Defined Training | Coach’s Corner: Meet Justin Curry!

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Monthly Newsletter // November 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Cycle #9: Grip-Variant Bench, Sumo Deadlift & Breathing Squats

Read on for details on our latest training cycle — and the why behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // October 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Kevin Mork!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Kevin Mork, who joined our community in 2019.

Cycle #8: Unilateral Strength, Vertical Pulls & Muscle Up Progressions

Read on to learn more about what we're focusing on in our next cycle — and the "why" behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // September 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Steven!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Steven Bond, who joined Defined in 2022 and our coaching staff in 2024.

Cycle #7: Tricep Power & Single-Leg Development

Read on for a breakdown of our next training cycle — what we're focusing on, and the "why" behind it.

Monthly Newsletter // August 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Nutrition: The Key Ingredient to Any Fitness Journey

If you spend even a few minutes on social media these days, it can seem like everyone is chasing the next shortcut. But strength is the one thing you cannot fast-track, and nutrition is the key ingredient.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Makena Hulme!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Makena Hulme who first found Defined in 2022.

Monthly Newsletter // July 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Jarryd!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Coach Jarryd Widhalm, who joined our community in 2020 and our coaching staff in 2021.

Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Part of Your Fitness Program

If you've been showing up to class consistently, hitting your lifts, and trying to eat well — but still feel like progress is slow — there's a good chance the missing piece isn't another workout.

Cycle #6: The Heat Wave – Squat Cleans & Positional Thresholds

Read on for a breakdown of our latest training cycle — and the why behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // June 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Emily Baltierra!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Emily Baltierra, who first joined Defined in 2020 before moving back home to California — returning to Chicago and our community in 2025.

Cycle #5: The Post-Peak Pivot & Functional Strength Build

Read on for the scoop on our next training cycle and the "why" behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // May 2026‍

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Reid!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Coach Reid Chandler, who joined Defined in 2021 and our coaching team in 2023.

Stronger Bodies, Stronger Minds: The Science Behind Movement, Muscle, & Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at Defined Training, we believe something powerful: movement builds muscle, muscle builds a healthier mind — and when you add community to that equation, you get a foundation for real, lasting well‑being.

Cycle #4: The Intensification Phase – 1,000lb Club & Murph Peak

Read on for a breakdown of our next training cycle and the "why" behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // April 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

How Strength Training Complements Endurance Training — and Vice Versa

Strength training and endurance training are not mutually exclusive. And you’re building on both when you balance them together.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Thor Jaleco!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Thor Jaleco, who joined Defined in 2024.

Cycle #3: The Foundation of Strength – 1,000lb Club & Murph Prep

Read on for an overview of our next training cycle and the "why" behind what we're doing.

Monthly Newsletter // March 2026‍

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

How to Stay on Track With Your New Year’s Resolutions After January

How do we create lasting change through healthy habits? In our latest blog post, we dissect the all-too-common challenge of sticking to our goals, well beyond the new year.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Sergio!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Coach Sergio Valadez, who joined Defined in 2015 and our coaching team in 2021.

Cycle #2: The Peaking Phase – 2026 Open & Intramurals

Our second 4-week cycle of the year is here, marking the final stage of our 8-week macro-cycle. Read more to understand the "why" behind what we do.

Monthly Newsletter // February 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Save 20-30% on Your Membership: HSA/FSA Benefit is Here!

You may be eligible to use your pre-tax health dollars to significantly reduce your membership costs.

Defined Intramurals & the 2026 CrossFit Open: What to Know

Everything you need to know about Defined Intramurals and the 2026 CrossFit Open.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Muneeb Ahmed!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Muneeb Ahmed, who joined Defined in 2024.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Robert!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Coach Robert Olivieri, who joined Defined in 2022 and now leads our team as Head Coach!

Monthly Newsletter // January 2026

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

15 Milestone Moments in Defined’s 15-Year History

On January 3, 2026, Defined Training officially celebrated 15 years. To commemorate such a special occasion, we’re taking a trip down memory lane.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Leslye Swigert!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Leslye Swigert, who joined Defined in 2013.

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Noal & Coach Cara!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with our owner and founder, Noal Dubois and our general manager and head coach Cara Sabin, who both joined Defined 15 years ago!

Cycle #1: The Engine Room – 2026 Open Prep Begins

Our first 4-week cycle of 2026 is here! Read on for what's new, and why.

Monthly Newsletter // December 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Ben!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we're catching up with Coach Ben Raczka, who joined Defined in 2016 and our coaching team in 2018.

Recovery Yoga: The Hidden Weapon for Strength & Conditioning Success

At Defined, we’re thrilled to offer Recovery Yoga every Sunday morning — read on to learn how recovery yoga adds value to your training, and why we all should consider slowing down to speed up our recovery and our progress.

Cycle #10: Your Last 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle of 2025

Our final 4-week cycle of the year is here! It begins Monday, November 24 and runs through Sunday, December 21.

Monthly Newsletter // November 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Lura Meisch!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Lura Meisch, who joined Defined in 2023.

5 Ways Fitness is Built in the Winter

Don't let winter’s chill and early darkness become excuses—make them opportunities. If you’re looking for some motivation, read on for 5 ways you can build fitness in the winter—and set yourself up for success in the long-run.

Cycle #9: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Our next 4-week cycle is here, so read the breakdown below for what you can expect and the specific goals behind each training element.

Monthly Newsletter // October 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

A Beginner’s Guide to CrossFit: What to Do in Your First 3 Months at Defined

New to CrossFit or our community here at Defined? Welcome! We’ve put together a roadmap for your first three months.

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Chandler!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Coach Chandler Lundgren-Clark, who joined Defined in 2023 and our coaching staff in 2024.

Cycle #8: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Our next 4-week cycle is here, so read the breakdown below for what you can expect and the specific goals behind each training element.

Monthly Newsletter // September 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Nicole Davis!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Nicole Davis, who joined Defined in 2018.

CrossFit Lingo 101: Acronyms & Terms You’ll Hear at Defined

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common CrossFit terms you’ll hear around the gym, so you can walk in ready to crush your next workout.

Cycle #7: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and the specific goals behind each training element.

Monthly Newsletter // August 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Defined Foundations: Meet Our Team!

New to the gym game? Don’t sweat it. Our Defined Foundations program is the perfect place to start.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Drew!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we're catching up with Coach Drew Saiz, who joined Defined in 2018 and our coaching team in 2024.

Monthly Newsletter // July 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Chris Alabastro!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Chris Alabastro, who joined Defined in 2024.

Monthly Newsletter // June 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Emily!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Coach Emily Rice, who joined Defined in 2024.

Monthly Newsletter // May 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Sean Higgins!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Sean Higgins, who joined Defined in 2021.

Defined Pride Throwdown 2025: What to Know

Get ready to throwdown and show your pride.

The 1,000 Pound Club: Testing the "Big 3" Powerlifts

Testing week for our 3rd Annual Defined 1,000 Pound Club is around the corner.

What Are Macros? 3 Easy Ways to Get Started

Learn more about macronutrients, or "macros," and whether our workshop is right for you.

Monthly Newsletter // April 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

That's a Wrap: Defined Intramurals 2025

Thanks to everyone who made Defined Intramurals one for the books.

More Volume, More Problems: Why More Exercise Isn’t Always Better for Gains

In CrossFit and strength training, more isn’t always better — better is better.

Monthly Newsletter // March 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Monthly Newsletter // February 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

The 2025 CrossFit Open and Defined Intramurals: What to Know

Defined Intramurals are modeled after the CrossFit Open: a series of workouts completed by athletes of all levels around the world.

The Benefits of Traditional Finnish Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy

Learn about the benefits of our new Recovery Room and how it can support your training at Defined.

Defined Recovery Club: Reserve Your Spot

The Recovery Room is our new Traditional Finnish Sauna + Cold Plunge Therapy benefit for members of Defined Training.

Defined Training Named One of Chicago's Best Gyms of 2025!

Defined Training was named one of the Best Gyms in Chicago. Fist-bumps all around!

Monthly Newsletter // January 2025

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Monthly Newsletter // December 2024

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Sam & Charlie!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with siblings Sam and Charlie, who joined Defined in 2020/2024.

Monthly Newsletter // November 2024

Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.

The Science Behind CrossFit: Why It’s Effective for Strength and Conditioning

Discover the science behind CrossFit and why it’s an effective approach to building strength and conditioning. Learn how functional movements, HIIT, and progressive overload enhance fitness and promote muscle growth in this comprehensive guide.

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Lyss!

Get to know the coaches who make our Community Strong. This month we're catching up with Coach Lyss, who joined Defined in 2021.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Katie!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we're catching up with Katie, who joined Defined in 2024.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Nhil and Paris!

Experience in training means having a template for moving a self-guided fitness needle. Unknown to most beginners, experience can teach us what we’re capable of, how to approach our training, and when to lean into healthy competition. In an effort to see progress, we follow our instincts.

We love Dog Days at Defined . . .

Ollie and Stan share their o-paw-nions. We love Dog Days at Defined. To continue to keep our humans and paws safe, we ask that you take two shakes of a squirrel’s tail to review our guidelines :

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Gio!

Meet Gio: strong, kind, dedicated, and really really tall.

What is Murph Day and How to Approach the Workout

Murph Day at Defined is just around the corner. Use our FAQ to learn more and choose an approach that works for you!

Defined 2023 CrossFit Open Intramurals

Defined Intramurals are modeled after the CrossFit Open: a series of workouts completed by athletes of all levels around the world. The motivation to participate? Camaraderie, along with the shared belief that our training continues to make us better, together.

4 Tips for Choosing the Gym Over Excuses

We’ve all been there. Stress. Sore muscles. The comfort of the couch. A rainy day. Or worst of all, anytime running’s programmed. These are all possible reasons we might want to skip a workout.

5 Non-Physical Benefits of Training

For new mom and long-time coach Cara Sabin, it’s all about community. Her training takes place with others who share in the experience of doing something that’s hard for them, at any level.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet the Moms of Defined!

There’s no shortage of strong women at Defined. And among them are a legion of moms, setting the standard for consistency, effort, and downright grit.

Defined Scholarship Program

In 2020, an athlete contacted us, requesting to donate a membership to someone in our community who had been negatively impacted by Covid. What began as one kind gesture, quickly grew into a community’s dedicated efforts to provide training opportunities for those who need it most.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Jim and Judson!

Jim Kenny and Judson Bernardo are two of our longest standing athletes: dedicated folks who have been with us since the opening of our earliest locations.

Athlete Spotlight: Meet our Strongest over 60!

At Defined, movement is for everyone and age is an advantage.

Lift Off > USAW Meet

HEY TEAM, We’re makin’ changes—and turning our USAW Meet into a Summer Lift-Off!

Big Floyd #2

BIG FLOYD is almost here. We’re glad you’re with us.

Murph Day 2026: What to Know

The annual Murph Challenge is just around the corner. Here's what you need to know.

What is “Lift Local”?

Defined is a small business with a big heart. And we know we have our community to thank when it comes to our continued growth, authentic approach, and of course, our ability to navigate a global pandemic.

The Story Of Defined

Get the backstory on how our community started.

Coach’s Corner: Meet Justin Curry!

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Monthly Newsletter // November 2026

Cycle #9: Grip-Variant Bench, Sumo Deadlift & Breathing Squats

Monthly Newsletter // October 2026

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Kevin Mork!

Cycle #8: Unilateral Strength, Vertical Pulls & Muscle Up Progressions

Monthly Newsletter // September 2026

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Steven!

Cycle #7: Tricep Power & Single-Leg Development

Monthly Newsletter // August 2026

Nutrition: The Key Ingredient to Any Fitness Journey

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Makena Hulme!

Monthly Newsletter // July 2026

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Jarryd!

Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Part of Your Fitness Program

Cycle #6: The Heat Wave – Squat Cleans & Positional Thresholds

Monthly Newsletter // June 2026

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Emily Baltierra!

Cycle #5: The Post-Peak Pivot & Functional Strength Build

Monthly Newsletter // May 2026‍

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Reid!

Stronger Bodies, Stronger Minds: The Science Behind Movement, Muscle, & Mental Health

Cycle #4: The Intensification Phase – 1,000lb Club & Murph Peak

Monthly Newsletter // April 2026

How Strength Training Complements Endurance Training — and Vice Versa

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Thor Jaleco!

Cycle #3: The Foundation of Strength – 1,000lb Club & Murph Prep

Monthly Newsletter // March 2026‍

How to Stay on Track With Your New Year’s Resolutions After January

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Sergio!

Cycle #2: The Peaking Phase – 2026 Open & Intramurals

Monthly Newsletter // February 2026

Save 20-30% on Your Membership: HSA/FSA Benefit is Here!

Defined Intramurals & the 2026 CrossFit Open: What to Know

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Muneeb Ahmed!

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Robert!

Monthly Newsletter // January 2026

15 Milestone Moments in Defined’s 15-Year History

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Leslye Swigert!

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Noal & Coach Cara!

Cycle #1: The Engine Room – 2026 Open Prep Begins

Monthly Newsletter // December 2025

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Ben!

Recovery Yoga: The Hidden Weapon for Strength & Conditioning Success

Cycle #10: Your Last 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle of 2025

Monthly Newsletter // November 2025

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Lura Meisch!

5 Ways Fitness is Built in the Winter

Cycle #9: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Monthly Newsletter // October 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to CrossFit: What to Do in Your First 3 Months at Defined

Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Chandler!

Cycle #8: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Monthly Newsletter // September 2025

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Nicole Davis!

CrossFit Lingo 101: Acronyms & Terms You’ll Hear at Defined

Cycle #7: Your Next 4-Week Strength & Conditioning Cycle: What's New & Why

Monthly Newsletter // August 2025

Defined Foundations: Meet Our Team!

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Drew!

Monthly Newsletter // July 2025

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Chris Alabastro!

Monthly Newsletter // June 2025

Coach's Corner: Meet Coach Emily!

Monthly Newsletter // May 2025

Athlete Spotlight: Meet Sean Higgins!

Defined Pride Throwdown 2025: What to Know

The 1,000 Pound Club: Testing the "Big 3" Powerlifts

What Are Macros? 3 Easy Ways to Get Started

Monthly Newsletter // April 2025

That's a Wrap: Defined Intramurals 2025

More Volume, More Problems: Why More Exercise Isn’t Always Better for Gains

Monthly Newsletter // March 2025

Monthly Newsletter // February 2025

The 2025 CrossFit Open and Defined Intramurals: What to Know

The Benefits of Traditional Finnish Sauna and Cold Plunge Therapy

Defined Recovery Club: Reserve Your Spot