As we prepare for the addition of a CrossFit Kids program at our box, I’m sure many of you are wondering “What exactly is CrossFit Kids?”

You’re probably asking yourself these questions too:

• Isn’t weightlifting at a young age bad for you?
• Is it dangerous?
• What ages are allowed to participate?

CrossFit Kids is exactly what you think. It’s a way to teach children the importance of fitness, focusing on the principles of mechanics and consistency before intensity. It’s a way to show kids that exercise doesn’t have to be a drag, but that it can be fun! Most importantly, it’s a way to provide an active alternative to a sedentary lifestyle, which will help to combat childhood obesity and means better health for our future.

CrossFit Kids is designed to provide B.I.G. fun; Broad-Inclusive-General fun! It has a huge emphasis on proper movement and good, consistent mechanics (just like CrossFit for adults does). The program is scalable for the varying ages (3-18 years old) and experience levels, and will take into account the vast difference in maturity between a third grader and a sophomore football player. Their needs are the same, to move properly and functionally for everyday challenges. It’s the degree of those needs that will be adjusted when programming for the two.

Can weightlifting be dangerous for kids? Sure. Weightlifting can be dangerous for anyone when not performed with proper mechanics and techniques, and in an unsafe environment. Now, that doesn’t mean that your 4 year old will be doing heavy power cleans. As instructors, it is our job to determine the physical and mental maturity of the child and determine a proper workout. CrossFit Kids will have a heavy emphasis on bodyweight and gymnastics skills, coupled with strength training when appropriate.

So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your child active and give them a healthy lifestyle, CrossFit Kids is the perfect solution! Think about how much you enjoy coming to the box. It’s time to share that same joy with our children. We strive to make the box a friendly environment for the entire family!

Before you go, check out this amazing CrossFit Kids program in Long Island, providing a fun form of fitness to those with different needs:

Source: https://kids.crossfit.com/