OUR BLOG
Beat the Winter Blues!
Some of us may feel like we’re in more of a “funk” during the dark and dreary days of the wintertime here in the Midwest. It’s not uncommon; while some may know this as the “winter blues” other more extreme symptoms can actually be identified as “Seasonal Affective...
How many days a week should I exercise?
One of the most common questions we get from our newer members is how many days a week should I exercise? The answer is not straight-forward, as it can vary for each individual based on: the type/intensity of exercise, their current fitness level, nutritional regimen,...
The Confusion on Caffeine: Benefits & Side Effects
One of America’s most widely used drugs? Caffeine. Yes, there is a drug in that cup of joe of yours. Drug, noun: “a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.” So let’s clear up some confusion;...
Staying on Track Through the Holidays
With Halloween approaching next week, the domino-effect mindset of holiday season challenges us to stay on track with our fitness and nutrition as we dive into the darker, colder months of the year. For many people who already follow a regularly fit...
Surviving a Toxic Relationship with Food
At that time, it seemed like it was certainly “just a phase” - restricting eating, over-exercising, eating in private, and even bingeing on food. Everyone does it, as I remember telling myself in my head as I found myself spending an hour on the treadmill after...
Five Anytime Prehab Exercises To Do On Your Own
Have a couple minutes before CrossFit class? Maybe you’re thinking about how you can prepare yourself for movement after a long weekend of traveling, or a full day’s work sitting at the office. Here are five anytime prehab exercises that you can do on your own!...
It’s OPEN SEASON #CrossFit
“CrossFit is SO MUCH FUN!...” says hardly anyone ever… until the CrossFit Open begins! It’s that time of year where we as a community come together as a whole community, and even in teams within our community (read on) to have a few good ol’ fashion throwdowns and a...
Should I fast? Benefits and Setbacks of Fasting
Fasting, particularly, intermittent fasting has become a very common fad for those who are looking for the next method or regimen to try for their health and fitness goals. The idea of it seems simple enough: restricting the time window in which one consumes calories...
Beyond the Calories and Macros: Bioactive Foods
In the modern American diet, we are often very fixated on numbers and quantities: calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats. Low-carb, high-protein, high-fat, low-fat. Gluten free, dairy free, zero calorie, zero sugar. Or better yet: “everything in moderation” which is...
The Athlete Lifecycle at CrossFit Des Plaines
Everyone comes from their own background and experience, when it comes to their fitness. Once you’re here with us, we try to take your fitness to new, challenging and exciting levels. While at first, you might be new, at CrossFit Des Plaines, you soon become an...