Introduction
was inspired to write this piece after seeing an interview on BBC Breakfast News about a female weightlifting group set up in Lincoln. CrossFit is a very inspiring organisation that brings together school children from years 7-12. Girls who attend gain the skill of weightlifting and social skills, gain confidence and make a host of new friends. CrossFit provides a safe environment for girls to train with trained and experienced coaches, building their strength up gradually and showing that the sport can be safe, fun and relaxed. Also, it is an exclusive male club, and these girls can achieve the same goals as their male counterparts. This club brings sports to the girls and can be extended to school halls, sports halls, and large meeting rooms.
The Origins
In February 2022, Head Coach Head Coach Kristen Ingraham-Morgan of LN CrossFit was approached by one of her members for help. A year ten teacher wanted to find a way of getting her girls together to exercise. This followed a bad experience of the girls joining a local leisure centre and being harassed by some of the male members. The teacher wanted to know if she could recommend any online resources so the girls could train in the safety of their own homes.
Kristen went further and loaded up a van with barbells and weights. She grabbed two of her female coaches and drove an hour to the school to teach a free weightlifting class for the girls and any of their classmates who wanted to join in. Fifty-three girls participated in the first workshop, and the Strong Girls Sauad was born.
With holiday clubs and school visits now available, CrossFit has become extremely popular, and many girls are eager to attend. The transformation of those there is remarkable; shyness is converted into confidence, progress is undeniable, and a tight and friendly group is formed. It gives these girls a purpose, an aim and fitness close to home. With a range of hours and days available, Strong Girl Squad CIC is a community interest company that relies on government funding and the generosity of donors. It is a non-profit organisation and is constantly looking for kit to train. They supply books, art materials and even sanitary products to those who attend. No matter your circumstances, this club has an open-door policy with participants encouraged to take one thing each day that they want and one that they need. It is a truly inspiring project that should be applauded for its efforts and results.
