SPIDERfit Highlighted Coach
Name: Jeff King
Title: Director of Athletics and Youth Development Specialist
Organization: Fitness Quest 10 San Diego
Website: www.fitnessquest10.com and www.kingofbball.com
1. How long have you been working with kids?
– Since 2007 ( seven years)
2. What ages do you mostly work with?
– Early, mid, and late adolescence ( ages 8-16)
3. What motivates you to work with kids?
– Our kids are the future of America. With the ever increasing epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes and concurrently with the decreasing number of physical education programs in elementary schools, I feel it’s vital and necessary to educate our youth in sound exercise and eating habits.
4. How would you describe your philosophy of youth physical development?
-I feel they are four S’s that must be addressed in order for to have successful youth physical development: Smile, Sweat, Smart, and Snack. Kids need to have fun and smile during a workout. They also need to learn how to work hard and exerting themselves so sweating is at times a good indication they are achieving this goal. Next, creating a learning environment is critical for youth development to occur. Teaching youth the “why” gives you a better chance for them to buy into your training. Last, I expose my youth to basic nutrition principles to ensure that they maximize their workouts. All these components I have found to help youth in their short and long-term development.
5. What/who have been your major influencers as to how you educate, motivate, and inspire kids to a life of fitness, performance, and health (Books, coaches, other resources?)
My biggest influences in my passion for youth training are Brett Klika, Brian Grasso, Craig Valency, Lee Taft, and Joesph Drabik.
6. What’s your “trick” to get kids excited about exercise and physical activity?
– I find the key to get kids excited about exercise and physical activity is to make it fun and interactive. Without these two elements, the connection between kid and coach makes it more challenging to get a kid enthusiastic about physical activity. A great way to make the workout fun and interactive is by playing games and asking kids to give input on certain drills such as when you are creating an obstacle course.
7. How important is the role of family in developing lifelong fitness habits?
– Family is the ultimately model for a young kid. All the habits kids develop come from their environment and the household should have the strongest influence on them. If parents model behavior where physical activity is fun and eating healthy can be enjoyable, the kids will follow suit and grow up with these healthy habits.
8. What advice do you have for parents, teachers, coaches, personal trainers, or anyone else who strives to create a future of happy, healthy, pain-free adults?
I would advise any person working with youth to mainly show a passion and enthusiasm towards a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Show a vested interest in our youth and they will respond to your positive message.
9. Where can we find out more about your programs?
-You can get to know more about my programs by checking out www.fitnessquest10.com
Brett Klika CEO and co-founder of SPIDERfit is an international award- winning certified strength and conditioning coach, author, and motivational speaker with over 20 years experience motivating and inspiring youngsters to a life of health, fitness, and performance.
Brett consults with schools, athletic organizations, fitness professionals, and fortune 500 companies around the world.
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