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 subsequent without dropping down and will never string more together than the primary two. She also struggled to progress in her gymnastics class.

Nine-year-old Alexander, having participated in assorted martial arts prior to now, hadn’t yet learned the worth of community, cheering on other kids, trying out latest skills, or difficult himself.

All of that modified once they joined their parents at Pack Athletic Club in Deer Park, New York.

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 through the years, trained at home, after which eventually found Pack when it opened its doors in July of 2023.

Edward admits that his children, like most, hesitate to try latest things. Both Alexander and Charlotte had engaged in youth fitness classes but had never tried anything like what was being offered at Pack.

However, Alexander and Charlotte had been raised in a house where fitness was prioritized and were seeing their parents set time aside every day for the gym.

“They had been coming with us to classes for so long as we’ve been doing CrossFit, and it gave the look of 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 youngsters’ program, “Pack Pups,” he allowed children to try it out with none commitment to see in the event that they liked it.

Edward explained that this helped his kids construct their comfort and confidence, in addition to make connections with the opposite members’ kids, ultimately swaying them to affix the category.

How It’s Going

Edward and Janine have noticed significant changes in each kids’ physical and emotional development and their encouragement of each other. 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 yr, our children have turn out to be physically stronger, more coordinated, and self-confident. They’ve turn out to be more open to trying latest things and testing their physical limits,” Edward says.

Edward says that a CrossFit program for teenagers has significant advantages. Electronics play an enormous role in lots of children’s lives, and the Livotes admit they repeatedly face issues related to that.

“We, too, struggle to limit screen time, but we wish to encourage and energize them to go rollerblading, ride their scooters, play within the yard, and use their imagination,” Edward says. “We need to set an example for our kids. Kids are like sponges of their adolescent years, and it’s best to need to model what’s essential early of their lives.”

He continues, sharing a memory of when the family went mountain climbing. As Charlotte watched her mother ascend with none encouragement from her members of the family, she desired to climb higher and take a look at harder. “If Mommy can do it, so can I,” she said.

“We imagine it 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 all the Livote family has found a house at Pack. Edward (and his entire family) have hit more PRs than ever before resulting from 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 turn out to be super transactional, making members feel like they are only one other number. Pack could be very inclusive and genuinely cares about people,” Edward says. “At Pack, there’s a way of respect and understanding of the needs and challenges of their members.”