The first time I walked into a CrossFit gym, I felt like I was back in the weight room in my high school gym — a facility that I never used. The weights and barbells shot back memories of grunting boys who always seemed to shout. But my first impressions were shattered as soon as I noticed the welcoming and friendly faces inside CrossFit Truckee.’ Eight or nine women were lifting very hefty weights with force and power while their kids ran around like a pack of happy little gym monkeys.
I first heard about CrossFit from other mothers with young kids around town. They seemed to be bubbling with energy and enthusiasm not just for their newfound love of the gym, but also for the rest of their day with their kids as well. I remember raising my eyebrows at all they claimed: kids can come to the gym for no extra charge, the workout is short, intense, and varies everyday, and there are trained instructors who coach your workout. Their stories planted a seed in my brain that I found difficult to ignore.
CrossFit teaches a variety of functional movements scaled to individual abilities with varying loads and intensities. Marc and Kelly Hassell-Cramer, owners of Revolution Athletic Training Center, which houses CrossFit Truckee and the Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, have always been involved in high-intensity sports and pursued CrossFit, a world-renowned fitness program, because it can be scaled to any age and ability. From elite athletes and military, police, and fire personnel to 70-year-olds and plenty of beginner students, CrossFit’s work out of the day (WOD) is used by everyone. While the routine stays the same, the speed, weight, and intensity of the workout are adjusted to fit individuals’ fitness levels. This flexibility combined with the focus on movements instead of muscles and the short, intense workouts is exactly why CrossFit has been so successful for parents of young children.
‘We derive tremendous satisfaction out of seeing people progress and reach their goals while enhancing the rest of their lives,’ Marc said. ‘Whether its fitness or nutrition, when people leave feeling better than when they came in, it’s a great day.’
Tina and Todd Bassett, who have been coming to CrossFit for over a year, have found a sustainable workout for their family.
‘It’s the only place you can go with your kids and feel comfortable working out,’ said Tina. ‘It has gotten me back in shape physically and mentally without paying for daycare. And my kids love coming here. It’s one of the few things we do together that is mutually beneficial.’
One of the best parts about CrossFit is that it is well worth the effort. After a 20-minute workout that included three rounds of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, flutter kicks, and a 400-meter run, Anna Larson smiled contently.
‘I can carry three grocery bags, I often skip up the stairs, and I can pick up both my kids with no problem,’ Larson said, when asked why she comes to CrossFit. ‘I’m in better shape than I probably have ever been in my life.’
Now, four months after I first walked in the door to CrossFit Truckee, I think there might be a spring in my step as well. My kids and I look forward to our morning workouts. The 8:30 and 9:15 a.m. classes are especially geared for parents with young children, providing extra care and space for the kids. Four-year-old Maya usually warms up with me on the mat, either cross stepping through the agility ladder, a feature in the gym that makes you look like you were learning to salsa, or doing some high-knee lengths across the mat. Maya and her two-year-old brother Samuel have made friends and invented all kinds of creative games to play in the gym. Most importantly, however, the kids have seen very powerful role models in their parents, who consistently push themselves on the mat. Hopefully, that influence will transcend into a fun and active life as the kids grow up.
‘The ability for parents to work out and have a place for their kids has provided families with a new resource for bonding,’ explained Marc. ‘Kids watching parents, and learning good habits and technique, has already shown its value. Parents are seeing their kids do things they never did before, both physically and mentally. And the rest of their activities become more fun as a result.’
