Hindsight is 20/20

Last weekend, I attended with my CrossFit Impavidus friends to talk about their CrossFit Kids & Teen class starting up in the Fall.  As crazy as this sounds, I enjoy talking to and learning about how the younger generation approaches fitness and how it fits in with their daily lives. As most of us know, the best way to really find out what’s on in the mind of a teenager is to talk with them in their natural habitat and see them in action. Youthfest seemed like the perfect ‘habitat’ -- the music was loud, the teens were a-plenty!

As a part of the event, every teen was given a passport, and as they stopped by each table, they were able to have it stamped. Well, at our table, the kids were going to have to do a little ‘work’ for their stamp. Anyone requesting a stamp was given the choice of push-ups, box jumps, or squats and the challenge was to do as many as they could in a 30 second time span.  We also brought along a leader board, so as they took on the challenge, they also had the added benefit of taking over as the lead on the board.  Think about it, it really wasn’t a super hard thing to ask for and it went along with what our goal is – to get kids moving!

During the course of the day, I met three different types of teens:

First, were those completely up for anything and appreciated the fun in it. Without hesitation, they chose their challenge and started right in. Of this group, we even had a few who showed a competitive side and returned later in the day to repeat the challenge just so they could reclaim their lead on our board.

The second group of kids showed a real interest in what we were talking about. They asked a lot of questions about the challenge, looked for their friends' approval, and with some encouragement and prodding; they ultimately chose a challenge and gave it their best shot.  I particularly enjoyed seeing how these kids went through the decision making process, deciding to do the challenge and then learning how to perform it.

The third group, well let me just say these were the kids that probably needed to do this challenge the most but sadly, most refused to even entertain the possibility.

There was one very large young man, who walked up to the table requesting a stamp, and literally turned right around the moment we mentioned an exercise challenge. He did not even stop to find out what we were going to ask him to do. Now, I get that maybe he would feel embarrassed if he attempted to do it, but he did not even stop long enough to entertain the challenge. And of course, we were completely prepared to offer modified challenges to anyone if needed.

Another young girl, came over to ask for her stamp and with a clear attitude told us that she was already hot, and did not have any "hydration" with her. She then took the time to complain about us not having water available for her at our table. When we offered to go get one for her, she mentioned, once again, being hot and 30 seconds was too long for her. We then offered to reduce it by 15 seconds – still nothing. In the time she took to complain and refuse, she could have been done and on her way. But, stubbornly, she gave up and left with no stamp.

I thought it was was really refreshing and fun to meet so many kids willing to give it a try.  But unfortunately, there were just as many kids who refused to participate. Seeing first-hand how they responded to the thought of exercise really got under my skin. It's sad to see the effects of their bad habits already settling in and the hang ups and repercussions they cause. I wish they could realize making fitness and health changes now, while they are young, is a thousand times easier than having to make them later on.  I guess that's why they say hindsight is 20/20. Sigh...