CF Fitness for everyone

In 2014, Convenient Fun Fitness Founder James Howell went out on a quest to get Elementary School teachers in shape. During this time James was still a full time professional Track & Field runner so he reached out to stand out to the stellar Arizona University running back Devon Walker. During their teacher workout training sessions principal Chiles at Dooley Elementary in Long Beach, California vented about her recess time. Rather than focusing on their fitness results; she voiced her concerns about recess, wanting a more peaceful environment, structured playful time for the students, the principal stressed that it had become the most chaotic period of the school day, with kids getting into fights, getting hurt, bullying, and getting left out of activities. In that moment, James saw an opportunity to create a structured recess program, to make it a positive and productive time for all students. In 2014, James founded CF Fitness, and that was the beginning of what we call the Walt Disney playground experience.

CF Fitness knows that through play kids learn critical skills like conflict solution, teamwork and energy to help them refocus in the classroom. We also know that the playground is the most precious time for students, this also is a great time for students to be leaders on the playground and live out school core values and creativity. 

Unfortunately, school principals tell us that nearly all discipline-related problems in school occur during recess. Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn, the kids return to class upset and unable to focus. 

CF Fitness has change recess, now the playground is fun, energy burning, structured, safe and games to suit everyone. This is exactly what we desire for all elementary school students to experience. 

When structured recess becomes the vocal point of a school site, the kids carry that positive experience from that structure with them outside the playground.

  
CF Fitness coaches are, kids, teachers, parents, and supporters who believe in the power of structured fun to make kids, schools, and communities stronger. On our playgrounds, everyone plays, everyone feels safe, everyone student learns academically while playing the playground. CF Fitness coaches encourages students to become scholars, and kids learn the core values of conflict resolution, respect and integrity. We are changing school cultures by 
leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. 

On our playgrounds, students can become leaders in our jr. coach program. They help run games and settle disagreements quickly using (rock-paperscissors) because playing fair and safe is more fun than fighting. 

On our playgrounds, students sweat, use loud chants and give lots of high-five showing their gratitude. Through the CF Fitness Walt Disney playground experience kids get to play organized games, Coaches give students a sense of empowerment and belonging which leaves a positive with them in their classrooms, back to their communities, and out into the world. 

CF Fitness mission is to see every child across the United States develop skills through fun fitness routines with a safe structured environment while kids increase their higher level of thinking.  
 

 

CF Fitness for principals and teachers 

For the pass 3 years we surveyed principals and teachers at our partner schools around Southern California to see how CF Fitness were delivering results. Here’s what they stated: 

 

• A decrease in bullying

• An improvement in overall school culture

• A reduction in disciplinary incidents

• More participation on the playground in games

• An increase in students’ abilities to focus on class activities

• A decrease in playground problems inside the classroom

• Office managers have little to no traffic in the office  

• Students have less problems going back home 

 
My teachers dreaded coming back from their lunch break dealing with playground problems. Now the staff can focus on their main thing, Academics.

 

– Ms. Williams, Assistant principal 

 
I truly believe ever since CF Fitness JointForces program has trained me and my staff on how to run a structured safe playground my school climate has changed tremendously for the best.

 

– Maria Hernandez, Yard Aid