Many parents took on the role of teachers during the pandemic. Jeremy Bodenhamer, 42, has been working harder than ever since acting as a physical education educator for his three sons. When youth sports were canceled last year and parks and playgrounds were closed, the CEO of packaging and delivery software company ShipHawk began leading his boys through workouts in the family garage’s gym.
“My boys love school, but I hate Zoom School,” says Mr. Bodenhamer, who lives in Goleta, California. “PE takes its end and draws its accumulated energy.” Mr. Bodenhamer and his wife, Bethany Bodenhamer, the dean of students at a local high school, are both beloved CrossFitters and have always encouraged their boys to be active. Titus, 9, plays baseball. Solomon, 8 years old, loves hockey and running. 6-year-old Jeremiah is so in love with basketball that he watches Stephen Curry’s MasterClass daily and imitates the NBA player’s exercises.
In the morning, Mr. Bodenhamer runs the boys or leads them through short workouts. When they finish their distance learning sessions, they meet their father in the garage for training. Mrs. Bodenhamer also occasionally joins in to make this a family adventure. The boys post their workouts and fitness challenges on their Instagram account @heartandhamer, hoping to inspire other kids to stay active. Last fall, the boys raised money through a GoFundMe campaign so they could buy 700 ropes to give to local primary school children.
“I try to teach boys that fitness is more than strong muscles,” says Mr Bodenhamer. “We are talking about life lessons, such as setting goals and strengthening strength inside and out.”