With the first school term coming to an end, registrations will soon be open for Whakatāne’s popular CrossFit Kids Club.

Since its establishment in 2025, the kids club has continued to grow, with a class of 16 children enjoying training sessions at METKON Whakatāne this term.

Sessions include CrossFit-style movements adapted for children, such as kettlebell work, barbell technique and burpees. The kids also do lots of races, play games and use equipment such as the rowing machine.

Each session finishes with high-fives, stretches and a piece of fruit, along with a challenge to complete before the next class.

When the Beacon visited, the challenge was to race an adult, whether that was running across the playground or some other type of race.

Coach Suze Wood took over running the club in July last year after the friend who started it moved to Australia.

“I really wanted to make sure the kids still had somewhere to come and be active after school,” she said.

Woods, a qualified CrossFit and personal trainer, said teaching children was very different from coaching adults

“It’s way more hands-on when you’ve got the kids because you can’t just leave them to do their own workout. They need more guidance,” she said. “During the kids’ lesson, I’m usually working up a sweat demonstrating movements and helping everyone out, whereas with adults I’m a lot more hands-off.”

There is usually a class for juniors aged between five and eight, and older children from eight to 11. After that, they move into Coach Roly’s teen classes.

Woods is grateful to METKON Whakatāne for allowing Kids Club use of the gym space and equipment.

She said one of the best parts of the programme was hearing about what the children achieved outside the gym.

“They’ll come up to me in the street and tell me they got Player of the Day in touch or scored a try in rugby on the weekend.

“It’s fantastic to hear how they’re doing.”

One of the young participants, Lucien, said he enjoyed learning movements such as deadlifts and sled pushes with the latter his favourite.

Amaia enjoys the competition and teamwork.

“I am competitive, so it’s fun and challenging to do workouts in teams and by myself.

“I like working out with a buddy because we can help each other and cheer each other on. I also like learning how to stretch and take care of my body.”

Kids Club runs during the school term, with sign-up in the school holidays.

The younger class did not operate this term but is expected to return in term two if there are enough registrations.