Neighborhood News: On the beach, in the parks…Working Out the ‘Chicago Way’
Now that it’s officially summer, it’s time to enjoy the warm weather and do your workouts under the sun!! And thanks to Chicago Park District, they’re free!!
Millennium Park Summer Workouts, 201 E. Randolph Street: Work out starting this Saturday, June 27th from 8am-11:45 pm, on the Great Lawn and Wrigley Square in Millennium Park with a series of 45-minute workouts including Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing and Zumba®. Participants are asked to bring their own workout mat. For a complete list of dates, click here.
For those who prefer an evening workout, Pier Fitness at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue:
Get fit and have fun this summer with free fitness sessions every Tuesday night at Navy Pier. Designed for all levels, kick things off with Rush Hour Cardio from 6pm-7pm with Diane, a fun, full-body workout combining rhythmic movement, repetition, and high-energy vibes inspired by Zumba and Jazzercise. Then, unwind with Sunset Yoga from 7:30pm-8:30pm with Robert, a Vinyasa + Yin–based practice that builds strength, improves balance, and helps reset both mind and body. Classes run through September 1st. For more information, click here.
Northwestern Medicine Wellness Way is a 1.5 mile fitness trail around Navy Pier. You can enjoy lakefront views as you exercise! Start at the gateway of the Pier and follow the marked route along the docks. You will find distance checkpoints, stretching areas, and QR codes at the end of the Pier for wellness tips provided by Northwestern Medicine. And…hydration stations are set up throughout the trail. For more information, click here.
The Green at 320, 320 S. Canal Street: This urban park hosts weekly outdoor yoga sculpt, Pilates, boot camps, and a Wednesday Run Club at the South end of the lawn. Note: Look for the Fitness Flag.
Core & More with Mary! Every Wednesday from 8am- 8:45am, this class is designed to tighten your core and increase flexibility. It’s open to all levels – from beginner to experts. Yoga mats, water, and a great workout are always provided. Morning Yoga with Jennifer Frankel, from 8am- 8:45am every Thursday, combines breath-synchronized movements, static poses, and cardio to help you build endurance, flexibility, and muscle tone. The class is open to all levels – from beginner to experts. Yoga mats, water, and a great workout are always provided.
Note: For both classes, register in advance to secure your spot. Walk-ups are welcome, but contingent upon availability.
In the event of a weather-related cancellation, follow their Instagram and Facebook for the most up to date event information. For more information and registration, click here.
The Bloomingdale Trail at The 606, open from 6am-11pm daily. The 2.7-mile elevated park and trail in Chicago, built on a former railroad line, connecting the Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. Officially the Bloomingdale Trail, it’s a popular spot for walking, running, and biking, and you can access the trail via 12 different entry points along its route.
It serves as both a recreational space and an alternative transportation corridor, with numerous access points and amenities like benches, bike parking, and water fountains. The trail runs west to east along the 1800-block of W. Bloomingdale Avenue, stretching between Ashland Avenue (1600 W) and Ridgeway Avenue (3750 W).
The Rollin’ Recreation Activity Van at John Walsh Park, 1722 N. Ashland Avenue, offers fun for the whole family at a number of parks throughout the summer through sports, games, and fitness activities from Wednesday, June 24, at 4:30pm – July 31, at 5:30pm. No registration required, just come out and have fun! Click here for more information.
Here’s to a healthy, active summer!
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
