Children learn more from their parents’ actions than their words. When they see persistence, resilience, and passion in action—whether through fitness, work, or personal growth—they internalize those lessons. Parents who approach challenges with determination teach their kids that struggle is not something to fear but a stepping stone to success. Gym Force fosters an environment where effort is valued, setting an example for the next generation.
Children learn far more from their parents than just what they’re told. They absorb behaviors, attitudes, and reactions, especially when it comes to difficult tasks. When they see their parents struggle, persist, and succeed, they internalize those lessons. But they also pick up on the negative: the frustration of a job their parents hate, the dread of another miserable workout, or the resignation of going through the motions.
Studies show that children who observe their parents persist through challenges are more likely to develop grit and resilience themselves. Parents who tackle hard tasks, whether it’s learning Jiu-Jitsu, training for a marathon, or mastering a CrossFit movement, model the effort it takes to achieve something meaningful. These kids see that struggle is not something to avoid but something to embrace. They learn that challenges don’t define them; their response to those challenges does.
Conversely, when children see their parents complain about work every day or dread the gym, they absorb that mindset too. If every workout is framed as punishment for bad eating or just another obligation to check off, kids internalize that exercise is a chore.
This is where Gym Force is different. The independently owned gyms in this network are full of people who aren’t just going through the motions. Many of them found these places later in life and take pride in what they’ve accomplished since joining. They aren’t just showing up because they are somehow obligated; they’re there because they want to be. Their kids see it too. They see their parents push past frustration, master a new skill, and grow in confidence. They see a different example, one that tells them effort pays off and hard things are worth doing.
They also notice the pride their parents feel when they achieve something of significance.
And it's not about working out for the sake of working out. The happiest people in these gyms aren't former college athletes or those fitness types that have always exercised in some form or another; they're regular folks that, difficult as it may be, finally found a physical activity they enjoy, something they could do long-term and take pride in as they achieve milestones. When kids see their parents commit to something meaningful, whatever that may be, they learn the value of persistence and personal growth.
And another thing. The parents don't even need to "do well" at whatever they're undertaking. The 'doing' is the thing, not doing it well necessarily.
In the end, children don’t just learn from what we say. They learn from what we do, what we endure, and what we chase. This isn’t meant to tell people how to parent. It’s simply a way to lead by example while getting healthier in the process. A win-win!
Mom or Dad takes on something difficult and clearly outside of their comfort zone, and their children get a front-row seat to see what is possible—in fitness, life, or anything else. Gym Force is full of people who are chasing something real, something their kids will remember far more than any lecture about hard work or resilience.