Monthly Newsletter // May 2026
Get the latest on what's happening at Defined.
By
May 5, 2026
Welcome to a new month here at Defined, with plenty of fitness and fun on the horizon for our community. 💪
We’re halfway through our fourth training cycle of 2026, and all our hard work will pay off by the end of the month when we test our 1-rep maxes in the “Big 3” (Back Squat, Bench, & Deadlift) for the 500-1,000lb Clubs (Week of May 18) and test our engines on Murph Day (Saturday, May 23).
In case you missed it, check out our Cycle #4 write-up below for an overview of what we’re training for, plus all the information you need for 1,000 Pound Club Testing Week and Murph Day.
READ: Cycle #4: The Intensification Phase – 1,000 Pound Club Testing & Murph Peak
READ: 1,000 Pound Club: What to Know
READ: Murph Day 2026: What to Know
Read on for the latest on what’s happening at Defined, including a focus on Mental Health Awareness Month and a spotlight on Coach Reid!
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.
Read on for a scientific look at how improving your physical health leads to better mental health.
READ: Stronger Bodies, Stronger Minds: The Science Behind Movement, Muscle, & Mental Health
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Coach Cara & Coach Noal will host some meditation+breathwork classes on Saturdays after Olympic Weightlifting (11:55 a.m.) Sign up in PushPress!
Saturday, May 9: Guided Breathwork with Coach Noal
Saturday, May 16: Mindfulness Meditation with Coach Cara
Saturday, May 30: Breathwork & Mobility with Coach Noal
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.
When Coach Reid began his fitness journey, he didn’t realize he was also taking his first steps on his mental health journey. By finding CrossFit, he found community — together, they helped him stay strong in more ways than one. Hear his story and learn how he found purpose in a passion for helping others. 💙
WATCH: Coach’s Corner: Meet Coach Reid!
READ: Coach Reid’s Bio
Lace up your running shoes: Defined Track Day is nearly here! This event is FREE to join, just sign up in PushPress like you would a normal class!
We’ll meet at Montrose Track on Sunday, May 17 - 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Test a new PR in the 100m, 400m, and 1600 (1 mile) runs and team up with friends to compete in 4x100m, 4x400m, and Power Walk 4x100m relays!
Want in on our special Defined Track & Field Club apparel order? These will be ready for pick-up later this month. Place an order for a shirt, hoodie, and/or pinnie by Monday, May 18 in PushPress!
A BIG congratulations to all of our Defined Barbell Club athletes who competed at the USAW Illinois Weightlifting State Organization’s 2026 Championship!
Our athletes earned some serious placements. 🏆
Coach Mason Hults - PR’d his Snatch!
AJ Berl - Handled a sprained elbow with grace and will be back in no time!
Cody Kobashigawa - 2nd Place in Masters Age Group (35-39) and in 110kg Weight Class - Silver!
Odun Ishola - First Comp. Ever!
Pedro Molina - 2nd Place in 71kg Weight Class - Silver! + 1st Place in Masters Age Group (35-39) - Gold!
Lura Meisch - 3rd Place in Masters Age Group (35-39) and in 86+kg Weight Class - Bronze!
Sarah Smith - 2nd Place in 58kg Weight Class - Silver!
Lauren Atamian - First Comp. Ever! 3rd Place in 58kg Weight Class - Bronze! + 1st Place in Masters Age Group (35-39) - Gold!
The Defined Bali Adventure & Fitness Retreat is an annual tradition you won’t want to miss, happening October 6-14, 2026.
Coach Noal has only 2 out of 12 spots left! Email him (Noal@Defined.Training) to reserve your spot or ask questions. See itinerary below.
READ: Bali Adventure Itinerary!
January 2026: Defined’s 15-year anniversary. ✅
May 2026: Defined Recovery Club’s 15-MONTH anniversary. 🎉
We love any excuse to celebrate — so we want to offer you a special promo.
15% off all drop-in packs purchased in May (1-year expiration)
15% off a one-month membership: 4x, 8x, & Unlimited
15% off the pre-purchase of a 3-month membership: 4x, 8x, & Unlimited (for the months of May/June/July)
BRING-A-FRIEND DAY
Tuesday, May 12
All class times.
DEFINED TRACK DAY!
Sunday, May 17
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sign up in PushPress!
MURPH DAY!
Saturday, May 23
8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. Heats
Sign up in PushPress!
MEMORIAL DAY: CLOSED
Monday, May 25
SAVE THE DATE: BEACH WOD!
Saturday, June 6
Details coming soon.
SAVE THE DATE: DEFINED’S PRIDE FITNESS RACE!
Saturday, June 13
Morning ‘til Noon
Details coming this week! Find your team of two. We’ll have a lane for every athlete, ally, and neighbor.
Physical Therapy w/ Dr. Elvis!
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Thanks for making our Community Strong. 💪🏼
Team Defined
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