFFERS ATHLETES:
- Strength & Speed Gains
- Enhanced Power & Explosiveness
- Training That Translates to Sports Success
- Boosted Confidence
- Reduced Risk of Injury
We don’t offer quick fixes. The dedication cultivated in our weight room leads to lasting success on the field—and in life. Those willing to put in the work will see exceptional results.
Works for Any Sport And Any Age🏆 🏀 ⚽️🎾🏐🏈⚾️🥎🏋🏻♀️🏋️♂️🤼♀️🏊♀️🏊♂️🥇👌🏻
STRENGTH MATTERS.....IN EVERY SPORT!
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR Elementary AND Middle School ATHLETES!!!
Elementary School
starting
7 years old – 45min
(10/22/24 – 12/19/24)
Tues/Thurs -5pm
Start Date Tuesday, October 22
Elementary School
starting
7 years old – 45min
(10/25/24 – 12/20/24)
Fri/Sun -5pm
Start Date Friday, October 25
Middle School
starting 11 years old – 1hr
(10/22/24
– 12/19/24)
Tues/Thurs-3:05pm
Start Date Tuesday, October 22
Middle School
starting 11 years old – 1hr
(10/25/24
– 12/20/24)
Fri/Sun-5pm
Start Date Friday, October 25
Middle School
starting 11 years old – 45min
(10/22/24
– 12/19/24)
Tues/Thurs-5pm
Start Date Tuesday, October 22
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY
CGHS
Weight Room – Enter through door 8 by the SAC
We will be conducting a strength training program for Middle School and Elementary students after Summer Break.
The FUTURES lifting program is designed for athletes ages 7 years old through 14 and will give your young athlete a leg up on the
competition. Our emphasis is on teaching young athletes the fundamentals of
strength and conditioning in a safe learning environment. This program is 45-60
minutes in length, 2 days a week, and incorporates all elements of our High
School program modified for the younger athlete.
To participate in the FUTURES Lifting Program you must
pre-register by paying online. Walk-ins will not be allowed, and
space is limited. This class sells out early every session, so don’t
wait.
Time to get better!
Coach Mills
CENTER GROVE, ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL!!!
ATTENTION: Center Grove Elementary and Middle School Athletes and Parents |
| Carson starting training with me at age 6!!! |
University of Indianapolis
