Be Remarkable: Kimberly Joiner is helping kids and families to stay fit
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Getting kids active can be a challenge for many parents and grandparents. However, one gym in College Station is working hard to change that. In this week’s Be Remarkable segment, we highlight Kimberly Joiner’s efforts to introduce children to the world of fitness.
At Sawed-Off CrossFit in College Station, the scene is far from sedentary. Instead of sitting around and watching YouTube, children are engaging in heart-pumping exercises. “I just love having kids move, and my kids, I love having them be athletic,” said Kimberly Joiner, the head coach for the youth program at Sawed-Off CrossFit Kids.
The program, aimed at children aged five to thirteen, has been running for about six years. In addition to the classes, Sawed-Off CrossFit also runs a nonprofit organization called Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) Aggieland, which helps families who might not be able to afford the classes. “We offer full scholarships to families who may not be able to afford those classes, and we welcome them to come and work out,” Joiner explained.
Joiner emphasizes that getting children into a gym at an early age can help build their bodies, instill healthy habits, and boost confidence, along with promoting teamwork and leadership. She was the first kids’ coach at Sawed-Off CrossFit, and the program’s success has led to the addition of a second coach.
The youth programs involve a mix of running, rowing, and lifting exercises. They also extend their reach to school campuses, offering free classes. Parents are encouraged to participate as well, reinforcing the importance of family involvement in fostering an active lifestyle.
“If we’re trying to make a change in their kids’ life, it also means that the parents need to be involved, too. So now we do fire families, and the parents can come and work out here at the same time as their kids,” she said.
The “Be Remarkable” award is a joint initiative between KBTX-TV and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers.
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