National Fitness Day | Workouts On The Water
The first Saturday in May is National Fitness Day. This holiday serves as an inspiration to get moving and build up a good sweat. In warm weather, Lake Michigan and the Chicago River come with all the equipment you'll need to get in shape or at least to get outdoors. Check out these waterfront hotspots for your next non-gym workout.
Kayak Down The River
Whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned expert, an adventure down the winding Chicago River into the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan is a great way to see downtown from a different point of view and get an arm workout in.
Urban Kayaks offers rentals for a leisurely paddle at Monroe Harbor. For those who are more experienced, the Riverwalk location is your best bet. Single and tandem kayaks are available for all skill levels as well.
Yoga On The Beach
Make your yoga experience even more relaxing with the sound of Lake Michigan’s waves rolling in the background. A branch of the non-profit Yoga Gardens, Beach Yoga Chicago holds sessions, from Acro Yoga to Sunrise Vinyasa, all summer long on the scenic shore at Montrose Beach.
Swim In The Quarry
This historic quarry-turned-swimming facility in Naperville includes a sandy beach, grassy area, shallow-end side, and water play features making it great for the whole family.
Opened in 1931, this nearly six-acre park uses water from Lake Michigan and is a gem among the suburbs.
Bike Along The Lakefront
Chicago’s scenic Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile paved path that follows the Lake Michigan shoreline on the city’s eastern edge. Traversing a number of stunning lakefront neighborhoods, you’l have plenty of rest stops to choose from, all with that dramatic skyline view.
Take the trail solo with a Divvy or electric bike, or rent a tandem bike with a friend.
Hit A Hole In One
Practice your swing at the Jackson Park or drive one home at Sydney Marovitz or South Shore lakefront golf courses.
More into mini golf? Check out Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf for a picturesque driving range.
Get Served Lakeside
Tennis courts like those at Ashe Beach Park, Loyola Park, Lincoln Park Waveland Courts, and even right across Lake Shore Drive in Maggie Daley Park or Lake Shore Park, give pros and newbies easy access to ball-smashing over lakefront views.
Bootcamp On The Beach
Those craving a high-intensity boot camp that'll zone in on strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance all at once can head to Ohio Street Beach for the Ultimate Beach Body Makeover.