Author Archives: Mary Reinhart

305 Fitness: Turning Your Workout into a Party

305 Fitness: Turning Your Workout into a Party

 

The name in itself 305 is the area code in Miami where this “rave-meets-workout” was inspired. ((305)) Fitness is a dance cardio workout that started on the East Coast but is now sweeping the nation with their pop-up classes.

 

You might ask, what is ((305)) Fitness? ((305)) Fitness infuses dance moves, sports drills as well as high intensity interval training (HIIT) which creates a full body workout that will make you want to come back for more. This fun dance club style class features a live DJ as well as New York’s Best Instructors. This one hour non-stop cardio class feels like a night out dancing and partying with your friends. Through this high energy and fun loving class you can burn over 800 calories.

 

305 Fitness

 

Another question you make ask is, “How can I join in on the fun in Chicago?” ((305)) Fitness is always looking for new places to plan their next non-stop cardio party. They have popped up in Chicago this week (May 10, 2015) and are here all week. Classes go from Sunday May 10 through Thursday May 14. Classes will be held Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday at 7 a.m. at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness located at 211 North Stetson Ave. Chicago, IL 60601.

 

The lovely instructor teaching the class in Chicago this week is founder Sadie Kurzban. This 25 year old “ball of energy” is a founder and the brilliance behind ((305)) Fitness. Her positivity and high energy is what makes this class so enjoyable. She inspires her class to have fun and work hard. Through her sense of humor and easy going attitude she pushes her classes to use her motto, “Go big or go home.” From taking her class you can expect explosive energy, lots of jokes and plenty of sweet dance movies. ((305)) Fitness is located in New York City, Montauk and Washington D.C. They also have popup experiences throughout the country. To find a popup class near you visit www.305fitness.com.

 

305 Fitness

 

Photos courtesy of ((305 Fitness))

 

 

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

 

If you’re like most Chicagoans, then every year St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just your average “holiday.” In Chicago it is a huge celebration with good times, good friends and most importantly good food.  Chicagoans go all out when it comes to this festive green holiday.

 

Here’s how to catch the St. Patrick’s Day spirit:

 

1. We dye our emerald river green!! In true Chicago fashion, every year around 40 pounds of eco-friendly dye is dumped into the Chicago River and it lasts around 4-5 hours. The dyeing starts at 9:30 a.m. and is located at the corner of Columbus and Wacker Drive.  The dyeing of the river has been a beloved tradition for about 50 years, and it draws in crowds that also follow the parade around the city.

 

2. We have TWO parades! We have a parade on the north side of the city which usually resides on a Saturday (this year March 14) so that families and tourists can come out and enjoy the festivities. The downtown parade starts at 12 p.m. at Columbus and Balbo. The parade proceeds north on Columbus and the viewing area is in front of Buckingham Fountain.

 

The Second Parade that takes place in Chicago is the South Side Irish Parade. It is a family friendly event which is supported by the surrounding community.  It is said that this parade is one of the biggest Irish Heritage celebrations outside of Dublin. This year it is on Sunday March 15. It starts at 12 p.m. and is located on Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets.

 

3. We have the best food! As Chicago is known for being a foodie city, there are many restaurants around the city that make authentic Irish cuisine. Several locations include McNamara’s on Irving Park and The Abbey Pub just off of Elston Ave. on Grace St.

 

4. We have numerous parties around the city! In Chicago, we do St. Patrick’s Day pretty big. Whether this means going to the parade, or starting the fun bright and early at 8 a.m. with a pub crawl, Chicagoans are very diverse on what they like to enjoy throughout the city. Most restaurants in the city take part in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, whether it is signing up to be a stop on a bar crawl, or having green beer specials, this is one holiday that bars and restaurants enjoy.

 

5. Four words: Irish American Heritage Center. The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that go on here are among Chicago’s largest. The Irish American Heritage Center is hosting two celebrations: one on March 14 and the other on March 17. What sets these celebrations apart from the other ones throughout the city is the live music, food, and activities all in one place. Saturday March 14, the center will hold its St. Patrick’s Festival which will follow the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade on the north side of the city. This is a fun and family oriented event which includes traditional as well as contemporary Irish music, dance, food and arts and crafts. For more information on the festivities going on at the Irish American Heritage Center you can visit www.irishamerican.org.

 

Have a great St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

New and Exciting Fitness Classes to Help You Change Up Your Workout

New and Exciting Fitness Classes to Help You Change Up Your Workout

 

Around this time of year, everyone has holiday parties, birthdays, or something they want to look good for. Whether it’s just to improve allover health or to be able to wear that sparkly holiday dress and heels, everyone has a reason to want to get fit. Instead of doing the same old thing at the gym, running on the treadmill and trying to exhaust yourself only to lose a few measly pounds, here are some classes that help you to not only look better but also feel better. With their positive reinforcement, great attitudes and top trainers, these classes are great ways to change up your workout.

 

 

1. Core Fusion Extreme – Exhale Chicago

 

This new and exciting class at Exhale Chicago helps to rev up your metabolism and build your strength as you move through 6 power stations. The hour long class is comprised of high intensity interval training followed by active recovery. This class not only helps you abolish fat, but makes you feel powerful and empowered in the process. The trainers and instructors in the class are always there to push you through positive reinforcement and helping you become a stronger you. For more information on this and other classes as well as other services offered at Exhale Chicago call 312-753-6500 or visit www.chicago.exhalespa.com.

 

 

2. The Vixen Workout Chicago

 

This is an intense hip-hop cardio fitness class which is inspired by your favorite artists as well as the Miami night life scene. This is the only women’s dance workout which delivers easy to learn combinations, providing a unique experience. With their full body workout, each vixen workout has a fun atmosphere. It combines intense muscle toning movements hidden by choreography as well as loud music and lots of fun. Check out The Vixen Workout on their website for location information as the classes change venues around Chicago weekly.

 

 

3. X-It Interval Training

 

X-Sport X-It Interval Training

 

This is an hour long high intensity class, held at X-Sport Fitness, that is very adaptable to each person that joins. Through the use of heart rate monitors, each participant is able to reach and maintain their maximum heart rate of 85%. This allows your body to burn calories and fat for up to 36 hours after the class. About every 3 weeks the class changes so each person is always on their toes. At X-Sport Fitness the top personal trainers are handpicked and certified to run the X-It Interval Training Program. The class is in a group setting but still personalized to every participant with the heart rate monitors and workout modifications. There are several X-It Classes throughout the week that can fit your schedule either during the day, afternoon or night. X-It Training is available at several X-Sport locations throughout the Chicagoland area. To find more information on X-It Interval Training or to go in and try a free class visit www.xsportfitness.com/xit.

 

 

Whether you are looking for something new to do during the week or a complete lifestyle change, these three classes are great ways to start.

 

Exhale Chicago: Revive Your Mind and Body

Exhale Chicago: Revive Your Mind and Body

 

Throughout Chicago there are plenty of gyms and spas to go to, however, Exhale Chicago in the Gold Coast is different than your ordinary workout or spa facility. With their mantra, “revive. restore. exhale.” Exhale Chicago takes the mind body experience to a whole new level.

 

What sets Exhale apart from any other spa or gym is that they are care all about the mind and body balance; they believe that connection is important.

 

Through their spa services, fitness classes and nutrition/wellness coaching, Exhale Chicago sets the bar for living a healthy lifestyle. They bring an experience that “offers unparalleled, transformational mind and body programs within an inspiring yet relaxing sanctuary.”

 

Exhale Chicago

 

The spa services that are provided at Exhale include but are not limited to facials and skin care regimens as well as acupuncture and specific massage packages to fit your needs. From body detox programs, the nail salon and body waxing, exhale Chicago takes you on a relaxing journey.

 

Exhale also offers fitness classes which include a brand new class – Core Fusion Extreme. Core Fusion Extreme is a program that amplifies your strength while moving through power stations. These power stations consist of high intensity interval training paired with brief moments of active recovery. This class not only helps you abolish fat, but makes you feel powerful and empowered in the process. The trainers and instructors in the class are always there to push you through positive reinforcement and helping you become a stronger you.

 

There are several other classes at Exhale including Thai stretching and yoga. You can purchase a single class or a package up to twenty classes at this facility. Not only are fitness packages offered, but there are also combination packages including bridal boot camp, nutrition and wellness, skincare revolution, a day of restoration, and mind and body memberships.

 

For more information on pricing and membership packages, you can contact Exhale Chicago at 312-753-6500 or visit them at 945 North State Street Chicago, IL 60610.

 

Get into the Halloween Spirit: Chicago Edition

Get into the Halloween Spirit: Chicago Edition

 

Looking outside this week – the leaves have changed to vibrant reds and oranges, the temperatures have dipped just below “sweater weather” and you’ve nearly outdone yourself with the Pumpkin Spice Lattes. As days turn into nights, that chilly, eerie feeling arises and you know for sure – it’s almost Halloween. With the holiday quickly approaching, here are 5 things to do in Chicago to get you in the Halloween spirit.

 

Halloween Spirit: Scary and Creepy Movies

Chicago Edition: Rocky Horror Picture Show at Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport)

Scary movies are one of the best ways to get yourself into the Halloween spirit. Whether you are a fan of gory films, or classic, bone-chilling cinematic features, a movie allows you to escape for a little while into a different world. To enter that world in Chicago, head to The Music Box Theatre, where premiere independent and foreign films have been shown for the last 20 years. Halloween brings showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, including live actors, sing-alongs and props to throw around. If you’re not familiar with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it’s a campy film from the 70s that has inspired a following of fans for years. Its kooky plot is unlike any movie you’ve seen before – head the The Music Box Theatre and you’ll be fully immersed in the experience. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

 

rocky horror

 

Halloween Spirit: Caramel Apples and Halloween Treats

Chicago Edition: Andrew’s Caramel Apples (5001 W. Belmont)

When it comes to Halloween, everyone thinks of candy and tasty Halloween treats, such as popcorn, candy and caramel apples. A great place to get caramel apples in Chicago is Andrew’s Caramel Apples. This family owned business is known for selling their candy apples by the case – they cover the apples in classic caramel and peanuts. For more information on pricing and ordering call (773) 286-2224.

 

caramel apples

 

Halloween Spirit: Pumpkin Carving and Decorating

Chicago Edition: Pumpkin Carving Party at Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield)

Another great Halloween tradition is pumpkin carving. In addition to having a great display at your doorstep, you can bake the seeds from the pumpkin. Pumpkin carving brings family and friends together while giving you an opportunity to show off your creative side, perhaps with a classic Jack-o-Lantern style, or a special carving… even adding your own signature flare. On Thursday, October 23, 2014, starting at 6 p.m., Sheffield’s Beer and Wine Garden hosts their annual pumpkin carving event, for free. During the event Pumpkin Beer will be on tap and there will be specials on hot mulled cider. To learn more click here. Get there early to reserve your pumpkin!

 

Halloween Spirit: Dressing up for Halloween

Chicago Edition: Shopping at Fantasy Costumes (4065 N. Milwaukee)

One of the best parts about Halloween is being able to dress up in a costume and hit the town – showing off your creativity with your friends. Instead of running last minute into one of the Halloween pop-up shops, make a visit to Fantasy Costumes, a well-known costume shop that has been located on the North side of Chicago for over 45 years. Not only do they sell and rent Halloween costumes, but they also have Christmas outfits, St. Patrick’s Day costumes and Mardi Gras accessories. Customers at Fantasy Costumes are always greeted with a smile and great service. If you’re searching for that one specific thing you can’t find anywhere else, this is the place to come – the shop is a whole block long! They have various rooms including their own kids’ costume room, a wig room and a mask room, and a wide selection of adult costumes as well. For more information click here.

 

fantasty costumes

 

Halloween Spirit: Haunted Houses

Chicago Edition: Chicago Ghost Tours

Who knew Chicago was haunted? With a history riddled with battles, fires, gangster massacres and more, there are rumored hauntings all throughout the city. Chicago Ghost Tours takes you on a ghost hunt – even to one of Al Capone’s hangout spots! You’ll be sure to bring back stories from this tour. Call (773) 953-6332 to reserve your spot on a tour today!

 

Happy Halloween, Chicago style!

 

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