Getting Kids To Fall In Love With Working Out In Davidson, NC
Family-friendly strength & fitness gym in Davidson, NC serving ages 3–15.
Four development-based youth programs: Minis (3–5), Kids (6–9), Tweens (10–12), Teens (13–15).
Progression based on safety, movement quality, listening, and coachability—not on how much they lift.
Inclusive classes available for neurodivergent and unique-needs kids.
Saturday classes year‑round with optional Wednesday after‑school sessions; free trial available
A Family Gym That Makes Movement Fun
Why Our Space Works for Kids
Getting Kids To Fall In Love With Working Out In Davidson, NC
Step one foot inside our doors and it is obvious. We are a family gym. Bright colors and open spaces make the gym inviting. Handmade signs of encouragement from our Kid Campers hang on the cubbies. There is a little step stool by the sink in the bathroom—it’s adorable. Davidson Strength and Fitness works hard to make fitness fun for everyone in the family, from 3 years old and up!
Yeah, you read that right. We start them as young as 3 years old. Our Youth Programs are split into 4 main development levels and span the ages of 3–15. It is important to us to be able to instill a love of fitness and health into our youngest community members early. We don’t want our kids to be faced with the same uphill battles many of us have faced and are facing as we work to stay active, get back to being active, or just starting from scratch in an effort to enjoy all the years we’ve got left.
It is also important to us to make sure kids are challenged and get to see what they are capable of. The age groupings are simply a generalized starting point for us. In order for kids to “move up” into another age grouping their coaches evaluate their readiness. Some kids are ready young, some take a little longer. Every one of them is right on time and we will place them where they are best suited. We also create and facilitate fitness classes for neurodivergent and unique-needs kids, creating an inclusive space for all our community members, young and not‑as‑young alike.
Minis (Ages 3–5)
Playing games to stay fit
Our Minis Program is for 3–5 year olds. This class’ primary focus is to introduce young athletes to the gym, general movement themes, and to help them develop listening skills and the ability to follow directions. If you ask them, all we do is play games. And that’s just how we like it! We want them to have fun in the gym while learning safe ways to move their bodies. I’m never happier than when a parent comes in with a zooming 3 year old and says, “she’s been talking about this all week! See you in a half hour.” That’s the best endorsement I could ever hope for. In truth, we play warmup games, learn about new skills, and then test those skills in a “workout” each class. Classes are held Saturday mornings for 25 minutes each.
Kids (Ages 6–9)
Learning technique with light weights
Once they are ready to move out of Minis they get to go to Kids classes. Kids class members are typically 6–9 year olds. For the older Minis, moving up is a huge incentive. These classes utilize more equipment, begin to experiment with adding weight, working through basic gymnastic movements, and weightlifting movements. Games are still utilized regularly and are often designed as team builders. Though weight is introduced, totals stay light and the emphasis is placed on proper technique and form. Each class has a workout that allows Kids athletes to challenge themselves appropriately, making sure each individual is performing a variation or at a weight that is appropriate for them. These classes are 1 hour long and meet on Saturdays with an optional, additional after school class at 4:30 on Wednesdays.
Tweens (Ages 10–12)
Sharpening sportsmanship and healthy competition
In the Tweens Program, for 10–12 year olds, we push the concept of individual challenge even further. Games that are incorporated into classes are sometimes team building, sometimes designed to instill healthy competition. We believe sportsmanship is a crucial skill well taught at this age. Tweens build off of the basics of individual movements and start to focus on more specific techniques and standards. An emphasis is placed on safety, proper form, and individual competition instead of competing with peers with poor technique. These classes are also 1 hour on Saturdays (optional Wednesday) and will always involve targeted technique practice, skill development time, and a “workout” to reiterate themes. Again, they would probably tell you it’s just an hour of hanging out and confusing Coach with the latest slang. Six seven…..
Teens (Ages 13–15)
Mastering body awareness and body control
The Teens Program consists mainly of 13–15 year olds and focuses on getting the athletes to master body awareness and control, as well as challenging them in increased capacities. It’s tough to break through the silence (and constant hair adjustments) but the Teens still participate in group games from time to time—just like the adults. Their skill development time is focused on identifying individual weaknesses and addressing how to fix them. Ideally, we will prepare them to join adult classes around 16 years old and they’ll be comfortable with not only the movements themselves, but how to push and challenge their bodies safely too. Teens are encouraged to come in pairs, groups, or with a parent to any 4:15pm class, weekdays, as well as their regular Saturday morning hour.
How Advancement Works
Progression Criteria
Advancement from one group to the next is never determined by how much someone can lift, or if they can do a pull up, or even if they are able to keep their shoes tied for an entire hour. Instead, each advancement is based on meeting certain proficiencies in safety, spatial understanding, body control, listening, direction taking, coachability, drive, and desire to advance. Decisions are made by the coaches, athletes and caregivers collectively. Frameworks and clear expectations are communicated with the kids the whole way along too. This is their fitness after all, we want them onboard.
Why We Love Coaching Kids (And How to Try a Class)
Free Trial & Schedule
We feel very passionately about providing safe and fun fitness to the Lake Norman area as a whole but to Davidson and our gym family especially. We LOVE being able to provide that to our youngest community members the most. You’ll hear us say, “Kid classes are the best 90 minutes of coaching I get to do all week!”, and it’s true!
Every kid gets to try it out for free whenever they are ready. Classes are held in 8 week sessions several times a year. Reach out to the gym to schedule your little athlete’s free trial class!
