For many of you who’ve watched the CrossFit Games, or even done a CrossFit “Workout of the Day,” the concept of CrossFit for children probably seems foreign. Just picture it — 11- and 13-year olds doing burpees, kettlebell swings and overhead presses to the point of exhaustion. Not only is the idea odd, it also seems implausible.
For Cassandra Poff, “implausible” just isn’t the case. Recently, the CrossFit instructor became certified to teach CrossFit to kids through a CrossFit Kids certification, and she will begin doing so July 1, 2013 at CrossFit Countdown in Ashland, Ky.
Of course, Poff won’t be forcing kids to do burpees to the point of exhaustion like the above imagery implies. Instead, through the certification, Poff learned how to translate CrossFit’s methodology so that it’s appropriate for children. “I learned how to teach CrossFit to kids so that it’s not only safe, but fun,” she said.
Poff’s CrossFit Kids certification covered a variety of topics including neurological development, weightlifting, programming, health, safety and more. In addition, Poff learned child-specific cues for foundational CrossFit movements, scaling, progressions and drills. “The certification taught us a bunch of games to play with the kids that incorporate exercise,” said Poff.
Poff explained that CrossFit for kids differs from the adult form through the lack of timing on when exercises should be completed. “There won’t be a time limit on the workouts,” said Poff. Instead, Poff will use her judgment to determine when the kids are getting tired and should move on to another exercise. “We want the kids to have fun and come back,” she said.
Poff searched out the CrossFit Kids certification after many CrossFit Countdown parents expressed that they wanted to see a CrossFit program made available to their children. “A lot of parents in the gym had been asking when we were going to start offering a kids program,” explained Poff.
The classes starting July 1 will be for kids ages five through 12, and will be held on Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Eventually, the club would like to add programming for teenagers as well. A demo will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013, for interested participants.
“We’re so excited, and the parents and their kids are too,” said Poff.
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
