Episode 74: Coaching Kids, with Gretchen Bredemeier

Today’s guest, Gretchen Bredemeier, is here to talk about coaching kids. 

Most people have a lot to learn about motivating kids. Why do I say "motivating" kids instead of "training" kids? Because there are already a lot of programs out there on how to train kids; however, the kids must want to be there. The parents have to bring them, but if the kids don’t like the class, they won’t stay. Gretchen is an expert in this area. 

Success is important for motivation—even more so with kids than adults. While Gretchen frequently asks kids to create their own games, she doesn’t let them run wild for the entire hour. On the other hand, she doesn’t burn herself out by trying to have full control over every second of a kids class. 

In this episode, Gretchen talks about how they get more kids, keep more kids, price their programs and grow their programs. 

Gretchen’s personality is also something you should note. If you can find someone like Gretchen to embrace "intrapreneurship" and grow a kids program under your umbrella, it can be a win for both of you. Be sure to take good notes and reach out to Gretchen with any questions you might have at the conclusion of the episode.

About Gretchen: Gretchen has been at Loco CrossFit for almost four years and coaching since 2015. In addition to coaching regular classes, she is the coordinator for the youth programs at Loco and hopes to expand into classes to include the elderly, as well as those in detention centers and shelters. She is an expert in body-weight movements and has a background in deaf education. She also works as an interpreter. Originally from Indiana, she currently lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, Brian. 

Timeline: 

0:57 – Gretchen Bredemeier introduction. 

4:03 – What brought Gretchen to coaching kids and coaching CrossFit? 

5:36 – Starting to coach kids at CrossFit Loco.

6:53 – What does a well-run kids program look like? 

8:58 – Implementing an on-ramp for a kids program.

10:32 – What to charge for a kids program session.

10:52 – How exposing kids to a group environment can create a barrier. 

11:53 – Recognizing kids who demonstrate leadership ability through a workout.

15:08 – Teaching kids that is OK to be emotional in front of peers. 

16:52 – How does progression happen within the kids program? 

18:31 – Dealing with parents who feel their kid needs to be at a higher level.

20:03 – The most convenient time slots for parents and kids.

22:25 – Letting kids be kids and eliminating too many rules. 

26:20 – Getting kids to take nutrition seriously.

28:42 – What is an appropriate coach-to-athlete ratio in a kids class? 

31:37 – Intrapreneurship and how much ownership Gretchen has of the CrossFit program at Loco. 

34:54 – Where can current box owners find a person like Gretchen to help with kids? 

36:18 – How to prepare for a kids class and psych yourself up. 

39:19 – What authority does Gretchen have over financial decisions for the kids program?

41:26 – Can kid involvement within CrossFit bleed over and encourage parents to be involved? 

42:12 – All about the Loco CrossFit sports program. 

46:44 – How did the CrossFit Loco sports team program start and how big is it now?

51:34 – How to grow a sports team program at your gym.

53:04 – How to contact Gretchen.