Choose Joy
Taking a minor detour from the usual monthly “how to improve” your nutrition posts. I wanted to touch on a subject that is becoming more prevalent and something that I have also been working on , and that is body acceptance and what it truly means to be healthy. I...
The Forgotten Stretch Zone
The most celebrated writers of all time haven’t earned their distinctions by telling you precisely what happens line by line, but by what they did not write. Often times, the best stories are the ones that tell you just enough but leave the rest up to your imagination...
The “Find Balance” Myth
Remember the good ol’ days of teeter-totters? Those days at the park were the best. Especially if you had a friend that could launch you out of the teeter-totter saddle…..although, I’m sure a few injuries may have come from that. It would be rare to have that one...
4 Tips on How to Navigate Summer BBQs
Summertime social events of the season - aka, BBQ’s, don’t have to be a nutrition nightmare. We promise! In fact, BBQ’s can be one of the easiest ways to feel like you’re indulging, while at the same time, not subjecting yourself to total social abstinence because...
5 Go Anywhere Kettlebell Workouts
Summer in the Midwest is the best. Seriously, why else do we tolerate winters that can be blistering cold and soul crushingly grey for days, weeks, and months on end? Because the summers are THAT amazing, and the contrast to the dead of winter makes you appreciate it...
Ditch that Summer Diet (Or Any Other Diet)
After what seemed like an eternal winter in Minnesota, summer is finally here. With the arrival of summer, you may feel pressured to get your body ‘ready’ for beach season. One simple google search yields thousands of beach body ready diet and workout programs. Most...
5 Healthy Tips for Road Trips
Road trips are the best. The sun is out, windows are rolled down, your hand is out the window catching the wind while your favorite tunes play. The anticipation of your destination couldn’t be any more exciting and free! Now, road trips are super fun because you get...
Enjoy the Sunshine. Coach Jesse’s Top Summer Outdoor Picks.
Howdy! Happy summer everyone. We survived another winter, and here we are with some green grass, iced coffees and beautiful days! Don't get me wrong, I think winter is great in its own way, but seeing everyone outside is what makes summer freakin' fantastic! This...
Building your Nutritional Foundation
Most things in life begin with a strong foundation. In CrossFit, we have the nine foundational movements that most other movements are built off of. When designing a building, most architects look for the proper soil or land that will provide for a solid foundation of...
Top 3 Food Log Mistakes
Did you know the average American carries an extra 23 pounds on top of their ideal body weight? ...and when we say “ideal body weight” we do not mean looking sculpted, ripped, jacked, skinny, thin or any of those other words that most people attribute to what they...
Restaurant Tips from Nutrition Coach Jesse
When going out, I believe simplicity is key. The more fried, sauced, bathed, crunchatized, mysterious the meal is, the more likely it is loaded with unnecessary calories. Below are some go-to's i'd recommend. Granted, this can also be completely situational and...
From Running to CrossFit
Kevin, featured above, joined Athlete Lab one year ago. He came in with a background full of running experience but felt like he had hit a wall with his health and performance. Watch Kevin's story below!
WTF is Kettlebell Sport?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 10 years, you’re probably already familiar with what a kettlebell is. They’ve continued to rise in popularity and have reached the point of near ubiquity with kettlebells of varying quality available at most gyms in...
Build the Base
Years ago towards the end of my baseball days I had a few seasons I struggled as a hitter. I didn't understand why this was the case. Throughout my years, and even before the more competitive seasons, I tended to hit in the 3 or 4 slots due to my consistency and...
The Athlete Lab Isn’t What You Think
Is Spring really around the corner on the 20th? It’s hard to believe, here in Minnesota. The month of February has brought the true definition of winter to the forefront. However, deep in the depths of piled up snow banks and deep freezes there lingers life in all...
3 Lessons on Self Love
With the month of February coming to a close, I wanted to touch on self love during the month of love. I know some people love Valentine’s day and some people think it’s just a commercialized holiday, but whatever camp you are in, I think we can all agree that the...
4 Ways Fitness is like a Marriage
The month of L.O.V.E. (or not?) That is the question. Let’s face it, the same can be said when it comes to your health and fitness. It’s a love-like-dislike-hate relationship no matter what level of commitment you’re at. Given it’s the month of February, we thought...
Ditch the Resolutions. Form Sustainable Healthy Habits This Year.
Congratulations, we are already almost 4 weeks in to January, with only about 30 more weeks of this month to go…yay Minnesota winter. That being said, did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year? If so, you are not alone. Many people use January 1st as a start date...
Supplements 101
Not long ago I walked into a Fresh Thyme to pick up some miscellaneous things I needed for the week. I decided I wanted to walk over to the supplement aisle just to see what kind of things this store even carried. The minute I walked into the aisle filled with...
The Sport of Living to 100
Ahhhh January….we love you. The new year. The new and improved approach to #allthehealthythings #goingcoldturkeyoneverything “It’s gonna be different this year.” “I’m ready for total transformation.” We get it. We’re in the fitness industry and it’s no surprise to us...
How to Cultivate Healthy Habits in the New Year
3....2.....1..... Happy New Year! Everyone drop the glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to head over to your Tupperware of broccoli and chicken! It's time to get ready for swim suit season! Just kidding. But with the new year quickly around the...
3 Tips for Staying on Track During the Holidays
We survived the Thanksgiving weekend and have moved in to the few weeks leading up to Christmas that you may miss if you blink. If you are like me, once Thanksgiving finished, life only gets busier. Each weekend has some sort of get-together, holiday work function,...
5 Fitness Gifts You’ll Actually Use
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the holidays, let alone feel like you’re at a loss when it comes to finding something “perfect” for that special someone, especially someone who is health-conscious. Oftentimes, you realize you’re only a week out from Christmas Day...
What To Eat On Competition Day
Time to shine your hard work from all of that training on the floor! Watch the quick video live from Gameday a few weeks ago, or scroll down to read a quick synopsis of what to eat during competition day. (PS I’m new to this whole vlogging thing so go easy on me)....
Say Yes to Pie
‘Tis the season to be bombarded by social media and print ads using catchy slogans like… “Come burn off that Thanksgiving meal with a 2 hour workout” “Keto Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes” or my unfavorite... “One Piece of Pie Equals This Many Burpees you Have to Do” As...
Your Personal Health Account
The act of investing isn’t a new concept. People think long-term all the time when it comes to finances….even if you’re not in the greatest position to stock hundreds of dollars away each month. It’s still something that most likely sits in the back of your mind,...
The Journey
We sat down and talked with Dawn about her past, current progress, and the driving forces behind her motivation to make major changes in her life. Watch her video below!
5 Tips To Set You Up For Success During Football Season
WOOOOOH! Kirk Cousins to Diggs AND THE VIKES GET THEIR FIRST SUPERBOWL WIN! Minnesota goes wild! Football season is here and in full swing. You may have some health goals set for yourself, maybe that is to get stronger, change body composition, or just to feel better....
Your Superhero Alter Ego
It’s October. Every year we get the pleasure of pretending to be something we’re not. Before you know it, sightings of mummies, leprechauns, zombies and princesses come alive. We don’t think much about it. October is the month to get as creative and transformative as...
Against The Odds
We sat down with member Desi, to discuss her past hardships, her years of sobriety, and where she is at today with her health and fitness goals. Here is her story...