I debated what to blog next. It’s been a few days since I shared a recipe, but it’s only 36 hours till Open 17.1 is released and many might be carb loading – not my usual food choice. Yes, the open is knocking at the door, so motivational blog? And then this came across my wall and it summed up everything that I’ve seen in the world lately.

Broken?! We joke about being broken in our gym all the time.
There’s the athlete that has to take a few days off because of an recent injury or re-infliction takes them out. BROKEN? There’s the workout that takes you down to exhaustion – you know the one that “broke you”. BROKEN? There’s that plague that is going around Chicago for the last month and a half that makes you want to crawl back in bed. BROKEN? There’s the stressed out times in life when a situation or demands just seem overwhelming. When life has piled on more than one person should possibly have to hold and it breaks them. Pushed to the point that a person almost snaps. BROKEN!
Bottom line it takes all the pieces working together, mentally and physically to make the amazing machine we call our body work to it’s full potential.
As we approach the start of the Open, peak performance will be determined by not only being physically, but also mentally, ready to take on the world. Not everyone is participating in the Open, but I can’t stress enough – Life is the Open! Everyone is participating in that! One of our senior athletes recently mentioned how much more energy they have since they started coming regularly – no need for a daily nap! Another younger client mentioned how much more efficient she seems to be at work when she regularly gets into the gym. Scientifically it has been proven that exercise will lower depression and lower anxiety levels. We all know how that weekend eating rampage makes us feel like a sloth come Monday.
So, I challenge you BROKEN people – channel those monkeys sitting on your backs – whether it be Open’s 17.1 or the project that’s due. Don’t see these bumps in the road as blockades, see them as an opportunity to grow. Use them to get stronger, be stronger, and smile because the healing process feels good.
Eat well / sleep lots / and GOOD LUCK in Life’s Open!
May the odds be ever in our favor as 17.1 is released tomorrow!

Since Spire opened in January we have been waiting for that glorious spring day we could roll up the door and let the fresh air blow through! Who knew that day would be in FEBRUARY! We enjoyed the Saturday throw down in sunshine! Fun for all those that came out! Only more rays to come!!

Get ready folks – the Open starts in only 2 weeks.
Yes, 2 weeks to test your fitness level, test how far you’ve come since last year, or just have fun!
Spire CrossFit is a certified box to complete your workouts if want to sign up and are looking for a place to WOD, just let us know when you want to head in!
Spire CrossFit will be running the Open workouts even if you just want to see where you fit in even if you don’t want to officially register.
Spire CrossFit is ready – are you??
What’s the Open?? Check this out from HQ!

There’s fit and then there’s CrossFit. I am NOT a runner and I have a ton of respect for those that do – maybe in another life I will like running. BUT even runners can improve their times through the all body conditioning CrossFit provides. The following is an article that’s a couple months old, but the story is timeless. We have have multiple athletes in our gym that will testify to the fact the strength gained through CrossFit workouts greatly improved their race times! Here’s a great story from Runner’s World …

http://www.runnersworld.com/crossfit/i-tried-crossfit-for-30-days-to-improve-my-5k-heres-what-happened?

That beer after a hard work out seems so refreshing! So what is the scientific answer this age old question??

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/beer-actually-good-recovery-drink/

Thank you to my college daughter for sharing! Leave it to those college kids!! 🙂

I never considered myself and athlete. I was a cheerleader in high school and a band geek, well, yes just a geek period. OK, I ran cross country in junior high, but anyone who knows me knows I hate to run!! Athletes – yep, those are those amazing people who …
Like to work out! OK maybe it is just those who work out – some days are not fun!
Try to eat healthy! Yes, athletes can still eat chocolate!
Have fun with others while being active!
Wait…
Most don’t get paid!
Most do not come in first!
Most just try!
Most are just like you and me!
It’s all how you think about it!
You can be an athlete!
Come be an “Inspir” ‘d athlete!

My college daughter sent me this article saying hey, I’m an athlete – next generation, same story – YES – YOU ARE AN ATHLETE!! She’s way more of an athlete than I am and eats a lot less chocolate! Read this inspiring article!

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-well-life-are-you-an-athlete/?bb=disable

Congratulations to our very own Chaz Baggio!! Chaz placed second only a squeak away from first in the CrossFit Ice Box Challenge sponsored by CrossFit 155 and CrossFit Carbon on Saturday in Mundelien. A long grueling day of WODs placed Chaz 3rd going into the finals against an impressive field of competitors. He blew away the competition with a breath taking display of grit and determination in the last WOD. This triple dose of AMRAPs moved him into 2nd place for the finish results. Hard work pays off!! Chaz has taken this last year to focus on his nutrition and weaknesses of skills. Watch out Open 2017 – he’s ready!!

Thanks Tom for this great article!! Need a little inspiration to get moving?? Here’s scientific proof that getting your body moving at ANY age and ANY state of health impacts the body! New Year – new YOU!! Come in and get started!!

http://www.runnersworld.com/health/heres-exactly-how-exercise-or-lack-of-it-affects-aging-muscles-this-just-might-change-your#bottom

Thank you to everyone that came out to share in our Grand Opening Celebration! We can’t wait to see you and many more sweating it out in our gym!

Help us celebrate our Grand Opening Saturday January 7th 12;00-3:00pm. We can’t wait to let you see what we have been up to!