CrossFit has been a part of the curriculum at Saratoga High School for two years, and the program is revolutionizing the way kids see “phys. ed.”
Teachers Peter Jordan and Richard Ellis talk about the school affiliate, CrossFit Sawmill, as well as how they adapt the program for Maddy Thomas, a sophomore with cerebral palsy.
“She comes in here and does everything that anybody else does,” Jordan says. “I find it inspiring and it’s kind of fun to be creative about adapting the exercises to make it doable for her.”
Thomas faces physical challenges, but that doesn’t stop her from giving her best effort in every workout. Her teachers and care providers say improving Thomas’ ability to do functional tasks is critical to helping her live with cerebral palsy.
“CrossFit changed me by making my body feel stronger,” Thomas says through a computer.
Mother MaryAnn Thomas says Maddy’s goal is to always live at her best and experience everything, and it’s sound advice for just about anyone.
“Anybody can do anything their mind sets,” Maddy concludes.
10min 11sec
Additional reading: “U Die Slower If U Work Out” by Peter Jordan, published June 10, 2011.