UPDATE: Ty Warner Park (Westmont IL) Workouts

Some of the ladies during their latest group workout at Ty Warner Park in Westmont IL. Functional training often includes elements from the world of StrongMan competition -- in this case it's 200# tire flipping.

Take a look at these women above. They are everyday women accomplishing extraordinary feats. How? They tackle new challenges, see opportunities rather than obstacles, and aren't afraid to fail. They each took a different path into functional training, but have morphed into a "community" that prides itself on encouragement and recruitment!

Click for my Beyond the Body article published by the CrossFit Journal. It's all about women breaking the mold.

Women are frequently sold a program with some version of "core strength." Most are crap. Strengthening the core is WAY more than crunches, leg lifts, and isometric holds. In the above photo, Michelle is using her whole midsection to lift, raise, get under, and push that tire over. That is CORE EXERCISE!

I've been closely monitoring the group's progress. First off, the size of the group continues to grow. It's viral. Secondly, the participants are each becoming more and more educated and committed. Accountability to peer members is one of the strengths of this group!

To join in on these FREE workouts: post to comments, or email Nick or Schlik. (Their email addresses are included in this post.)

GROUP WORKOUTS: Ty Warner Park / Westmont IL

There is a functional fitness group meeting up at Ty Warner Park in Westmont IL for free afternoon workouts. These are our guys who believe in the same fitness philosophy that you read about here.

The Westmont Park District has recently added a fitness station to their lovely park. It includes pullup bars, situp station, monkey bars, and a few other challenging pieces. It's a near-perfect venue for functional fitness enthusiasts!

The workouts are generally held at 4:15pm, and are held on both weekdays and weekends. They last between 15 and 30 minutes, not including warmup or skill practice. In total, it's fair to say the group is out by 5:15pm. The days/dates are frequently updated and posted in the right column of this blog under Upcoming Events tab >>>>>

The organizers of the sessions are Nick G (email) and Schlik (email). Please reach out to one of them before just showing up. They'd appreciate a head count so they can arrange for the right equipment to get out there, and to alert members of weather problems. If you have your own KBs, SBs, or other portable gear, please bring it out. They have a lot to bring, but that's a big burden for them to be carting everything around.

I've been getting daily updates from not only Nick and Schlik, but their group members as well. Their workouts are challenging, but can always be scaled or adjusted to each person's fitness levels. It is an encouraging group that expects you to bring a win-at-all-costs attitude. However even with its intensity, it is a motivating and accepting group that believes a community of committed people of all fitness abilities is synergistic.

If you are in the area, whether a newbie or an experienced functionalist, you will benefit from working out with these guys and gals. Email them to see how they can help you reach your goals.

Directions to the site: From Ogden Ave and Cass Ave. Take Cass Ave North to Plaza Dr. Take Plaza Dr East to Burr Oak. Take Burr Oak North to the fitness equipment on East side (in the park).