doing Chicago: 24 hours of fitness
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Chicago is a city that’s screaming to be explored by foot power – with tons of different gyms and unique classes to check out. There’s nothing I love more than taking a walk around any of our neighborhoods – there’s always a ton to see, and you’ll almost certainly stumble into a fun street festival or farmer’s market in the summer. It’s one of the most fit-friendly places in America, so if you’re looking to see the city while you get fit, here’s a 24-hour guide to Chicago fitness to follow!
9:00 AM: Head out of your room at the Chicago Athletic Association for a run through Grant Park and along the lakeshore. The hotel was built in the 1800’s as a club for society men to shoot pool and work out, and it’s still decorated with a sporty spirit today. Head north on Lake Shore Drive past Buckingham Fountain, Cloud Gate (more commonly known as “the Bean”,) and follow the path up to Oak Street Beach. Part of the Rock ‘n Roll 10K I ran last summer went along the lakeshore and ended in the park, and it’s really beautiful and inspiring if you depend on scenery to distract yourself from running. Take some time to relax on the beach and cool off, then head out to refuel.
11:00 AM: Try Wicker Park for brunch – whether you’re looking for something healthy (try Native Foods Cafe) or sinful (Stan’s Donuts is a must-try,) there’s something to satisfy everyone in your group. Afterward, take a walk over to Cup & Spoon (2415 W North Ave.) to grab a glass of their Electric Lemonade – the activated charcoal in it will help out with any tummy trouble building up.
From there, it’s a short walk to the Divvy station at Western & Winnebago. Divvy bikes let you rent for a few hours or a whole day, so check one out and take a spin on the 606 trail. A former el line, it was recently renovated into a gorgeous 2.7-mile trail that’s bike- and run-friendly. Markers line the trail with Chicago history and landmarks, so you can learn as you lean!
1:00 PM: Head back downtown on your bike and grab another quick bite to keep your energy levels up. I’m a really big fan of Sweetgreen (huge, fresh salads) and The Protein Bar for great juices and wraps.
2:00 PM: Continue your tour of Chicago architecture and history with a tour on the river. Kayak Chicago offers several different tours, including an architecture tour, so you can appreciate the gorgeous 1800’s buildings in downtown (and scout out those riverwalk bars to visit before heading home for the night.)
5:00 PM: Green Zebra is the perfect dinner for your fit day. A vegetarian restaurant specializing in small plates, their menu is creative and changes seasonally. The tasting menu is a nice way to make the meal special!
7:00 PM: Finish up your day of fitness with a fun dance class. Stiletto Dance Studio offers classes in bootcamp and yoga, but if it’s a girls trip: head there for the Pole Dancing classes and get your groove on. (Or if you’re still feeling up to it, try stand-up-paddle in Lake Michigan with Chicago SUP. It’s beautiful at night.) In the summer, there are often dance parties in city parks, like salsa, mambo, and bachata classes!
9:00 PM: Head to Logan Square and hit up the local barcade, Emporium. You and your friends can keep up your competitive spirit with games like air hockey or pool, or stick to the solo machines like Pac-Man and pinball. (Try a local Chicago brew, like Revolution, while you’re there – beer is a great way to replenish nutrients your body loses after a hard workout!)
8:00 AM: Since you went to bed so early, you’re surely waking up and feeling great! Before heading out of town, grab some Dark Matter coffee and check out Flywheel. It’s similar to Soulcycle (but more accessible to newbies,) and they often have Chicago-centric classes. If you aren’t going to Pitchfork festival, you could at least go to the Pitchfork Flywheel class! Afterward, head to Lincoln Park’s Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Factory. You deserve it after all that work, and it’s a Chicago institution!
Wow, what a bunch of neat places! I’ll be in Chicago for the marathon in October so I’m definitely book marking some of these places to check out. Boat tour is already on the schedule!