Some people think of "working out" at a gym or fitness center as the opposite of fun, but a group of kids showing up to a new program in Liberty Lake don't see it that way. 

CrossFit Kids is a program that teaches new skills every week that are, indeed, intended to get kids moving. But the laughter and wide smiles on participants' faces seem to reveal they are enjoying every minute of it.

"It's very fun," says Emma Johnston, 12. "I come in every morning excited to learn." 

Emma's brother Luke, 10, agrees that the classes can be both challenging - and a blast. 

"I like the coaches," he said. "It's really fun and hard."

One of those coaches, Amanda Good, said the CrossFit Kids program is intended to keep kids moving without sacrificing enjoyment. 

"If it's not fun, it's not worth it," Good says.

She adds that the goal of the program is to create a lifelong love for fitness, and all of it is "110 percent" completely safe. The program, designed specifically for kids, includes plenty of breaks from the intensity and opportunities for water. The classes are constantly changing, adapting to the different ages of the kids in attendance. CrossFit Kids helps kids develop skills while working on proper techniques to prevent injury and work the right muscles.

The CrossFit Kids program is located at the home of CrossFit Liberty Lake, 22808 E. Appleway Ave. The program started this summer but will continue throughout the school year with schedules built around the typical student schedule. 

At the end of a recent session, the kids gathered for a game that may as well have been called workout dodgeball. After dividing into teams, participants tagged each other with plush colored balls. If hit, the tagged person had to do a set number of jumping jacks or push-ups - depending on the color of the ball - before rejoining the fun.

"My kids adore it," says April Jorgenson. She enjoys watching her three children be active while taking pride in achieving personal goals, two things they will benefit from as they grow. 

Her 11-year-old daughter Lani understands that this exercise is reaping rewards. 

"It's fun 'cause it makes me stronger and keeps my body healthy," she says. 

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CrossFit Kids was developed as a method of adapting the principles of CrossFit to kids ages 3-18. CrossFit Liberty Lake, located at 22808 E. Appleway Ave., began offering classes this summer. Coach Amanda Good encouraged parents to come in and test the program - the first class is free. For more, visit www.crossfitlibertylake.com or call 893-4115. 

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Submitted photo Delayna Clark, 9, was the winner of the recent Wave drawing for her food creation (offered in the May issue of The Splash). She wrote that her turtle was made with toothpicks, celery, green apple, kiwi and blueberries. For her prize, she received a package of summer treats.