Compared to previous generations, this generation of children are “the least active and the most socially anxious,” and (thanks to digital distractions at home, loads of junk food, and pressure to succeed in school), they are “the first generation expected to be outlived by their parents,” says Matt Sharp, CEO of KidStrong, a science-backed fitness program that is working to change those statistics.
The “Whole-Child” Approach
Founders of KidStrong, Matt and Megin Sharp, were looking for a training facility to empower their kids. They wanted their daughter to be strong, confident, smart and a leader, but nothing existed at the time to meet their needs.
So, in 2015, they took matters into their own hands by working with researchers to conceptualize a program that develops not only physical fitness, but brain and character development too. This led to the “whole-child” approach – one that didn’t focus on only academics or only physical education.
Their method? To throw everything people know about the traditional learning “classroom” model out the window. “The brain learns more effectively when kids are moving,” says Matt. “It builds more patterns in the brain that help them learn and retain information.”
For example, children at KidStrong will learn and repeat Spanish colors while completing burpees. It’s also a more enjoyable learning experience for kids too.
What’s most unique about KidStrong is an equal emphasis put on parent education as their child’s. While the children are involved in their sessions, the parents are taught by professionals how to best raise their independent, socially developed child at home, equipping them with the necessary tools outside of a KidStrong facility.
KidStrong’s State of the Art Facility
Another way KidStrong makes their science-backed training program so effective is their highly advanced training facility that is specially designed for children 14 months to 8 years old. Currently, Kidstrong has 7 locations, with 15 more opening up across the country this year and a plan to massively expand by the end of 2021.
Their equipment runs the gamut of monkey bars, ropes, and even We Sell Mats incline mats used for rolling and obstacle course activities. By leveraging the fields of pediatric occupational therapy, child development, sports physiology and physical education, KidStrong is enabling a more socially aware, confident and independent generation of children.
Learn more about KidStrong and their growing number of locations nationwide.