Teens Exchange Service for CrossFit Memberships

A CrossFit box in Truckee, Calif., is engaging teens by offering free classes in exchange for community service. 

Dreamtown CrossFit owner Jason Berger opened the gym just a few months ago and recently started a teen program that allows participants to “pay” for their memberships through acts of service.

"Typically kids are pretty lazy," Berger told the local ABC affiliate. "But there's something about CrossFit and it's not until you start doing, and people that are naysayers will say you know it's a cult, well they've never done it. They're never come in and suffered with their friends in the community."

Teens at the gym pay for their memberships with time and are required to sign a contract with their parents and coaches.

Thirteen-year-old Tru Maran is committing to volunteering at the local humane society for his membership.

"It helps because you don't have to spend money like other teen programs and it helps your parents, and it helps you be a better person in the community and at home," she says.