At the Heavy Breathing Foundation, we believe strength should be accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford a gym membership. That’s why we take donated equipment and put it where it matters most: in the heart of our community.

From transitional housing to youth programs, we’ve made it our mission to bring the gift of strength training into spaces where it can have the biggest impact.

Weight Piles With Purpose

We partner with organizations like schools, Retread Housing, and Urban Street Angels to build weight piles. These are basic but powerful setups of donated barbells, dumbbells, racks, and plates. These are community anchors where young people and adults can:

• Relieve stress in a healthy, positive way.

• Build discipline and confidence rep by rep.

• Find mentorship, structure, and community in safe environments.

Why It Matters

For someone living in transitional housing or recovering from trauma, a barbell isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a tool for healing. It’s proof they can get stronger—physically, mentally, emotionally—one rep at a time.

Every rack we assemble, every plate we drop on the floor, is a reminder: strength is for everyone.

How You Can Help

This work takes muscle, logistics, and resources. You can get involved by:

• Donating Equipment: New or gently used gear gets put straight to use in the community.

• Volunteering Your Time: Help us haul, deliver, and set up weight piles where they’re needed. Learn more here.

• Funding the Effort: Contributions help cover transportation, U-Haul rentals, and supplies so we can keep building up communities across San Diego.

Together, We’re Stronger

By supporting this work, you’re helping create safe spaces where strength, confidence, and resilience can grow. One weight pile at a time, we’re building more than gyms—we’re building futures.