Why every grade 10 girl should CrossFit.

I am reminded, as I go back into the classroom, that being a teenage girl is tricky business.   Last week I stood in front of a room full of grade 10s and noticed some pretty common themes among the young ladies sitting opposite me.  There was the typical bad boxed dye jobs, the over the top muffin tops, the "isn't smoking sort of uncool this day and age" smoky breath, the false bravado and the "I am a bitch on wheels" fake confidence.  When coupled with a dangerously low self esteem and the terrible ideas about how to get those prepubescent boys to pay attention to them you get yourself a girl who is one bad choice away from loosing what little self respect and self confidence she had left.  You ask them what they love to do and their answer is to "party".  Hmmmmm.....

After spending the last year living and breathing CrossFit, I am starting to believe that maybe these young ladies need more than a pamphlet, public health announcement and firm lecture.  They could use a big ol' dose of Kool-aid.  

I would argue that CrossFit makes more than athletes, it changes lives and it inspires you to be the best person you can be.  It fosters the development of a positive body image by reinforcing the idea that being powerful is sexy.  It inspires feelings of belonging to a healthy, supportive community.  Its empowering to know that you have trained your mind and body and can push yourself to your limit .  It teaches a person that when you set a goal and work at it you can achieve it.  And it rewards those who show up, work hard and stay committed.  CrossFit is more than an exercise class and might be the type of life training these young ladies could use to help them learn to love, cherish and respect themselves.

Taken from CrossFit Kids Newsletter