New York’s “Pack Paws” Promotes Fitness for Athletes of All Ages
At the playground last summer, 6-year-old Charlotte could barely transition from one monkey bar to the next without dropping down and could never string more together than the first two. She also struggled to progress in her gymnastics class.
Nine-year-old Alexander, having participated in assorted martial arts in the past, hadn’t yet learned the value of community, cheering on other kids, trying out new skills, or challenging himself.
All of that changed when they joined their parents at Pack Athletic Club in Deer Park, New York.
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How It Started
Edward and Janine Livote have been engaging in fitness for over 20 years. Edward first found CrossFit in October of 2016 and was hooked immediately. Janine joined the fray in 2019.
The two have attended multiple gyms over the years, trained at home, and then eventually found Pack when it opened its doors in July of 2023.
Edward admits that his children, like most, hesitate to try new things. Both Alexander and Charlotte had engaged in youth fitness classes but had never tried anything like what was being offered at Pack.
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However, Alexander and Charlotte had been raised in a home where fitness was prioritized and were seeing their parents set time aside each day for the gym.
“They had been coming with us to classes for as long as we’ve been doing CrossFit, and it seemed like they expressed interest in doing something their parents do,” Edward tells the Morning Chalk Up.
When Pack owner and head coach Mike Gillespie began the kids’ program, “Pack Pups,” he allowed children to try it out without any commitment to see if they liked it.
Edward explained that this helped his kids build their comfort and confidence, as well as make connections with the other members’ kids, ultimately swaying them to join the class.
How It’s Going
Edward and Janine have noticed significant changes in both kids’ physical and emotional development and their encouragement of one another. Charlotte is stringing together pull-ups and improving in gymnastics, and Alexander is supporting his sister and developing emotional maturity.
“Since joining Pack in October last year, our kids have become physically stronger, more coordinated, and self-confident. They’ve become more open to trying new things and testing their physical limits,” Edward says.
Edward says that a CrossFit program for kids has significant benefits. Electronics play a big role in many children’s lives, and the Livotes admit they regularly face issues related to that.
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“We, too, struggle to limit screen time, but we want to inspire and energize them to go rollerblading, ride their scooters, play in the yard, and use their imagination,” Edward says. “We want to set an example for our children. Kids are like sponges in their adolescent years, and you should want to model what’s important early in their lives.”
He continues, sharing a memory of when the family went rock climbing. As Charlotte watched her mother ascend without any encouragement from her family members, she wanted to climb higher and try harder. “If Mommy can do it, so can I,” she said.
“We believe this will help set the tone for a healthy lifestyle as they get into their teenage years and beyond,” Edward says.
The Bottom Line
It’s apparent that the entire Livote family has found a home at Pack. Edward (and his entire family) have hit more PRs than ever before due to the positive environment and the support from the staff and community. Edward expresses his appreciation for the gym and for owner Gillespie.
“Many boxes have become super transactional, making members feel like they are just another number. Pack is very inclusive and genuinely cares about people,” Edward says. “At Pack, there’s a sense of respect and understanding of the needs and challenges of their members.”
Featured image: Edward Livote