Earth, Wind, and Paddleboard: Chicago’s Most Unique Workouts
Maybe you want to ditch that gym membership, or maybe you’re looking to shake up your fitness routine. Whatever the reason, Chicago is home to a variety of experiences that offer anything-but-traditional ways to get active – you won’t even realize you’re working out! Not convinced yet? Check out some of our recommendations below. Spoiler: you may even have a little fun.
Brooklyn Boulders | West Loop
Founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 2009, the spacious and modern rock-climbing facility has certainly made its mark on Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Fusing art, music, and fitness, Brooklyn Boulders boasts 25,000 square feet for climbers of all levels to explore and navigate. Challenge yourself to a small group class or opt to climb or boulder at your own pace throughout the facility. Brooklyn Boulders also offers yoga, acro yoga, and capoeira classes.
Ballroom Dance Chicago | Lakeview and West Loop
Put on your dancing shoes and head to Ballroom Dance Chicago for an evening of social dancing. You’ll meet new people, plus drop-in classes don’t require previous experience and are BYOB – talk about a win-win. Ballroom Dance Chicago has group classes in Ballroom, Salsa, and Swing, as well as private lessons for those looking to refine their skills out on the dance floor.
AIR Aerial Fitness | River North, Lincoln Park, and South Loop
Take your workout off the floor and into the sky at AIR Aerial Fitness. You’ll do aerial exercises in hammocks that will help you with basic alignment, foundation, and specific muscle action. Varying in intensity level, the classes combine the art of yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and conditioning into one unique core-strengthening workout. Looking for something a bit more relaxing? AIR offers a 50-minute flow class that links breathing and movement in the hammock.
Lake Shore Academy Adult Gymnastics | River West
Whether you’re missing your childhood gymnastic classes or Netflix’s Cheer has inspired you to learn the art of tumbling, Lake Shore Academy has the solution. Their adult gymnastic classes are the perfect way to learn basic skills or sharpen old ones. You’ll definitely feel like a kid again as you bounce on the trampoline or flip through the air.
Chicago Paddleboard Yoga | Uptown
Come summertime, there is no better place to be than on Lake Michigan. No worries if you don’t have a boat, because Chicago Paddleboard Yoga will get you on the water with a one-of-a-kind yoga experience at Montrose Beach. The 1.5-hour SUP Yoga class is a challenging yet suitable for all levels and balances the fun of paddleboarding with the relaxation of yoga. Paddleboard equipment is included, so just bring yourself and be prepared to take a swim or two!
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