Let's face it; as January gets closer to its end, so do our resolutions of never eating a single carb again and working out vigorously.
Even though we gave it our best and hit the gym that first week, it’s time to get real: the idea of walking on a treadmill staring into a sweaty abyss is nowhere near as motivating as we thought it was going to be. We’re here to motivate you to get back out there with some fun alternatives that'll make your new healthy lifestyle stick.
DAYBREAKERS’S motto: Take Back Your Morning! DAYBREAKER is an early morning dance movement inviting you to start with a one hour yoga and fitness experience and then dance with reckless abandon for two hours before work. Keep a look out for when this alcohol-free dance party hits Chicago and join in on the fun!
Brooklyn Boulders Chicago not only furthers your fitness resolution, but gets you to try something new and exciting. This facility strives to make exercise feel like fun, not hard work. With 25,000 square feet of climbing surface and a fitness program that utilizes a variety of training styles, you're sure to have fun and get fit.
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
What’s better than playing a game that mixes basketball and lacrosse while allowing you to ram into your friends with a bumper car? Almost nothing. That’s why you need to try WhirlyBall. Not only will this give you the work out of your lifetime without feeling like a workout, but you can make an event of it and bring your friends!
Photo courtesy of WhirlyBall
Stiletto Dance Studios is a fun and sexy class that women of all ages and sizes are welcomed to join! With an open door policy, this dance class mixes yoga, Pilates, strip tease, and pole dancing to introduce you to a whole new world of feeling good while you work out. Sign up for a class and join in!
If your resolution was to stay fit and try something a little wild, Vaudezilla is calling your name. The premium go-to burlesque instruction has become a creative outlet for anyone in Chicago that's ready to experience the cabaret lifestyle. Whether you want to attend a class or watch a performance, Vaudezilla has something to entertain you. What are you waiting for? Check out the classes!
Photo courtesy of Vaudezilla
AIR is the leading Aerial Fitness Training program in the world. If you're looking for a new way to balance your mind and body amid the chaos of the city, AIR is here to provide. Check out classes for high-quality fitness that'll get you off the ground!
Photo courtesy of AIR
Martial arts is a perfect mix of fitness, self-defense, and discipline; an ancient practice that invites newcomers to gain not only fitness techniques, but lifelong lessons. Changs Marital Arts Academy, Chicago MMA, and Degerberg Academy, to name just a few options, can provide unique martial experiences in their own ways. Click on their names and see which one speaks to you.
Learning to dance is the best way to work out without feeling like you're actually working out. Which, let's be honest, is something that sounds appealing to everyone. Don't know what kind of dancing you want to do, or can't dance at all? That's totally okay since Chicago has classes of all genres. From Ballroom to Salsa to Swing, there's something out there for everyone. Put your dancing shoes on and check out a few locations!
Photo courtesy of Mixed Motion Art
If you're looking for a fitness program that also works out your brain, look into fencing. Fencing develops balance, muscle control, observation and critical thinking. If this sounds like something you've been looking for, look into Chicago's Lincoln Square Fencing or Redstar Fencing Club and get going!
Photo courtesy of Redstar Fencing
We've gone over the alternatives that make you feel like you're not working out at all, but how about a workout that makes you feel like a total badass? Maybe you've tried boxing and loved it, or maybe it's something you always wanted to do. Either way, Body Shot Boxing Club and Sam Colonna Boxing invite people of all sizes and ages to join them. Take a look, you know you want to.
Following a badass sport is another badass alternative, roller derby. The Windy City Rollers are big wigs amongst the roller derby world and want you to know that if you're not ready to try out, skate lessons are available. So head down, grab some gear, and do something you know you're dying to try out!
Didn't see an alternative that caught your eye on this list? Still unsure on how you can work out without feeling like you're working out? Time to check out Chicago's Sport & Social Club's intramural teams. With the various choices and flexible options of joining a team, creating a team, or doing a one-time event, there's something amongst the variety to fit your needs!
