Using a combination of calisthenics, running, rowing, jumping, throwing, carrying, pushing, pulling,climbing and lifting (the stuff we all used to call 'play,') we get kids to LOVE exercise. We use age-appropriate skills, challenges, and loads. We challenge kids in a fun and progressive way, and our groups are usually filled to capacity within hours of being offered.
Our groups produce athletes - even youth athletes- that have a wide skillset; are excellent at everything without specializing at a particular sport; and enjoy movement for its own sake. In an inclusive atmosphere, workouts are 'scaled': kids and teens do challenges that are appropriate for their current level and age. They participate as a group of individuals. They learn trust, cohesion, self-accountability, and confidence unlike anything we've ever seen elsewhere.
Catalyst Varsity provides a more comprehensive introduction to weightlifting and resistance training than the younger groups. Though not as common in North America, most cultures introduce weightlifting (clean and jerk, snatch, and their derivative exercises) as early as three. Students in the Varsity program record their scores in benchmark workouts and compare to others in the area and across the world with SocialWOD.com.
A typical group looks like this:
1) Team-based warmup
2) skill development (for instance, a handstand, or a pullup, or a rope climb, or a kettlebell swing)
3) An individual challenge (for example, an obstacle course or series of exercises against the clock.)
4) cooldown and review.
The group lasts about 45 minutes, occurs while the adult group is taking place, and combines both inside and outside activity.
Most common question from the kids: "Can we stay extra long and try climbing the rope again?" Most common comment from adults: "I wish I'd had this when I was a kid!" Most frequent (and funny) comment from parents: "You should stop calling this 'Catalyst Varsity' and start calling it, '6 Weeks of Early Bedtime for Sixty Bucks'." Most common comment from coaches: "We CAN'T believe the improvement in Jimmy's play." Most common comment from teachers: "Can you come to OUR school and get our kids paying attention like you do at the gym?"
Catalyst Varsity follows the philosophies and practices of CrossFit Kids. You can read more about CrossFit Kids here: "What is CrossFit Kids?" including their online magazine, 5 years' worth of workouts, and tons of demonstration videos.
Students may attend on Tuesdays at 4:30pm OR Thursdays at 7pm for coached groups. All students may attend practice time on Saturdays at 10am with coach Mitch. The best part: training groups for parents happen at the SAME TIME, in the same facility!
Rates: Attendance is based on a monthly membership fee ($60 each month, or $50 on preauthorized debit.) You can register online here, or call 256-1344 to book a free trial class. There are NO signup fees, and you can suspend or switch membership anytime.
