Mission, History, and Values

Our Mission

The Heavy Breathing Foundation is dedicated to empowering at-risk and potentially at-risk individuals through physical culture and strength training. We connect participants with vital community resources, helping them achieve personal goals in a supportive, structured environment. By fostering discipline, accountability, and self-worth, we aim to build resilient individuals, strengthen community ties, and promote mental and physical well-being.

We provide youth programs that offer mentorship, physical training, and academic support, and adult programs that focus on personal growth, recovery, and reintegration. Through partnerships with local schools, community leaders, and organizations, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the North County San Diego community.

Our History

The Heavy Breathing Foundation was born out of lived experience. What started as a few donated weights in a driveway turned into something bigger: a movement to bring strength training into schools, transitional housing, and community spaces across San Diego.

We’ve seen firsthand how picking up a barbell can teach patience, consistency, honesty, and discipline—the same traits needed to rebuild a life. From early community projects to our flagship programs like the Tommy Gun Grant and school partnerships, HBF has grown into a nonprofit that carries a simple but powerful message:

You are stronger than you think. And we’ll prove it—one rep at a time.

Our Values

We don’t just teach strength. We live it. Our work is grounded in five core values:

  • Honesty – The courage to face yourself, your past, and your present with clear eyes.

  • Open-Mindedness – Willingness to learn new tools, new approaches, and new ways of living.

  • Willingness – Showing up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

  • Consistency – Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, day after day.

  • Patience – Real growth takes time, and every step forward counts.

These values shape our programs, our partnerships, and the way we show up in the community. They’re the blueprint for building stronger people and stronger futures.

Why It Matters

We know what’s at stake: kids at risk of falling into opioid abuse, adults fighting their way through recovery, families trying to build stability. By bringing strength training into these spaces, we’re not just building healthier bodies—we’re building stronger communities.

Your support brings strength training, mentorship, and opioid prevention programs into local schools.