Unfortunately, too many of our students aren’t experiencing the benefits that come with being healthy in all aspects. Nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese. Low-income students are less likely to have recess and participate in organized sports, and are more likely to live in neighborhoods without physical activity resources like parks and bike paths – making them more vulnerable to be overweight or obese.
While I’ve always been active, I started making the link between physical fitness and holistic well-being while in the Army. The physical training I experienced at West Point and as an infantry officer was paramount to me becoming a more disciplined and focused leader. As my physical abilities sharpened, so did my mental faculties – I couldn’t have made it through Ranger School or my year leading soldiers in Iraq without being at the top of my game.
The CrossFit Kids methodology gets kids to think and make good choices about what they eat. The high-intensity workouts also teach students hard work, grit, teamwork, and how to be leaders in their other classes and outside of school. This past year, 70 percent of my students ‘Agreed’ or “Strongly Agreed’ that CrossFit P.E. motivated and inspired them to participate in more sports and physical activities outside of school. One of my students shared, “CrossFit changed my life because I now feel the need to work out in order to feel healthy. It made me feel better about myself and I feel happier… This experience was the best.” Read More