Although Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and the “Chicago Dog,” as well as many amazing restaurants and bars, there are plenty of ways to keep fit and stay healthy in the Windy City. From workout classes and organic restaurants, to walking tours and great parks, Chicago offers everything you need to focus on your health and fitness.
What are some free things to do to help keep fit?
In the summer months, check out the free workouts provided in Millennium Park on the Great Lawn, on Saturday mornings from June through September. Everyone is welcome to join, as there are workouts for all levels, including many classes on Yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba.
Enjoy a free walking tour and learn something new while getting in some exercise. Free Tours by Foot takes you on a walking tour that focuses on architecture, food, or history. Donations are welcome, as the tour guides work on tips alone.
Love to go inline-skating or just walk along the water? Then head to the Chicago Lakefront Trail, which runs from Lincoln Park to Oak Street Beach. Bikers and runners are also welcome on the 18.5-mile trail, which is paved and runs along Lake Michigan.
If you want to enjoy one of Chicago’s best views, head to Promontory Point for a beautiful view of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Located in east Hyde Park on East 55th Street, Promontory Point is the perfect place to spend the day with the family, have a picnic, and enjoy nature.
Where can I find some great fitness facilities in Chicago?
Chicago has several XSport Fitness locations, which is a great place to go if the exercise bug hits you at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, as these clubs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With class offerings such as Yoga, Zumba, and Pilates and facilities including pools and basketball courts, there is something for everyone at XSport. The club offers a free 7-day guest pass for new members, which includes a free personal training session, access for you and a friend, as well as tanning.
At Fitness Formula Clubs (a Chicago-only fitness center) members enjoy cafés, full-service spas, childcare services, and free parking and Wi-Fi. With low monthly fees, these clubs still offer popular amenities, including rock-climbing walls, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and fitness classes.
Are there healthy restaurants in Chicago?
One of the top rated restaurants on Yelp is LYFE Kitchen, which offers a host of healthy menu options, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices too. Enjoy Quinoa Buttermilk Pancakes for breakfast, a Kale Caesar Salad for lunch, or Roasted Salmon, Tomato, and Fennel for dinner. And, don’t forget about dessert, with options like a “Banilla” Shake or Chocolate Budino, which is made from pomegranate chia seeds and toasted almonds. Yum!
Other top choices on Yelp for healthy restaurants in Chicago include Beezzee Fresh Food, Blue Door Farm Stand, Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen, and Loving Heart.