Strengths Gym is an innovative and fun way to encourage children to learn about and grow their inner strengths of character. Character strengths are our greatest sources of potential growth. Their development not only protects us from the negative effects of stress but also enables personal growth and well-being.

Strengths Gym is based on the VIA Classification of character strengths. Therefore, there is one lesson for each of the 24 VIA strengths.

Strengths Gym is intended to be a flexible program. Therefore, for each strength, there is a variety of activities to choose from. Activities also vary in how long they take to do. For example, some activities can be completed in a matter of minutes or seconds, whereas others may take hours.

Each lesson includes strengths exercises, in-class activities, philosophical discussion questions, a story demonstrating the strength, and real-world homework exercises.

Strengths Gym is based on a three-level learning process. The first level is designed to facilitate a general understanding of strengths and the development of a strengths vocabulary. The second level is designed to facilitate strengths identification and use of one’s own strengths. The third level is designed to facilitate recognition and identification of the use of strengths by others.

All exercises and activities included in Strengths Gym can be completed solitarily, in pairs, or in groups.