Sami’s Circuit Goes The Distance

Sami's Circuit Goes the Distance Reminding Kids Everywhere, You Got This! By Allison Hopkins

Tens of thousands of students in northern California have taken part in Sami Kader’s motivational programs since 2012, and with today’s challenges, they need this more than ever. Just like his program teaches—to never give up—Sami has found a way to continue to reach kids during distance learning through his “On Demand” series. Teachers and parents use Sami’s weekly, 20-minute videos designed to support kids’ physical, mental, and social well-being from Pre-K to sixth grade.

Sami began struggling with low self-esteem as a young child. He was mocked and bullied by his peers for being overweight, which resulted in what he refers to as a “negative voice” inside, leading him down a bad path. His story shows how one person can change someone’s course forever. When Sami was 16, a family friend insisted that he join him on daily trips to the gym. There was a lot of resistance initially, but after one year, Sami lost a significant amount of weight and, most importantly, gained more mental strength and respect for himself than can be measured. high school, teaching them about the tools he used to believe in himself, and engaging them through fun circuit training workouts throughout the year. For anyone who hasn’t seen Sami’s training in action, it’s an auditorium full of so much energy that you can’t help but be a little stunned!

Fast forward to distance learning of 2020 and the new video platform has enabled Sami’s service to reach school districts and parents located anywhere, anytime. His videos focus on a “circuit of powers,” a social-emotional toolbox. He teaches the kids that much like with a superhero, the powers aren’t something that are given to you. Students are shown that these powers already exist and can be accessed at any time once they understand and learn how to use them. A sample video is included at samiscircuit.com/homeschool.

“What used to be a message that I can only give in person is now a message that can reach kids everywhere!” -Sami

Family nights have been a popular part of Sami’s in-person program. Now families of schools that subscribe and others who purchase the On-Demand program can participate in the monthly live virtual events. Each event has a different theme and “field trip” location.

to watch his videos during their online class on Fridays. Harbman explained that the most recent video she shared with the class talked about being positive and finding the good in everything they are doing right now, followed by a circuit training activity.

“Sami has become a part of our school climate for the last six years and participates in our annual jog-a-thon,” said Harbman, a mother of two girls who has been teaching for 20 years. “Trying to get my students to do PE can be very difficult, but Sami comes and they will do absolutely anything he asks them to do. He is a magnet for children… he’s like magic.”

Harbman introduced Sami to her school after hearing about the program that her daughter was involved with in Lincoln. Over the years, she has been impressed by his ability to connect with the students who are struggling a little during the circuits and need extra help, explaining that “Sami finds those ones and makes them shine.”

Purchasing a homeschool subscription has been a great option for Lindsey West, whose seven-year-old son is not offered the service through his school. West plays Sami’s videos as part of her son’s weekly physical education time, as well as a foundation for his social emotional learning throughout the week. “We’ve been working with our son for a while on positive thinking, resilience, perseverance and self-motivation,” said West. “Lately, he has been drawing pictures and hiding them for us to find as an end of day activity. In these pictures, he has started putting Sami’s words, ‘You got this’ and ‘Never give up.’”

West explained that Sami’s message of overcoming a negative voice from his childhood has really resonated with her son. After learning about the negative voice in one of the first videos, she bought the book of Sami’s story, and they read it from time to time to remind her son that he can overcome negativity and have a happy and healthy life, like Sami.

The positive messaging surrounding Sami’s Circuit hits home in a time when it’s truly needed—for teachers, parents and most importantly, for kids. His weekly videos are working to create new bonds and reinforce existing bonds between Sami and the students; he believes this is key in building resilience.

“Sami’s videos go beyond just exercise for us,” said West. “They are helping our son develop the tools he will need to thrive throughout the challenges of life.”