5 /5 JJ: Crossfit for Kids ages 8-12
Our 9 month and continuing experience:
*Free trial class--why not? Contact her, and she will be glad to set you up(we did it this way!). My friend had seen the class advertised on Facebook. Parents are able to sit and watch the entire class during every class.
*PEP homeschool scholarship fully reimburses for Crossfit for Kids! Extremely affordable even if not reimbursed(and I have 3 kids in class)!
*Classes offered 4 days a week after school(Mon/Tues/Thurs/Friday) allows flexibility with our schedule. You can come whatever days work best for you. Classes are not based on what was learned the class before. She always teaches as if its the first time theyre learning something, so it makes new kids not feel "behind" or out of place and kids that have been out of town or sick not feel behind.
*Careful instruction is given while she explains and they watch, then Coach Sommer shows them while she does the exercises with them. She then often breaks them into smaller groups to do sets(a set of 2-3 different exercises rotated), where she observes and gives tactful, helpful instruction so they can be confident in doing the exercises correctly. It definitely keeps them safe.
*Genuine verbal encouragement is given by Coach Sommer as the kids do their sets. She sets the atmosphere to be team-centered. So the kids that are trying hard stay encouraged. The kids encourage one another. I like that!
*The adult Crossfit exercises are modified for the kids. Yes, this is "real" exercise and not "just" a PE/gym class(no offense to PE Instructors; they do wonderful things as well). I wish this had been available when I was a kid. It really lays a great foundation to launch them into adult life with exercising being a huge part of their lives.
*Examples of some of the exercises: rowing machine, jump rope, weight lifting techniques using PVC pipes(safe but effective), burpees, lunges, bear crawls, inchworm, box get overs, ring rows, squats, kettlebell and dumbbell exercises(kettlebell swing and deadlifts, etc.), weighted exercise balls, pull-up bar, safety mat for safe sit-ups, and core workouts.
*My youngest son struggled with horrible "growing pains" that were diagnosed after a lot of testing. After starting Crossfit months ago, I can say he maybe only wakes up once every so often in the middle of the night with pain as opposed to several times a week. The stretches and exercises he does appropriately stretch the hamstring muscles, relieving him of pain.
*Strength-training for kids has to be done safely due to growth plates. Coach Sommer has special certification for instructing kids and ensuring that they learn how to do exercises safely and effectively.
*She instills good character traits such as integrity, grit, and endurance.
*A fun game is played at the end to reward them for hard work. My kids love this and Popsicle Friday the most.
*A clean environment is helpful for everyone. Sommer keeps the equipment disinfected after each use.
We are truly thankful for Crossfit 1075 and all Sommer does!!!
