The other day I was chatting with some members and they were saying how they come to the gym but don’t necessarily like to work out. They want to be fit to do the things in life they want. They have adventures planned for bike trips or hikes or a multitude of activities but coming and doing what sometimes feels like a grind is just not exciting. Being at the gym isn’t always fun, especially if you are feeling tired but we know we feel better after we work out. 

As a youth coach, keeping it fun is really important to keeping them engaged and wanting to do more. When it’s fun the kids will work harder, and get fit and not even realize the impact it is having on their muscles and brain!

This past week, I took some time to move away from traditional CrossFit style classes and had the JV’s do a move a heavy object class and a race against the clock obstacle carry. 

As a team they had to move objects in the gym from the platform over to a corner. It included items such as boxes, plates, med balls and anything else they wanted. They picked light things and heavier items like a 45# plate. What was funny to me was the kid who picked the 45# plate, I don’t think is 45# himself! But he could roll it. 

Some items required teamwork and they all had to communicate with each other. On the outside looking in it definitely looked like chaos and I was just wrangling cats but they kids were having a blast. The first round took over 4 minutes to move everything. I was, I think you can do better. The second round they shaved off more than a minute. They were sweaty, smiling and laughing and having a great time. The equipment they moved was not light. Let’s just call this Functional Fun Fitness! 

The biggest problem for the coach is that I can’t make all classes like that, so I will return to a little more of a grind less chaotic fun but including a game at the end of class always helps. 

I laughed at one point on Tuesday when Coach Spice and Savitar were watching. I’m sure they think I’m completely crazy!

The best part is I get to play too and have fun. I said last night to the Elev8 class. Best job I’ve ever had!

Whether it’s Family Fit or Varsity or Junior Varsity or Homeschool PE, bringing play into the class is always a win!

For more information on the Empower Youth Fitness and Development program go out to our webpage! Empower Youth Classes

See you at the gym! -OG


Thursday Workout

Complete as many reps as possible in 12 minutes of:

3 burpees to a 6-inch target

3 GHD sit-ups

6 burpees to a 6-inch target

6 GHD sit-ups

9 burpees to a 6-inch target

9 GHD sit-ups

… Continue to add 3 reps to each exercise until time expires.