May 2, 2024

How CrossFit® can support the ADHD community in Cumbria

Crossfit and ADHD – Sense Education explores the benefits of this sport and how to discover facilities in Cumbria.

What is it?

CrossFit® is a cross-discipline, high intensity, functional fitness programme originally developed in the USA in 2000. It aims to develop fitness across what the company deems to be the 10 components of physical fitness:

1. cardiovascular/respiratory endurance
2. stamina
3. strength
4. flexibility
5. power
6. speed
7. coordination
8. agility
9. balance
10. accuracy

If you visited a CrossFit gym it is likely that you take part in an hour-long group class consisting of a warm-up, a skill development segment, a high intensity workout of the day (WOD) and a cool-down. The basic idea is to build the fitness and mental capacity to be ready for the unknown, and the unknowable, whether that be in the gym, and within our daily lives. CrossFit Kids was created in 2003. According to their website “The prescription for youths doing CrossFit is the same as for adults: constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity (relative to the individual). The difference is the time one takes before entering high intensity.”

How can it help with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

By now, there is a plenty of research and a consensus that exercise in general can have a profoundly positive affect on both our mental and physical health. More specifically, to understand the benefits of CrossFit in relation to ADHD we’ve captured the perspective of Lydia Hollinson-Burns – Owner and Head Coach of CrossFit SMC Rossendale Valley: “CrossFit helps my ADHD as exercising given me dopamine and as we know, ADHD is a dopamine deficiency. The variety of the programmes means I don’t get bored – there is always a new, shiny skill to learn. It provides me with an opportunity to hyper-focus sometimes, and it improves my sleep, too. Teaching and doing CrossFit myself helps me improve myself worth.”

The first UK CrossFit gym opened in London in 2005 and according to their own interactive map on their website there are now 700 affiliates across the UK including 11 currently across Cumbria alone. We recommend you reach out to your local gym where we are confident you would receive a warm welcome into the inclusive, CrossFit community. We’ve listed them below to help you and/or your kids to get started! And, if you are ever in Lancashire you are always welcome to drop into see Lydia and her team at CrossFit SMC Rossendale Valley.

Crossfit Facilities in Cumbria

1. CrossFit Hawkeye, Carlisle
2. Border City CrossFit, Carlisle
3. CrossFit Stormbreaker, Workington
4. CrossFit LDB, Cockermouth
5. District L CrossFit, Penrith
6. CrossFit Cumbria, Penrith
7. Rockhouse CrossFit, Kendal
8. Fell CrossFit, Kendal
9. Westmoreland CrossFit, Kendal
10. Summit CrossFit, Ulverston
11. Ullswater Community College

CrossFit has also more recently announced its strategy to support schools through the CrossFit Foundation that “…works with schools and teachers all over the world, providing scholarships for CrossFit Kids, CrossFit Educators, and CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Courses, equipment grants to set up gyms, and ongoing support for teachers and administrations leading the way in bringing CrossFit to their students.” In March 2023, The Academy Programme – a UK based not-for-profit established in 2021 to connect CrossFit to schools successfully supported Ullswater Community College with their bid to Active Cumbria for funding to transform their fitness room into the first not-for-profit CrossFit affiliate in Cumbria. The college, which has resourced provision for students with complex and severe learning difficulties said: “Supported by The Academy Programme we will be delivering classes that not only improve our student’s physical fitness but also develop life skills, personal growth and employment opportunities. This will be a truly alternative curriculum that will empower students, promote teamwork, collaboration and for some even qualification.”

Find CrossFit and hopefully reap the positive affects on both mental and physical health!