Please recommend fitness classes for my teen

[Anonymous]

Help me! My 13 yr old needs exercise and to get fit. He is not into team sports but will will do one on one classes or group classes that aren’t competitive. We want him to get fit, perhaps lose some weight since it’s starting to bother him. Any great classes you can recommend. We live in DC but can drive out as far as Rockville or Alexandria. Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend martial arts. You can start at any age. Find a convenient studio that charges a flat fee per month where he can attend as many classes as he wants. Great exercise, builds confidence. He doesn’t need to go to tournaments if he doesn’t want to compete. The belt promotion exams aren’t so much about competition with others as they are self-improvement.

[Anonymous]

Same issue for my 13 year old DD. I just signed her up for classes at the Agility Center in Rockville, which does Ninja warrior parkour stuff but in a cushioned environment. I know from past experience with my oldest, who had motor challenges, that they are very accepting and foster a positive atmosphere. They're part of Dynamite Gym, which also has Tumbling and Trampoline classes your son might enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Find a good crossfit studio. It gets a bad rap, I promise.

But most have good coaches that will scale the WOD to his abilities and make sure he masters form.

Plus, there will be a bunch of dudes in their 20s who will welcome him with open arms and make him feel comfortable and safe in the gym.

We always love it when we have a teenager in the class

[Anonymous]

I just started doing couch to 5k with my tween. It's been a fun thing to do together.

What about training for a teen/kid triathlon?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Find a good crossfit studio. It gets a bad rap, I promise.

But most have good coaches that will scale the WOD to his abilities and make sure he masters form.

Plus, there will be a bunch of dudes in their 20s who will welcome him with open arms and make him feel comfortable and safe in the gym.

We always love it when we have a teenager in the class

This is because a lot of crossfitters are former "fat kids" - growing up we weren't into sports and there weren't as many non-sport/individual/coordination-not-required exercise options.

[Anonymous]

If he wants to lose weight, you need to teach him how to eat right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he wants to lose weight, you need to teach him how to eat right.

This. It's about diet so much more than exercise. Don't get me wrong, exercise is always a great idea. But, if you want to lose weight it's about calories.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Find a good crossfit studio. It gets a bad rap, I promise.

But most have good coaches that will scale the WOD to his abilities and make sure he masters form.

Plus, there will be a bunch of dudes in their 20s who will welcome him with open arms and make him feel comfortable and safe in the gym.

We always love it when we have a teenager in the class

This is because a lot of crossfitters are former "fat kids" - growing up we weren't into sports and there weren't as many non-sport/individual/coordination-not-required exercise options.

Yup, and its the perfect atmosphere for a teen boy struggling with his body image or with his changing body.

There will be guys there that look like Thor. And they'll be SUPER nice to him, and take him under their wing. And he'll feel good about being "friends" with these guys that can do superhero things like deadlift 500lbs and then go string together muscle-ups.

It's the perfect environment for a kid like that. Super welcoming and safe

[Anonymous]

What is he interested in? Have him look through offerings from the recreation department and see what appeals, maybe he even look at non-traditional sports/activities. (Parkour, fencing, dance, rock climbing, skating, gymnastics, etc.). You might encourage him to check out YouTube videos. They have EVERYTHING, and he can get a feel for if he would like something before he commits to a class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he wants to lose weight, you need to teach him how to eat right.

This. It's about diet so much more than exercise. Don't get me wrong, exercise is always a great idea. But, if you want to lose weight it's about calories.

Op here! Thanks for this. We are working on the diet. I’ve been putting less carbs on his plate and more greens and proteins.

[Anonymous]

Capstone if you're willing to go to Falls Church or Baileys Cross roads. This place is really great.

https://www.capstoneperformancetraining.com/

[Anonymous]

My son does personal training at Onelife with his dad, and on the days he is with me, he can attend group fitness classes at the Y (as long as I am there as well). He is 13. We primarily do Body Pump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Capstone if you're willing to go to Falls Church or Baileys Cross roads. This place is really great.

https://www.capstoneperformancetraining.com/

NP here - can you tell me what you like about Capstone? I've seen this place and wondered what it is like.

[Anonymous]

Any kind of swimming. Really good for the body.