Providing a positive environment where athletes can exercise while simultaneously working on peer relationships, social skills and repetitive behavior is a goal for Autism MANA CrossFit Class.
The nine-week class which began Saturday at Fit Fast Strong CrossFit, was started by native Hawaiian, Kevin Blunt.
Blunt said while living in Hawaii, he and his son participated in a CrossFit program specifically for children on the spectrum which inspired him to begin his own Autism Mana program.
After moving to Pueblo West from Hawaii last February, Blunt had trouble finding programs for his eight-year-old son, Makai.
“Having participated in a similar program in Hawaii, I realized there was nothing here locally that provided a similar outlet for children on the spectrum,” Blunt said. “Because after seeing firsthand what a great program it can be for kids to exercise and more importantly do so in an environment that’s nonjudgmental – it allows the kids to be themselves without