Workout craze winning over young fitness fans

CrossFit, a high intensity workout that includes elements of interval training, weight lifting and gymnastics, has been winning over adult gym-goers in their droves and has now been specially adapted to help youngsters keep fit and healthy.

In CrossFit classes, children learn movements such as the squat, deadlift and pull-ups in the same way as adults. But instead of using barbells and kettlebells, they use their own bodyweight. Jeffrey E Biteng / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // Although keeping in shape can be a serious business for adults, young fitness fans are helping to bring an element of fun to the latest workout craze that is sweeping the UAE.

CrossFit – a high-intensity workout that includes elements of interval training, weight-lifting and gymnastics – has been winning over scores of adult gym members and has now been specially adapted to help youngsters keep fit and healthy.

“CrossFit Kids is similar to adults classes in many ways,” said Candice Howe, a co-founder of CrossFit LifeSpark in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Children are given a comprehensive warm-up and daily workout that always end with a game, unlike the adults, according to her.

The youngsters take part in two age groups for those aged five to 12 and 13 to 16, and learn movements such as the squat, deadlift and pull-ups in the same way as adults. But instead of barbells and kettlebells, the children use their own bodyweight. No more than 12 children take part in a class.

“The main difference comes with weight,” said Ms Howe.

“For most kids, bodyweight to minimal weight is sufficient and greater focus is always placed on movement.”

Aside from the obvious benefits of keeping active and healthy, the workout routines can also help to boost the children’s social and academic development.

“Kids learn the value of hard work and focused skill development by revisiting skills in class on a weekly basis,” said Ms Howe. “They learn that working at something will yield results. This links to real evidence to kids of the value of goal-setting.”

She said children would also gain an understanding of their bodies and pursue a healthy lifestyle.

“For girls moving into their teens this is a particularly potent lesson,” said Ms Howe, adding that CrossFit would help shy or introverted children build self-confidence.

Nine-year-old Rory and her seven-year-old sister Capri, the daughters of Alana Ashley, a Canadian expatriate, have been attending classes at Lifespark for the past year and a half. “My girls both do gymnastics and it has really helped them with their strength on the uneven bars,” said Ms Ashley.

“It has helped my younger daughter with her co-ordination. They can see how much they improved and it has really helped them to persevere and not give up.”

Fitness is important to Ms Ashley, who encourages her girls to take part in a wide range of activities to instil in them the need to stay healthy.

Rory does 14 hours of gymnastics and two hours of swimming a week, while Capri has six hours of gymnastics and an hour of swimming a week plus 10 weeks of skiing each year.

“They have really cut back on PE in my children’s school,” said Mrs Ashley.

“Rory only has it once every seven days. Swimming is once every seven days as well. That is definitely not enough.”

For Ramzi Ghurani, sending her six-year-old daughter Gianna to Lifespark was about boosting her confidence and her health.

“Too many kids are on the iPad or watching TV. Gianna wanted in her own way do more and challenge herself by learning how to climb ropes and do handstands,” said Ms Ghurani. “It is not only about being healthy or fit, it’s about achievements, setting goals and meeting them.”

Twins Isabelle and Maya Gervais have been going to exercise classes with their father, Clay, for the last three years. Mr Gervais said the improvements to the lifestyle and attitudes of the 13-year-old siblings have been significant.

“They used to bring electronics to play while they waited for me, but now they bring books and homework,” he said.

“They see going to CrossFit as a point of pride and feel good about themselves afterwards, as well they should.”