Children’s fitness classes at Seaton Park
"I chose to start these fitness classes with children is because if they are taught about fitness from a young age, it will be much easier for them to carry it through to when they are older and it becomes a lifestyle,"
AFTER his father introduced him to Jean Claude Van Damme’s Kickboxer, Reagon Damons of Greenwood Park knew he wanted a physique like the actor and immediately started researching how he would achieve his new goal.
“I was 13 at the time when my father brought home the movie. I admired the actor’s confidence and discipline and the way he moved. I also watched my father a lot as he was a firefighter, so he regularly trained,” said Damons.
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At the beginning of this year, the certified life coach taught physical education at a primary school in Durban North on a contract where he started to notice a difference in the children’s behaviour and attitude once exercise became a part of their lifestyle.
“I noticed that some of the children at the school were overweight already and, once they started exercising, their moods improved and there was less fighting among the children. They also started showing the teachers more respect,” he said.
After seeing the positive change in the school children, Damons decided to start fitness classes with some Yoga and meditation for children. He teaches three age groups which include toddlers, 6 to 10 years and 11 to 15 years.
“I chose to start these fitness classes with children is because if they are taught about fitness from a young age, it will be much easier for them to carry it through to when they are older and it becomes a lifestyle,” he said.
Damons researched programmes and fitness regimes appropriate for the different age groups and has incorporated them into a fun workout for his students.
“I make it fun so for the children that they don’t even know that they are working out. They are so passionate and excited that they send me voice notes on what they would like to try out next. They also get a talk at the end of each session on healthy eating and homework,” he said.
“My passion is fitness and nutrition. I do believe that it may prevent certain health ailments and depression, so why not introduce children to the lifestyle from a young age?” he asked.
Damons teaches classes at Seaton Park twice a week.
Follow him on Facebook: LifeFit for more information.
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