Best Places To Stay Fit During Your Stay In Chicago
If you're an active person, you'll agree that sometimes one of the most essential elements to planning a relaxing vacation is discerning when and where you're going to get your exercise in. Couch potato types may not understand, but nevertheless you need your endorphin fix in order to truly relax during your time away. Here are a few of the best ways visitors can squeeze in a workout in Chicago.
XSport Fitness
Several Locations
Chicago, IL
(877) 417-1450
www.xsportfitness.com
If you've never visited an XSport Fitness location, then you've hit travel gold because the club offers a free one-week pass to anyone who is brand new to its gyms. An added bonus is that it is open 24 hours, seven days a week, all year long, so even if you're visiting during a holiday or attending an all-day conference, you'll be able to get your workout in. XSport is the perfect option for those who aren't satisfied with just running on their own but prefer a place to lift weights or attend fitness classes. The fact that there are nine locations in the Chicago city limits alone guarantees that you'll be able to find one close to you.
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
801 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 932-1200
www.ymcachicago.org
If you've already used your one-time XSport freebie, try the YMCA of Chicago. It has nine locations within the city limits and anyone can get a one-day free pass emailed to them via the website. The amenities at each YMCA location differ, but all have group fitness classes and weight and cardio stations. YMCA also has child care available if you need to bring your kids with you while you get your workout in. Check out each location and see what it offers in terms of swimming pools and courts in the event that you visit during the winter and would prefer to keep your cardio indoors.
Nature Yoga Sanctuary
2021 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 227-5720
www.natureyoga.com
If yoga is more your speed, try out a class at the Nature Yoga Sanctuary. The instructors are open and inviting and there are all levels of classes with several options to pay. Check out the scheduling site online for donation-based classes to try it out on the cheap. Several styles of yoga are available including prenatal and "mom and baby yoga." If you're a beginner, check out Yoga 101 to brush up on your basics. See the website for more information on the varieties of yoga offered.
Related: Best Kettlebell Workouts In Chicago
Bike and Roll Chicago
Millenium Park
239 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 729-1000
www.bikechicago.com
Want to get your sweat on while you're exploring the city? Check out Bike and Roll Chicago and kill two birds with one stone. Bike and Roll offers affordable long-term bike rentals as well as tours of the city including neighborhood and food tours. With Bike and Roll, you'll be provided with a helmet, bike lock and free map of the city with your rental. Be sure to take advantage of Chicago's Lakefront path for a nice long ride along the lake if you want to get some serious bike time in. Private tours are also available.
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 742-1168
www.cityofchicago.org
If you happen to be visiting Chicago sometime between June and September, take advantage of the free workouts offered right in Millennium Park. The workouts are varied by style and time so there is something for everyone. An added bonus is working out right within one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Add to your calorie burn by taking a jog along the Lakeshore Trail before or after your free class. Check out the City of Chicago website for Millennium Park events and offerings during your stay.
Related: Millennium Park Workouts
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.