CheekyChicago

No frills, no cardio machines, no mercy. Welcome to Jen Reed and Josh Schmitt’s Atlas CrossFit gym (644 N. Orleans St.).

I first heard whispers of CrossFit years ago when I lived in Los Angeles. Out there, people crave the latest fitness challenges and are willing to push their bodies to the limit.

During the 30-minute session, I attempted to keep up with the gnarly routine of pull-ups, kettlebell drills, box jumps and sprints around the box (CrossFit’s term for building).

It was hard. Really, really hard, and I had trouble walking for days…but after a few classes, I began to notice results. Plus – since the routines are never the same, boredom is almost impossible. And – CrossFit workouts are available online so you can do the workouts yourself if you can’t make it to the group sessions.

If you’re looking to push your body to the limit, check out the new Chicago location. Jen and Josh promise to change your body without an ounce of boredom. They warn that CrossFit is a lifestyle, and to see maximum results you’ll have to actually do the workouts and follow their eating suggestions.

A few of my guy friends who own and are part of successful business decided to take some time for themselves and dive into the program three days a week at 9 am. Mikey Farah (Mr. Berry Chill), Bob Patrizi (creator of Halo and Urban Joe), Mike Felton (We Give to Get, Halo), and Matt Matros (founder of Protein Bar) have teamed up to use fitness to reduce stress and get healthy.  While Matt is a bit of a workout junkie (he lost 60 pounds!), the rest of the guys are as green as you can get.  Basically, anyone can start this, no matter what kind of shape you’re in.

If these guys who work 12-hour days while having jam-packed social lives can commit to a lifestyle that includes waking up at 7 am to eat two eggs for some pre-work out protein – anyone can.

The team eventually would like to create a program inspired by their sucess that will help other busy Chicagoans get healthy, reduce stress, and look sexy by summer.

But don’t take my word for it- email Jen yourself at Jennifer@atlascrossfit.com and decide to make a change.

KZ’s Bite of the Week:

Full Bar Snacks – cheddar. Next time you’re craving something crunchy – run, RUN! to the nearest CVS, Walgreens, or Maple Street Market and grab a bag. For only 150 calories, these Cheeto-esque crunchers are made to satisfy and help you feel full so you eat less. Total win-win.