Workout, Happening, and Updates at CROSSFIT DES PLAINES
The Blog
It’s OPEN Season! // Open.. What?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned CrossFit enthusiast, you may have heard something about the CrossFit Open! If you’re not sure what the CrossFit
Why Should I Track My Results?
Last week we posted about “A Fresh Start” and one of the main points was to be consistent. One action to help support this would
A Fresh Start: How to Plan for Re-Setting
Our society is so often moving and doing… walking and talking… but how much of the time do we allow ourselves to quiet down to
3 Reasons Why Your Coach is Not Just a Trainer
At CrossFit Des Plaines you can count on finding coaches that are here for you and your goals. It may sound minuscule, but there are
Surviving the Holidays: When You Are Trying to Stay Healthy
It’s that time of year! Holiday parties, cookies and all the warming beverages. Here are 5 tips for Surviving the Holidays when trying to maintain
Training for Health vs. Training for Sport
A few months back, we posted an article about the difference between “fitness” and “performance” in our CrossFit gym’s programming. We also touched on the
Group Fitness: More Beneficial than Intimidating
We all get stressed–from being overworked, or from our thousands of responsibilities–but it’s not news to us that exercise can be an outlet to overcome
Fake Fitness News Part 4: More Than Just Showing Up
Sometimes when we have been working on a goal, or investing in a project for quite some time, we might find ourselves in “auto pilot”
Fake Fitness News Series Part 3: Apathetic Eating
“I basically workout so that I can just eat whatever I want.” Unfortunately, more people than you’d think have this apathetic mindset when it comes
Fake Fitness News Series: Part 2 – “Cheat Meals”
What comes to mind when you hear the term “cheat meal”? It might have a negative connotation; in fact, the word “cheat” in itself already
Fake Fitness News Series: Part 1 – “No Pain, No Gain”
We’ve heard it somewhere before: whether it’s been on an awe-inspiring athletic commercial, or from a sports coach back in grade school, if there’s “no
The Power of Community
Everyone has their reason for why they choose to be a part of a CrossFit gym. Some might join for the convenience of a one
That’s a Wrap (if it fits the macros): Nutrition Challenge Re-Cap
Twenty-one participants recently completed a 6-week challenge for dialing in their nutrition habits and weekly workout routine. While the majority of participants were brand new
Should I be counting calories? Tracking macros?
Counting calories or macronutrients are great approaches for achieving body composition goals. Calorie: Amount of energy available in foods (despite labels and generalizations, estimated calories
Five Little Habits That Can Change Your Day
Often times, we want so much of what we don’t yet have: a newer car, a new PR in the gym, to pass a professional
Mobility and Range of Motion
Has your coach told you to keep reaching a little further to the “bottom” of your squat? Or maybe you feel like your form is
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset in Health and Fitness
[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″] [et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Those with a growth mindset are continuously believing and working towards growth; they believe they have the
Surviving Social Gatherings
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” custom_padding=”0px|0px|50px|0px”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16.8333px|0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] One of the most common challenges people come across when they are following a structured nutrition plan
Analyzing your InBody Results Sheet
So your scan is complete, and you’re left scratching your head, trying to read the descriptions on the right side of the sheet for each
Building Core Strength
Building the strength and stability in our core is more than just about having washboard abs! The “core” extends beyond our abdominal muscles and includes
Why We “Fall Off”
As a CrossFit coach I have worked with several athletes of different experiences, abilities, goals and stories. I’ve taken several mental notes as I sit
Fitness, Performance: What’s the Difference?
At one point, you’ve probably wondered about the two separate programs written on the whiteboard each day. Most of the time “Fitness” and “Performance” have
What The CrossFit Games Athletes Can Teach US
About one week ago, several of us coaches and members from CFDP attended the CrossFit Games in Madison. The top 40 fittest men and women,
Completed My “Challenge”… Now what?
First off, congratulate yourself on completing ANY sort of challenge you have committed yourself to–whether that’s the 6-week Best Self Transformation Challenge or CrossFit Des
Traveling Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Gains!
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” custom_padding=”0px|0px|58px|0px”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text] Many of us have to break our typical routine by traveling, whether that’s for work or personal
Should I “Rx”?
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px” admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0px|0px|29px|0px” admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text] This week’s blog will answer a few “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding “prescribed” weights and movements within
Mindfulness: Why should I “mind”?
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] It’s not a hoax! The American Psychological Association has cited several studies regarding the
CrossFit Classmates: Set an Example
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Can you remember the first few people, aside from your coaches, who spoke to
Accessorize Your WODs
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Are your goals performance related? Are you looking to finally Rx the class workouts for
Nutrition Challenge: Recap
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] There are several misconceptions about achieving our body composition goals. The reality of it
A Winning Mindset
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Having a winner’s mindset is something that happens inside of you when you truly
Shifting our Mindset and Addressing “Ideals”
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] It’s safe to say that almost each one of us has once fantasized about having an “ideal”
CrossFit Perks #1: Accountability Partners
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Whether you choose one for you, or you make a few along the way, there
“Bulletproof” Your Body
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] If you think that attending CrossFit classes 3-5 times a week is going to
Introspection and Self-Love
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Social media is flooded with inspirational quotes and motivational mantras. However, even when we
Metrics For When You Lose Motivation
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “We can’t just be ‘motivated’ all the time. We must learn self-discipline.” We all
Easing Into Habits
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “You may have heard: “it takes 21 days to build a habit.” Let’s discuss
Our Relationship with Food
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] As human beings, we tend to thrive on our relationships, especially with those of
Eating in a Pinch
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] We live in a fast-paced society where many of us overwork ourselves in whatever
Meal Planning and Supplementation
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “Many people dread the idea of spending hours on preparing meals for themselves and/or
96% of Your Day
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] About 96% of your day equates to the 23 hours you have outside of
Goal Setting – The Art and Science
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone
The Neglected Athlete Practice – Recovery
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Take a minute to assess some of your current recovery practices by answering these
Fear NOT the Failures
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games.
The Importance of Scaling
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “Remember that every movement/skill takes time to learn, repetitions of good technique, following the progressions,
Fixing Imbalances – The Importance of Unilateral Work
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “Imbalances will result in limited mobility, hinder our strength gains, cause muscle stiffness, and
If it’s Important…
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] “If it’s important to you, you’ll make the time for it. If it’s not,
Do you REALLY want it?
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Last week we posted about doing it for YOU. However, what is it that
Adopt a Positive Mindset
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Imagine this: You are in the gym and see someone really struggling through a
Do it for YOU!
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Why Do You Start Crossfit? Why did you originally start CrossFit? What are your
New Apparel Coming Soon…
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] New Apparel Coming Soon. Stay tuned for more details on how to purchase your