Cross-Fit for Teenagers

Cross-fit is an exercise brand invented by Greg Glassman. The program, which started in the year 2000, utilizes a combination of workout steps such as weight lifting, aerobic exercises, and calisthenics to keep the participants fit. In the United States, most gymnasiums adopted the strategy due to the outstanding results experienced by the participants. In the program, the coaches determine the combination of exercises, which the clients can undertake. The workout differs from one participant to the other, based on their weight and athleticism. Cross-fit exercises burn 13-15 calories for women and 15-20 calories for men in a single hour of intense workouts. Cross-fit exercises are ideal for both adults and teenagers. The paper will discuss the medical advantages of the workouts for teenagers in keeping fit through weight regulation. More so, the paper will observe academic improvement in teenagers through cross-fit exercises, which assist in keeping the brain fresh and memory strong. Lastly, the paper will examine the sociological value of the exercises in sharpening the interaction skills for young people, which is instrumental in formation of friendships for the teenagers.

Cross-fit for Teenagers

Cross-fit assists teenagers in keeping fit and averting medical conditions such as heart attacks and obesity. Smith et al. (2013, p. 3167) researched to ascertain the direct impact of cross-fit exercises on the bodies of the users. In the experiment, the male participant weighted 90.71kgs, a basal metabolic rate of 28.1kg/m2 and body fat of 22.2% before the exercises. Similarly, the female participant weighted 68.02kgs, a basal metabolic rate of 25.1kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of 26.6%. After the measurements, the participants indulged in extensive training exercises for ten weeks. After the cross-fit training activity, the study measured the same elements to ascertain the changes triggered by the practices on the bodies of the participants. According to Smith et al. (2013, p. 3168), the weight changed to 87.25kgs for men and 66.23kgs for women. Both participants lost above two kilograms after the training.

Male students changes in BMI, weight and Fat percentage (Smith et al., 2013, p. 3168). As the participants work out, the calories burnt from the fat leads to reduced fat content, reduction in weight as well as the BMI. Therefore, Cross-Fit assists in getting fit.

Female students changes in Weight, BMI and Fat content in ten weeks (Smith et al., 2013, p. 3168). Ladies experience similar changes to men but with different magnitude. However, Cross-fit exercises have the potential of making the participants healthy through reduction of weight and fats from the body.

The basal metabolic rates changed by 1unit and body fats by 2%. The studies reveal that cross-fit programs promote body fitness through loss of weight and percentage of body fats in the body. Reduction of weight and lipids from the body makes the heart healthier by reducing the resistance of the heart in pumping blood. Selig et al. (2004, p. 23) reiterate that cross-fit exercises keep the body fit eliminating the possibilities of cardiovascular conditions. According to the article, gaining weight for young children raises the blood pressure exposing the young children to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the introduction of cross-fit exercises to teenagers will assist them in losing excessive fats and maintaining an athletic body (Smith et al., 2013, p. 3168). The athleticism will lock out any medical condition since the heart will remain healthy and energetic at all times. However, the coaches must maintain vigilance for the young children to lift the required weights and avoid injuries to their developing bones, which are delicate.

Butt et al. (2018) acknowledges that cross-fit programs are robust platforms where young teenagers can “…get in shape and keep fit…” as well as grow their socialization skills. Work out of the day for children is different from that of the adults. The exercises include kick ups, one-minute press-ups, and squats. Odie et al. (2014, p. 2149) postulate that practices reduce the possibility of young teenagers undergoing depression and anxiety. The article points out that the activities performed in cross-fit programs accomplish the same function as antidepressants. However, the material is keen to point out that the exercises for the teenagers should be below a minute interval with resting periods in between. In the study, the author states that the interaction of young children during the exercises promotes growth for their social skills. For example, working out in groups pushes the children to believe in their respective abilities and work hard to achieve the same results as the peers. The practical application of cross-fit exercises reveals a positive change in moods for the participants (Odie et al., 2014, p. 2151).

Bond et al., (2007, p. 9) conducted a longitudinal study to collect primary data to study relationships between teenagers. The study used 2678 participants to establish the connection between the socialization of the youngsters to their academic performance in school. Some of the students responded to interviews through cellular devices while others presented their answers by filling questionnaires. The study indicated that children who participated in social activities had a better mental status as compared to those engaged in private activities. The investigation revealed that children who concentrated on private activities performed poorly in class. More so, the chances of falling into drugs and substance abuse were higher. Therefore, the experiences of young children are a huge determinant of their moods and choices made in life. The social connections made during cross-fix exercises will be instrumental in promoting good performance in class and avoidance of harmful practices such as the use of drugs among the young persons (Bond et al., 2007, p. 9). Therefore, it is right for young children to engage in cross-fix programs to improve their moods, social skills, and academic performances.

Teenagers are scholars with the need to have excellent cognitive skills for academic purposes. Davis et al. (2011, p. 91) tasted the effect of cross-fit exercises on cognitive skills for obese persons. The experiment invited the participation of a hundred and seventy-one teenagers who were overweight. In the sample, a hundred and forty-one students exhibited academic improvement after engaging in the aerobic exercises. According to the article, cross-fit workouts interrelate with cognitive functions of the mind such as planning, attention and successive actions. The exercises sharpen the memory of the young person, which transfers the skills to academic performance. The article associates sequencing of the tasks in the cross-fit program to planning in mind, which is paramount to the attention required in solving mathematical challenges in class. More so, Davis et al. (2009, p. 100) reveal that the study showed additional benefits of weight loss. Parents need to use the program in achieving two targets using a single method. Therefore, cross-fit programs are essential for young teenagers due to mental motivation that leads to improved academic performance.

Despite the multiple benefits associated with cross-fit programs, most teenagers do not have strong bones that can withstand the force exerted by the weights as well as the exercises. Keogh & Winwood, (2017, p. 482) hypothesize that the resilience of the muscles is possible through the lifting of maximum weight in continuous motions. The participants push their bodies to the extreme ends to create the required masculinity and convert the fats into muscles. The participants with a tender age risk injuries in the process. Some of the injuries include joint dislocation, fracture of the bones and death in the worst-case scenario. Most of the injuries occur during the training program with minimal occurring during the competitive part of the cross-fit exercise. In a year, the study revealed that teenagers undergo between one and three injuries ranging from sprains of the joints to dislocations. However, it is worth noting that Keogh & Winwood (2017, p. 490) attribute the safety of the child to the instructor. At all times, during the training program, the coach must guarantee the safety of the child.

Teenagers are very eager persons who like copying the acts performed by the adults in the population. Without proper invigilation mechanisms, the young children might attempt to lift heavy material leading to injuries. Bailey et al. (2017, p. 9) discuss the first culture in the organization, which relates to the safety of the participants. For example, the management provides coaches for the children at all times. The coaches must determine the necessary work out for the participants, which will not result in injuries. If the children taking part in the cross-fit program follow his/her guidance accurately, it is impossible for them to experience any severe injuries. The professionalism of the employees ensures that all the participants undertake the correct exercises according to their experience. Therefore, the parents need to pay more attention to the scientific benefits of the program and desist from encouraging the fear of injuries to keep the children from taking part in cross-fit activities. In due time, the children learn the safety measures and practice safe exercises even in the absence of the trainer.

Certification in coaching at cross-fit takes two days. The two days involve extensive learning processes and an exam to mark the end of training. The applicants who pass in the exam get the opportunity to work in the company as coaches. Bearing in mind the high levels of safety required in the workout, a two days training is not enough to guarantee exceptional coaching skills for the coaches. The period cannot accommodate information on physiology of the body, technical skills in lifting weights to guarantee safety and nutrition for accurate guidance to the customers. Lifting the weights in the wrong manner can lead to dislocation of the joints making the teenagers injured. The coaches need extensive information in kinesiology and energy systems of the body for safe exercises (Bailey et al. 2017, p. 9). Therefore, the company needs to invest more time and energy in extending the time taken by the coaches to complete the study. More information means that the teenagers will be safer in the hands of the coaches and the probabilities injuries will be minimal.

Conclusion

The cross-fit program is the ultimate solution weight issues and the medical conditions attached to it. Many children engage in unhealthy eating habits that trigger deposition of fats in their bodies and subsequent addition of weight. Therefore, the program is suitable for young children due to the ability to reduce excessive weight, improve the metabolic rate and keep the young person healthy. Cross-fit programs involve a series of exercises such as press-ups, running, and weightlifting. These exercises, keep the heart healthy at all times shunning cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. Therefore, the young children indulging in the practice will experience minimal chances of falling ill and maintain their bodies in good form. Heywood (2015) reaffirms that “Cross-fit is a program that is reliant on continuous variation of exercises”. The repetitive sequence of the activities gives the mind an opportunity to plan and pay attention to the details within the exercise. Using the same mental capacity, the children transfer the skills to their classroom work and leading to improvement. Socially, cross-fit is an excellent platform for the children to socialize. Young children enjoy taking part in competitive activities. In such moments, the athleticism portrayed by other children motivates the whole team to perform well. The children get the chance to grow their social skills and interact to form positive friendships. Therefore, the cross-fit gym is a right place for the children to make friends and improve their competitiveness. The benefits demonstrate the multiple benefits enjoyed by the children at the exercise session and should urge the parents to enroll their children to enjoy the benefits. However, the coaches in charge should be keen to protect the children from any possible injury to maximize on the benefits.

References

Bailey, B., Benson, A. J., & Bruner, M. W. (2017). Investigating the organisational culture of CrossFit. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1-15.

Bond, L., Butler, H., Thomas, L., Carlin, J., Glover, S., Bowes, G., & Patton, G. (2007). Social and school connectedness in early secondary school as predictors of late teenage substance use, mental health, and academic outcomes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 40(4), 357-e9.

Butt, Z. I., Mughal, A. W., Adnan, M. A. J., Saeed, N., Butt, R. H., Fozia, T., & Sohail, M. U. (2018). EFFECT OF CROSS FIT EXERCISES ON WEIGHT LOSS OF MALES IN LAHORE. THE SPARK, 3(1), 30-42.

Davis, C. L., Tomporowski, P. D., McDowell, J. E., Austin, B. P., Miller, P. H., Yanasak, N. E., ... & Naglieri, J. A. (2011). Exercise improves executive function and achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: a randomized, controlled trial. Health Psychology, 30(1), 91.

Heywood, L. (2015). ‘Strange Borrowing’: Affective Neuroscience, Neoliberalism and the ‘Cruelly Optimistic’Gendered Bodies of CrossFit. In Twenty-first century feminism (pp. 17-40). Palgrave Macmillan, London.

Keogh, J. W., & Winwood, P. W. (2017). The epidemiology of injuries across the weight-training sports. Sports medicine, 47(3), 479-501.

Oddie, S., Fredeen, D., Williamson, B., DeClerck, D., Doe, S., & Moslenko, K. (2014). Can Physical Activity Improve Depression, Coping & Motivation to Exercise in Children and Youth Experiencing Challenges to Mental Wellness?. Psychology, 5(19), 2147.

Selig, S. E., Carey, M. F., Menzies, D. G., Patterson, J., Geerling, R. H., Williams, A. D., ... & Hare, D. L. (2004). Moderate-intensity resistance exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure improves strength, endurance, heart rate variability, and forearm blood flow. Journal of cardiac failure, 10(1), 21-30.

Smith, M. M., Sommer, A. J., Starkoff, B. E., & Devor, S. T. (2013). Crossfit-based high-intensity power training improves maximal aerobic fitness and body composition. J Strength Cond Res, 27(11), 3159-3172.