Category Archives: Fitness

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))

 

 

10 Ways to Have Fun in Chicago This Winter – On the Cheap

10 Ways to Have Fun in Chicago This Winter – On the Cheap

 

Set a New Year’s resolution to save money this year? While Chicago abounds with expensive meals out, days of pricey sightseeing and nights on the town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself through the cold months on the cheap.

 

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Low Cost Fun in Chicago

 

1.       Trek across Northerly Island by snowshoe

Bring your camera to capture great views of the city while getting a winter workout in. At only $5 for snowshoe or cross-country ski rentals, you can explore this expansive park near the Planetarium. Check here for a calendar of days the program is running. Note that there must be three inches of snow to participate – so check their Facebook page or call 312-745-2910 for up-to-date information on access.

 

2.       See what the Soho House hype is about for the cost of a latte

Curious about West Loop’s new glamorous social club, the Soho House (113 – 125 N. Green St.)? While much of the club is designated for members or hotel guests only, the coffee shop and bar in the stunningly decorated lobby (The Allis) and the two restaurants (Chicken Shop and Pizza East) are open to the public. One of our favorite stops in the neighborhood, we recommend finding a lovely sun-lit table in the lobby and ordering a latte or freshly-concocted Bloody Mary to soak up the Soho House atmosphere.

 

3.       Enjoy a homemade meal in a cozy flower shop

The Flower Flat in Lakeview (620 W. Addison) is a former flower shop offering a unique café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served; dinner only on Friday nights. Take advantage of Friday night’s rotating $19 prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as red wine marinara spaghetti with mozzarella meatballs and peppered shrimp on creamy polenta.

 

4.       Visit the tropics for free at the conservatories

Surround yourself with gorgeous flowers, plants and streams when you step inside the heated haven of Lincoln Park Conservatory. Located just south of Fullerton, the Conservatory features four rooms: the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House (which hosts annual flower shows). Access is free.

Head further west to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 North Central Park Ave.), which is an expansive tropical setting featuring six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls. Admission is also free, however donations are recommended.

 

5.       Turn your favorite walk into a bike ride with Divvy

Missing your outdoor workouts? Cover more ground and work up some body heat while biking around town. The Divvy rental bike system is available year-round and you can check out a bike for a $7 24-hour pass or kick start unlimited rides with a year-long membership for $75. Because the intent of the bike program is to offer transportation from one point to another, rides must be 30 minutes or less. If you decide to ride for longer, slight overtime charges will be applied.  The program offers 3000 bikes across the city found at 300 docking stations, so you are guaranteed to find one near where you want to go.

 

6.       Dine at last year’s hot restaurants

Missed a few restaurant openings last year? Head in now that lines have subsided to comfort hits such as Leghorn Chicken’s new location on 600 W. Ohio St. ($7 for a Nashville Hot chicken sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit), or Shake Shack (66 E. Ohio St.) where you can devour a classic ShackBurger for only $5.19. Dine on endless tacos, burger and po’ boys at Big & Little’s, located at 860 N. Orleans and 1034 W. Belmont. This favorite Chicago diner was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and continues to draw regulars back for more delicious eats.

Or, make it fancy and head to Enolo Wine Café in River North (450 N. Clark St.) for a $13 “Tall, Dark and Handsome” flight of 3 glasses of red wine or a $4.50 tasty bruschetta (top picks include Prosciutto, Fig Jam and Mascarpone, or Bacon Jam, Torched Burrata, Arugula and Tomato).

 

7.       Take advantage of free museum days

Chicago has so many options to get your cultural fix. From Degas at the Art Institute to dinosaurs at the Field Museum, Illinois residents can enjoy some of Chicago’s best museums for free on select days (bring your driver’s license to show proof of residency). Choose Chicago put together a list of specific dates museums open up to residents for free.

 

 8.       Conquer a new workout for free

Many fitness studios offer a trial workout for free for new customers. Tackle your New Year’s resolutions by finding your new favorite workout. TITLE Boxing Club offers a free first boxing experience, and Power Sculpt Fitness offers a free trial class (check out Cycle & Sculpt or Tabata Express).

 

9.       Eat and drink on the cheap with local happy hour specials

Warm, cozy bars draw you in from the cold for fun and camaraderie. Keep bar tabs low by heading in for the happy hour specials. Get your coworkers or friends to tag along to split a few appetizers. The Lobby Lounge in the JW Marriott (151 W. Adams St.) offers $5 wine specials and $5 appetizers such as pizza flatbreads and chicken bites from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

McCormick & Schmick’s on Rush and Chestnut has a great priced happy hour menu in the early evening hours each day of the week tempting you with items ranging from $2.99 (Garlic Rosemary Fries) to $5.99 (American Kobe Style Carpaccio and Baja Fish Tacos).

If you’re craving a Hawaiian island menu, head to Roy’s (720 N. State St.) for Aloha Hour every night from 4:30 – 7 p.m. to enjoy $6 cocktails such as Cucumber Martinis and $6 bar bites such as Red Curry Chicken Samosas and Tempura-Crusted Ahi Rolls.

 

10.   Collect extra cash by selling clothes at consignment shops

Make a few extra bucks to fund your social life as you clear up space in your closet. Donate clean items in great condition that you no longer want to consignment shops such as Second Time Around (823 W. Armitage). Earn on average 30 – 40% of the original value of an item, or 50% for new items with tags still on. Second Time Around is looking for designer clothing and accessories that you no longer need and can sell to someone else who would enjoy them.

Le Thrift Consignment (1821 W. Chicago Ave.) is currently accepting winter hand bags, clothing, jewelry and accessories for similar prices, no appointment necessary.

 

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.

 

Climb Your Way Over to West Loop’s New Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

Climb Your Way Over to West Loop’s New Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

In Chicago we always have an appetite for new innovative, collaborative and active spaces. Imagine a venue where you can work out, grab a healthy meal, get your work done and satisfy your need for a dance party. After wild success in New York and Boston, Brooklyn Boulders is opening a Chicago facility in the West Loop (100 S. Morgan St.) at the end of this year (slated for December). The rock climbing facility and coworking space inhabits 25,000 square feet within one of Chicago’s favorite dining and socializing neighborhoods.

 

The Chicago Lifestyle had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the facility, still under construction, in an official “hard hat tour.” We’re bringing you the details of this new spot before doors open to the public.

 

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

While rock climbing is the core of the business, Brooklyn Boulders was eager to learn about the Chicago neighborhood and see what type of offerings would be the best fit. Tailoring to entrepreneurs, students, techies, and athletes alike, the facility is designed to connect people and bring them together with a buzz of energy.

 

Stepping into the main entrance, a bouldering wall is the centerpiece. Climbing this wall does not involve the use of ropes, but safety is first and foremost. The shortest of the climbing walls, the bouldering wall is designed for all skill levels and markers on the wall indicate which steps to take based on your skill level. Toward the back of the facility is a taller wall and party room, designed specifically for groups and parties. A small café will offer quick, healthy options, bringing a simple dining spot for anyone who wants to pop in. Formulated with an urban aesthetic, Brooklyn Boulders Chicago will feature artwork from local artists, music to set a creative mood and climbing walls lined with Baltic birch wood to provide a smoother, sleeker climb.

 

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

A second level offers space for a multitude of workouts ranging from treadmills, yoga and other fitness classes. A partnership with the Spartan Race spurred an obstacle course training class. This level also features the “Active Collaborative Workspace” – set up with built-in desks, a lounge area and free wifi, it’s a terrific spot to bring your homework or office work. What’s most unique about the Active Collaborative Workspace are the chin-up bar and exercise balls to sit on, encouraging frequent movement and breaks in between study time.

 

The stunning south room extends up to a 50 foot ceiling and is covered in rock climbing surfaces. Designed for rappelling and belaying, the more adventurous climbers will be in heaven. A DJ-fueled soundtrack makes this expansive room the perfect place to host large parties and events. For those not climbing or climbers taking a rest, the middle of the room will be lined with couches and casual lounge space. Partnerships with over 20 Chicago food trucks will bring a party to the back parking lot in the summer months, where guests can chill at picnic tables and enjoy a bite to eat.

 

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

 

New to climbing? Brooklyn Boulders Chicago offers “Learn the Ropes” courses for both members and drop-ins. Instructors are always on hand to supervise and answer questions. Memberships are already available for purchase here. Upon “soft launch” in the fall, the facility will be open for limited hours. Once fully operational, it will be open from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. for fitness classes, and 10 a.m. – midnight for climbing and all the other offerings.

 

Stay tuned as Chicago opens this new space that will stoke your creativity, inspiration, and physical abilities.

 

Top Chicago Fitness Studios

Top Chicago Fitness Studios

 

Chicago offers an array of workouts, so you’re certain to always have a new studio or class to get your blood pumping. With ClassPass, you can experience up to 10 unique classes a month at Chicago fitness studios. Read our review of ClassPass here.

 

The Chicago Lifestyle had the chance to check out some of studios ClassPass offers and provide our recommendations.

 

 

Exhale Chicago

945 N. State (Gold Coast)

Class: Core Fusion

Soreness Factor: 2/5

Uniqueness Factor: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Exhale provides a serene backdrop, making you feel like you’re getting in a quick workout on a spa retreat. That’s not to minimize the fact that you’re actually getting a good workout – muscles were wavering as pliés and squats pushed us to the limit. Part yoga, part barre with a splash of cardio and light weights, the Core Fusion class offered a varied workout within 60 minutes’ time. The class ended with a few stretches and the calm-inducing Shavasana yoga pose. The staff was extremely friendly and spa locker rooms made for a great experience at Exhale.

 

 

Core Fitness Chicago

1030 W. North Ave. (Lincoln Park)

Class: Train Like Jane

Soreness Factor: 5/5

Uniqueness Factor: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Core Fitness’s Train Like Jane class (and its male counterpart class, Primal) are some of the most unique classes in the city (while not categorized as CrossFit, the hard-core nature of the workout comes close). Designed to work your body in the primal nature of the cave man days, the class involves a circuit of heavy lifting (weighted squats and bicep curls), chin-ups, body weight planks and Bosu ball squats. The unique factor comes in with equipment worthy of military training or football practice – tire flips, sled pulls and hurling sandbags. Run by a boot camp instructor over loud motivating music, the class works all kinds of muscles in ways you don’t normally accomplish at the gym. Located on the 3rd floor of a storage and office building, the fitness room is small but mighty. You will definitely leave this workout with sore muscles!

 

 

Kick@55 Fitness

820 N. Orleans (in Hifi Fitness) (Near North)

Class: Bootcamp

Soreness Factor: 4/5

Uniqueness Factor: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Run by certified personal trainer Rebecca Gahan, Kick@55 fitness takes over a studio in the humongous (40,000 square feet) Hifi Fitness, a facility dedicated to personal training and personal trainer-run classes. Using fast, fun and intense exercise circuits, Rebecca pushes class members to the max. Prepare to get sweaty while burning hundreds of calories with weights, short sprints, jump ropes, body weight exercises and more. Quick variety and upbeat music make the time speed by, and if you’re lucky (and weather allows), Rebecca may end the class with an outdoor workout. Partner activities build camaraderie within the class and offer that extra push of motivation. You’ll feel super-charged to take on the day after taking Rebecca’s Kick@55 bootcamp.

 

 

Shred415

Studios in Old Town, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, South Loop and North Shore

Class: Total Body

Soreness Factor: 4/5

Uniqueness Factor: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Shred415

 

Dubbed “415” by the setup of four intervals of 15 minutes each, Shred415 is not for the faint of heart. The fast-moving class guides you through two sets of intervals on the treadmill and two sets of intervals with weights, benches and body weight exercises on the floor. While treadmills may not sound the most exciting, the alternation of sprints with slower-paced running allows you to get a good cardio workout in a small amount of space. The workout allows you to go at your own pace, while encouraging you to push yourself to maximize your time. Floor exercises use dumbbells and a step-up bench to add variety. The studio is kept very dark during the class, so you don’t worry about anyone else’s progress but your own – but it’s a little too dark to run comfortably on the treadmill. Once you get used to the dim lighting the DJ jams will carry you through the rest of class.

 

 

CrossTown Fitness

1031 W. Madison (West Loop)

Class: Total Body

Soreness Factor: 4/5

Uniqueness Factor: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Cross Town Fitness

 

After being greeted by a super friendly staff, you’ll find your spot on the floor, which is small but accommodates a lot of people. The instructor sections the group into small teams, who each take on a spot in the rotating circuit. The circuits cover everything from step-ups with biceps curls to treadmill sprints to throwing medicine balls at the exposed brick wall. In between each station there is a cardio burst – jumping jacks, burpees or similar exercises. This keeps the blood pumping and allows for minimal rest to keep calorie burn high. While there aren’t locker rooms in the studio, there are several health food options available up front, and a few tables to enjoy your food outside. Featuring over 100 weekly classes and well-known trainers, CrossTown Fitness offers something for everyone.

 

 

Go Cycle

525 W. North Ave. (Old Town)

Class: TRX Training

Soreness Factor: 3/5

Uniqueness Factor: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

 

Go Cycle

 

While Go Cycle is most known for its spin studio, they offer spin classes paired with yoga, core sculpting or weights, as well as dedicated TRX classes. If you’re not familiar with TRX, it’s a set of body weight exercises using suspension straps. The straps are secured to the ceiling and have handles at the end, and can be adjusted to different lengths. TRX exercises can work all parts of the body, most notably the arms and core. The instructor set up each exercise in 30-20-10 second timing – start with 30 seconds at moderate difficulty, change your stance to make it slightly difficult for the next 20 seconds, and even more difficult for the last 10. Go Cycle’s TRX class is 45 minutes, which blew by! There weren’t many people in the class which made for dedicated help and instruction. While this is a great class for those familiar with TRX exercises and form, the instructor is patient and will show you the ropes if you’re new to TRX.

 

 

AIR Aerial Fitness

Studios in Lincoln Park, River North and Streeterville (coming soon)

Class: AIR Foundation

Soreness Factor: 1/5

Uniqueness Factor: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

 

AIR Fitness

 

You’ve seen pictures of acrobatic aerial yoga poses, thinking, I can do that too! While it seems cool in theory, aerial yoga is quite difficult (more so logistically than athletic ability). The “ropes” you hang from are actually large silken sheets, strong enough to hold your body weight (I couldn’t find a published weight limit). You’re required to start with the AIR Foundation before moving up to their more advanced classes, to get you used to working with the sheets and positioning yourself correctly. In the first move we did (the most interesting), the sheet is spread out and you climb in to lay down, your body expanding the whole length of the sheet, as if you are in a cocoon. If we could have stayed in this position the whole class it would have been great! For the remaining poses, the sheet is twisted up so it looks more like a rope. You’ll lean over the rope, resting it on your pelvis, to go into a downward dog pose. In addition to the mental hurdle of having the sheet hold all your body weight, this position is actually a bit painful. As the starting point for many of the poses, it made for an uncomfortable class. While expertise and comfort can be built over many classes, it was challenging for a first-timer.

 

 

With ClassPass, the adventures are endless, and the variety of the studios incredible. What are your favorite studios in Chicago?

 

 

{ClassPass membership was provided gratis for The Chicago Lifestyle to try these classes. All content, images and opinions are from The Chicago Lifestyle}

 

Experience Top Chicago Workouts with ClassPass

Experience Top Chicago Workouts with ClassPass

 

You’ve heard about the dance-club worthy spin classes Flywheel, the calorie-torching intervals at Shred415, and the acrobatic aerial yoga classes at AIR Fitness. So many unique studios in Chicago, yet how can you visit all of them? Whether you’re stuck in a gym rut or trying to start a new healthy routine, you have plenty of fitness studio options across Chicago – but cost is often the limiting factor. Enter ClassPass – a membership-based pass that gets you into these boutique studios each month, for a lower price.

 

ClassPass, which just recently launched in Chicago, helps you experience up to 10 great studios a month, up to three times per studio. For $99 a month, you can take advantage of classes which typically run about $25 per drop-in session. Ten of these classes would cost you about $250, and ClassPass lets you in for a fraction of the price. With coverage all over the city, and even some studios in suburbs such as Evanston, ClassPass is accepted at almost 80 studios, ranging from Pilates to CrossFit to barre classes. This is the perfect solution for those who get bored attending the same classes over and over and need variety to keep up their workout motivation.

 

So many studios, so little time! ClassPass makes it simple to find the best studios and classes to fit your schedule. Rather than signing up on each studio’s site, users access the scheduling system through ClassPass’s site. With filters to help you narrow down neighborhood, date and class time, it’s simple to find what you’re looking for. Key information such as a description of the studio, the specific classes and a map are provided. Simply sign up, up to a week in advance, and have the chance to cancel if you need to – just make sure to do so with enough advance notice or you’ll be charged $20 for missing the class.

 

The Chicago Lifestyle had the chance to check out some of studios ClassPass offers – stay tuned next week for a review of the top studios!

 

{ClassPass membership was provided gratis for The Chicago Lifestyle to try these classes. All content, images and opinions are from The Chicago Lifestyle}

 

Divvy in the Busy City

Divvy in the Busy City

 

Is your favorite food joint too far to walk to on your lunch break?  Don’t like the CTA? Do you love cruising in the open air with wind breezing through your hair? Then you may consider wanting to hop onto one of those blue Divvy bikes you keep seeing in the city.

 

Divvy is a bicycle sharing system that started in Chicago in June of 2013. Since its inception it has grown from just 750 bicycles to now over 3,000. This week we even received news that the Divvy program is expanding with 175 new stations and 1750 new bikes opening soon (now delayed until the spring, according to Chicago Tribune). New stations are planned for further reaching areas such as: the 5th ward, the 33rd ward, the 45th ward, the 47th ward, and Rogers Park and West Ridge, says the Active Transportation Alliance.

 

These pretty Chicago colored bikes can fit nearly any shape and size. They also have 3 different speeds, front and rear flashing LED lights, and a bell.

 

We highly recommend these bikes for any Chicagoan that is on their feet daily in the city.  For just $75 a year you can get a membership, which is well worth it in the long run (especially if you are a frequent Taxi goer).  After 30 minutes of riding a Divvy you will start getting charged a small incremental fee, so if you are just looking to rent a bike for a day you can pay $7 to get around.

 

With Divvy, you can unlock a lot of locations in Chicago you previous couldn’t easily go visit and see.  For instance, if you work in the city and let’s say you work 250 days a year, then renting a Divvy bike can cut down a 30 minute walking commute to just 15 minutes twice per day. That’s 125 hours you are saving throughout the working year. Now is the time to explore locations you’ve never been to before such as a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try a neighborhood or two away. Of course, you’ll have the benefit of exercise as well.  The price of $75 a year now sounds a whole lot more worth it, right? Just remember to bring your own helmet, stay safe around the cars, and Divvy it up!

 

{Image credit: Header}

 

Why Millennium Park is Your Go-To Spot for the Summer

Why Millennium Park is Your Go-To Spot for the Summer

 

Don’t look now, but summer is blowing by! It’s hard to believe, but there’s still time to fit some cool activities into your summer. Millennium Park hosts a wide range of free events throughout the summer and we’ve got deets for you. Check out our August calendar and schedule your plans now!

 

Each free Millennium Park event has something different to offer. Love to workout in the mornings? Millennium Park’s scenery offers the perfect setting for a relaxing morning workout. Check out the Millennium Park Workouts to try new activities like yoga and get moving!

 

Millennium Park also offers a wide host of music events, for lovers of Jazz (Chicago Jazz Festival, Made In Chicago) to electro indie (Loops & Variations, Downtown Sound) music to classical Brahms (Grant Park Music Festival).

 

Movies for everyone! Get your movie fix at Millennium Park Summer Film Series, with a different movie every Tuesday. Check out movies like Avatar and Dream Girls to top off those sweet summer nights.

 

 

What To Bring:

 

A blanket or something to sit on is definitely recommended, but some go the extra step and bring little tables and chairs.  Snacks are a must and open alcohol is allowed within the event perimeters. Great spots such as Mariano’s across from the park (333 E. Benton Pl.) offer a wide selection of picnic fare and drinks. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun! Bring your wine, bring your friends, and bring your dancing shoes, because your summer just got a lot fuller!

 

Millennium Park Concerts, Free Concerts Chicago, Loops and Variations

 

 

Book Your August Calendar Now with these Fun Free Events:

(Click on the links to find out more! Information courtesy of City of Chicago.)

 

 

Monday, August 4, 2014

6:30 pm  Downtown Sound featuring Maps & Atlases + Wooden Shjips

 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring The Birdcage

 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring The Seven Deadly Sins

 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring John Moulder’s Earthborne Tales of Soul and Spirit

 

Friday, August 8, 2014

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Northern Lights

 

Saturday, August 9, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Northern Lights

 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

6 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Chinese Fine Arts Society Rhythms of China 2014

 

Monday, August 11, 2014

6:30 pm  Downtown Sound featuring Russian Circles + Colin Stetson

 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring American Graffiti

 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Bolcom and Mozart

 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Matana Roberts: Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile

 

Friday, August 15, 2014

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Daphnis and Chloé

 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Daphnis and Chloé

 

Monday, August 18, 2014

6:15 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring Dreamgirls

 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

7 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Harris Theater + Chicago Dancing Festival: Chicago Dancing Festival Simulcast

 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Fareed Haque – Chicago: Crossroads of the World

 

Saturday, August 23, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Chicago Dancing Festival Celebration of Dance

 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring Wizard of Oz

 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series Bonus Film featuring Avatar

 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Homage to Nelson Mandela: Ernest Dawkins’ Memory in the Center, an Afro Jazz Opera

 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

Saturday, August 30, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

 

To find out more information about these events and summer in Millennium Park, visit www.cityofchicago.org.

 

 

Cruise the River with Chicago Canoe and Kayak

Cruise the River with Chicago Canoe and Kayak

 

Searching for a pleasant and peaceful place to relax? Yearning for an escape from the busy city life?  If your answer was “yes” to both of those questions, then the perfect place to be is the Chicago River. 

 

At 3400 N. Rockwell you can launch right into the river with a canoe and paddle in hand with Chicago River Canoe and Kayak! If you’re looking to ride the river by yourself it’ll just cost you $15 for an hour-long ride. Have a friend to go with? Then that’ll be just $20 for an hour. If you’re looking to go on a Wednesday through Friday the hours are from 1 – 6 p.m.  If that doesn’t work for you then come out on a Saturday or Sunday from 9 – 5 p.m. to hit the river.

 

There are also other river launches besides the one on Rockwell Street. You can also go to the lagoons in Winnetka and the Downtown (Chinatown) launch to see the skyscrapers from the river.

 

To hear more about this experience from a veteran river guide named Jon Ferrari from Lincoln Park and also see the canoe ride in action then watch the video above!

 

Visit Chicago River Canoe and Kayak’s website http://chicagoriverpaddle.com/ for more information.