22 Jun Getting down with the Kids
By Tara Smith (Trainer CrossFit 121)
At CrossFit 121, we have developed our CrossFit kids class to ensure a safe and exciting environment for children between the ages of 5 and 15. Our aim is to have fun and learn the importance of functional fitness. We strongly believe that functional exercise for children is important as it serves as a precursor to resistance training in adulthood, helping to build overall body strength from a young age. CrossFit kids will help teach children to use their body to its fullest potential, building a strong foundation for fitness, whilst at the same time, creating an awareness of the long term health benefits of undertaking an exercise regime. Let’s face it, with the rise in obesity levels and the influx of new screen based technologies vying for our children’s attention, this has never been more important!
Classes are carefully programmed to include functional exercises which simulate real-life body movements such as squatting, running, jumping, throwing, pulling and lifting. These movements are proven to boost all areas of fitness from endurance and strength to flexibility and coordination. This helps to improve your child’s overall physical capability which is often translated into other sports and hobbies of choice, whether this be basketball, netball or footy.
As with adults, children have varying physical capabilities and this is acknowledged and managed by the experienced trainers at CrossFit 121 through structured programming. Maria Hogan, owner of CrossFit 121 holds a bachelor in Applied Science (Physical Education) and a Diploma of Education (Secondary teaching) so is instrumental in ensuring classes are designed to get the best out of your children. Children are encouraged and motivated regardless of their level, and all achievements big and small are celebrated with the aim of increasing levels of self-esteem. There are two trainers present at each class to ensure adequate attention and guidance is given to each individual and programming is centred on high repetition sets of functional movements, incorporating body or lower weight exercises that can be scaled according to ability.
Seeing the children learn new skills, whether it be Olympic lifting or a new gymnastic movement is inspirational to watch. Children tend to have a greater capacity to learn than their parents, which is why it is important to tap into this early and start them on their fitness journey from a young age. They have not yet been exposed to the pressures of adult life which can often see reduced mobility, strength and motivation.
CrossFit 121 currently runs two kids classes aimed at children between the ages of 5-13 and 9-15 years. Each class takes into account the natural variation in levels of concentration and capability. By keeping the classes constantly varied and interesting we keep the kids excited to learn and engaged. New skills are introduced in a fun way whether this be through relay races, swinging from the monkey bars or playing skin the cat on the rings. We show them that exercise can be fun as well as important!
As a mum of two myself and a trainer at CrossFit 121; I love being a positive role model to my Children. CrossFit kids has taught them new skills, resilience and the importance of being fit and healthy! And they love it!
We actively encourage family involvement and this has resulted in a strong community of clients and their families alike. Exposing children at a young age to exercise by either participating in it themselves, or by watching mum or dad throw down in the gym or a local competition, can only be a positive step in helping to shape our future generation.
For further information please contact Maria Hogan PH:0438 220 040 or Email: chris@crossfit121.com.au
