Would you send your three-year-old to CrossFit? Extreme workout regime becomes available to toddlers at New York gym



CrossFit is one of the most extreme and grueling workouts around, and now it is being offered to children as young as three.



CrossFit Gantry in Long Island City, New York, holds 45 minute-long, bi-weekly classes for children aged three to five, with a monthly membership costing $280.

News of the toddler-tailored sessions, which incorporate traditional moves such as lunges, squats and overhead presses, have outraged many parents, with some deeming it a form of 'child abuse'.



Keeping fit: Children as young as three are being taught how to tone up at one New York gym, with its CrossFit program for toddlers - the adult version of the workout is known for being incredibly grueling

One commentator wrote on Gawker.com : 'CrossFit for Toddlers? Just yesterday I remember that being called "playing outside at the park on the jungle gym" and it used to be free.'

Another parent added: 'My little guys do these special fitness classes daily and they're buffed out. It's called running in the yard in circles, they swear by it.'



However, the CrossFit Gantry website claims that its kids' classes will help ' develop memory', 'promote self-esteem' and 'cultivate leadership skills'.

Unlike the adult version of the grueling workout, weights are not used. Michele Kelber, who coaches the sessions, told DNAinfo that the pint-sized athletes 'love it'.

Breaking a sweat: CrossFit Gantry in Long Island City holds 45 minute-long, bi-weekly classes for children aged three to five, with a monthly membership costing parents $280

Building core strength: The sessions incorporate traditional moves such as squats and overhead presses

Poll Would you send your toddler to CrossFit? Yes No Would you send your toddler to CrossFit? Yes 579 votes

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'[The] youngsters are often drawn to CrossFit because they want to work out the same way as mom or dad.'

She says that due to demand, she also runs another kids program in Brooklyn and will be starting two more over the coming month.

'[CrossFit's] gone very mainstream, and I think in turn, people are starting to develop kids programs,' Ms Kelber added.

Having a ball: Michele Kelber, who coaches the sessions, says that her pint-sized athletes 'love it'

Bend and stretch: With one in three American children overweight or obese, health experts believe CrossFit can be great for kids, helping them to develop core strength and keep in shape

Indeed, Crossfitkids.com started recommending a program for children and teenagers aged three to 18 in 2004 and now it says that 'thousands of gyms and schools around the world' have adopted it.



Many have hailed it a good idea.

One parent wrote on TheStir.com: 'I think this is an awesome idea. I see it as the same as karate, gymnastics, or ballet: a venue for kids to be active and experience a structured class environment.

Controversial: CrossFit addict, Lea-Ann Ellison, 35, from Los Angeles, caused much debate when she posted photos of herself lifting weights eight-and-a-half-months pregnant

'My kids love doing stretching and attempting to keep up with my workout videos so i think they'd love this.'



And with one in three American children overweight or obese, health experts also believe CrossFit can be great for kids - helping them to keep in shape and develop core strength.

