CrossFit Kids is a program that uses workouts that consist of constantly varied, functional movements that deliver a fitness that is broad, inclusive, general, and scalable for any participant at any level.
CrossFit Kids is not a scaled down version of CrossFit, it is entirely absolutely CrossFit that is geared and designed for a special population and the specific developmental (neurological, cognitive, motor) needs of that population.
CrossFit Kids combines gymnastics, body weight calisthenics, and weightlifting elements to develop capacity across ten general physical skills: (1) cardio-respiratory endurance, (2) power, (3) strength, (4) stamina, (5) speed, (6) agility, (7) flexibility, (8) balance, (9) accuracy, and (10) coordination. Additional elements that encourage bone density development cross body movements and exercises that involve the vestibular and proprioceptive systems are also incorporated. Children and Teens have a greater opportunity (relative to adults) to maximize their physical skills when exposed to this stimulus during years of peak development. The elements are combined to keep children engaged and entertained, while teaching them proper movement technique and creating broad athletic foundation. For CrossFit Kids, it is imperative to pair fitness and fun to create a lifelong love of health and fitness for our children.
CrossFit Kids is an evolving program, where new concepts are investigated, implemented, and evaluated. CrossFit Kids is a progressive program offering classes in the following age groups: 1) Preschool (3-5 years), Kids (6-12years), Teens (13-17 years). Following this teenagers matriculate into adult CrossFit classes. The class structure across the age groups is generally the same. Preschool and Kids classes include a Warm Up, Skill Work, Workout, and an exercise game. Teen classes are similar, but sometimes include post workout study.
3 Benefits Kids Gain from CrossFit:
- 1. Physical Benefits:
- Fosters proper developmental skills
- Neurological
- Cognition
- Motor Skills
- 2. Emotional Benefits:
- Sportsmanship
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Attention
- Self Discipline
- Manners
- Confidence
- 3. Lifestyle Changes:
- More likely to keep fitness as a priority in life
- Become more Independent
The benefits of a program like CrossFit Kids can be vital for children physically, mentally, and emotionally. CrossFit Kids is a great program for children to get involved in at any age. At CrossFit Conway, we coach kids from ages 3-17. At the younger ages, CrossFit develops their bodies across a broad range of skills. By exposing them to a variety of elements, their bodies adapt and develop both physically and neurologically. As teenagers, CrossFit is a fun and efficient program for young athletes to develop strength, coordination, and a conditioning foundation they need to excel in their sport of choice.
One of the coolest things as a CrossFit coach is when a whole family ends up working out together. We have numerous families who are members of CrossFit Conway. So when you bring your children to checkout a CrossFit class, you might want to check one out yourself. Sharing a love for fitness can provide important time for your family to bond and ensure you and your family more healthy and happy
years together.
Our nutrition goal with kids isn’t to get them on the zone, but to get them to think and make good choices about what they eat. It is important to teach them very basic concepts, sugar is bad, protein is good and you need to eat some in every meal. We promote a balanced diet of 30% protein, 40% healthy carbohydrates, and 30% healthy fat. Nuts and seeds are good fats. Eat them, don’t avoid them. Pasta, white bread, potatoes, and white rice are not that good for you, stuff that’s red, yellow, green and found in the fruit and vegetable aisle is good for you. Eat a lot of it.
Look at your plate, make a fist, eat that much meat every meal; turn your hand over and fill it with nuts and seeds, eat that much good fat, fill the rest of your plate with stuff you found in the fruit and vegetable aisle. Fill your plate this way at every meal, don’t eat more.
It is important for the kids to be on time to class
Athletes need to wear proper tennis shoes No Flip Flops
Clothing: Make sure clothing is suitable for workouts as classes are coed and we want to promote modesty with our children.
We encourage our parents to watch; however, parents please do not interfere with classes as we want to facilitate independence in health/fitness with CrossFit kids.
CrossFit Kids is NOT A DAYCARE it is a Fitness program. As a result if your child cannot participate according to the rules he/she will be pulled from class and you will be responsible for your child at that time.
Weightlifting is both safe and beneficial for children when properly supervised.
-Policy Statement of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. 2009. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23 (5): 560-579. August
Kids & Weightlifting: Dispelling the Myths. 2008. CrossFit Kids Magazine (CFKM), 27. February -PDF Link
The inherent Responsibilities of training Children and Teens -PDF Link
More info can also be found at CrossFit.com and CrossFitKids.com
3 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Try CrossFit
As a parent you are constantly challenged with the daunting taks of selecting an activity/activities in which to enroll your child. Sports, gymnastics, dance, or martial arts? And of course there is school as well. Kids have a lot going on these days and they also have their own opinions about things as well. As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and a Trainer, we have worked with kids of all ages in CrossFit and daily living skills, we can tell you there are a multitude of reasons why this program can improve the overall health and fitness of your children. CrossFit can be instrumental in creating a great foundation for your kids to excel in other sports and also to develop them into healthy fit individuals.
