8 Fun Ways For Chicagoans To Lose Weight
Lake Shore Drive
Well, duh, of course this is going to be on the list. It's the best kind of workout- free. Through this whole path, you can run, walk, bike, roller blade, Segway (wait, that doesn't help you lose weight), etc. Then, you view the hot bodies on the beach, our beautiful skyline, Navy Pier and the beautiful blue Lake Michigan. I don't care how dirty it is, the lake is still pretty while viewing from afar. Rain, shine or snow, it never fails that someone is out jogging along the lake.
Avon Walk For Breast Cancer
Two days, 39 miles- hello fat-burning workout. Bonus, you just have to walk, so no sweating, plus, it's for a good cause. This extremely popular fundraiser, benefiting breast cancer awareness and research, comes to Chicago every June with thousands of participants. Fundraisers in Chicago are very moving, as each participant has a story of their own. "In it to end it."
Chicago Half Marathon and 5K
A full marathon? Ya, right. That ain't happenin'. A half marathon? Tell me more. A 5K, I'm so in. The beauty of this is philanthropy is if you are not half marathon material, like myself, you have the option to run the 5K. If you're passionate about running, you can do both. The website explains everything, including where you will be running, how to promote your own charity and raise money, how to register, how to volunteer, etc, etc, etc. It's so easy- well, the website is anyway.
Millennium Park Classes
These classes are complimentary and are held in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion every summer. The only downside to these classes is they begin early Saturday mornings. However, if you are dedicated enough, I know you will drag yourself out of bed to get there. You have the option of pilates, yoga and a cardio, or all three. Thank Mayor Daley for this one.
www.explorechicago.org
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
201 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 744-6050
Hustle Up The Hancock
I am amazed every year while watching the news and viewing the people who can make it up 100 floors. So, this year, I said I'm doing it. I may be one of the people that other participants have to hurdle over while I enjoy my seat on a step every five floors, but I WILL do it. This charity benefits the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan, which is reassuring because I may need their services when I'm done.
www.hustleupthehancock.org
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 751-3681
Latin Dancing 101 At Carnivale
This is one of my favorite recommendations, as dancing may be my favorite pastime. While you can sign up for Latin dance classes at numerous places, Carnivale is my all-time favorite, seeing that it includes a complimentary mojito, guacamole and chips. (Kind of defies the whole calorie-burning thing, but it's too delicious to pass up.) Here, no partner is necessary, and you will learn the basic steps of the Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha and Salsa. Oo la la!
www.carnivalechicago.com
702 West Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-5005
Bobbie's Bike Hike
Looking for something out of the box? While you may not think bike hiking sounds that entertaining, think again. The off-the-wall tours such as "Icicles on Bicycles," "City Lights at Night" and "Bobby's Tike Hike: Kid's Edition." Of course there is always the traditional, yet ever-enjoyable, "Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour," which every Chicagoan should participate in.
Core Power Yoga
You can have Core Power Yoga in the city or the Burbs. This company offers great varieties of yoga including, my favorite, Hot Yoga. I become the most excited for it in the winter when I can walk inside from the freezing cold Chicago weather. If you are a beginner or advanced, don't worry because they have a trainer for it all. Just don't sweat on me, please, and bring a towel.
www.corepoweryoga.com
555 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60607
312-829-9642
12 West Maple Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-9642
959 West Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-3668
(773) 388-9642
7513 Lake Street
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 488-1071
Alycia Nicole is a concierge in the heart of downtown Chicago.
