Chicago's a pretty good place to be active. We have 20+ miles of dedicated lakefront multi-use path and the park to go along with it. We have multiple beaches open for fitness swimming all summer. We've got gigantic tennis facilities, rental beach volleyball options, and miles and miles of hiking trails within 30 minutes of the city.
But when you haven't been taking advantage of it, all of that can seem overwhelming. Maybe you don't have a bike, or are scared of Chicago's traffic so much you won't ride. Or maybe you think that because you're overweight, you can't possibly join a [fill in the blank here] group, or even THINK about completing your first [tennis match, 5k, long bike ride, lap in a pool, etc.]. Or perhaps you just can't stomach the thought that, though you were active in 1991, the glory days of running a 50 yard dash (or even getting up the stairs without being winded) might be behind you.
It's okay to be overwhelmed. In fact, it's absolutely rational to think that, if you haven't done anything active in awhile, the first few times you try something new, it's going to SUCK. Yes, you heard me right. It just might suck.
But you should give it a try anyway.
Why? Because time, it's a wasting. And that body you're living in will be SO MUCH happier if you just try out some new stuff. It will be stronger, and funnier (okay, so I can't gaurantee that) but mostly, it will feel far more powerful (read: sexy) than it does right now, so long as you put it to good use.
So here, a few places and ideas about how to start enjoying the summer - active style. Because you have to start somewhere, right?
Learn to Ride
Maybe you haven't been on your bike much since you bought it (um, a few years ago?) Maybe you're considering doing a triathlon, or you'd like to do more than bike to the store. There are a variety of multi-day "tours" in the greater Chicagoland area (for example, the Apple Cider Century, a Michigan favorite, September 26, offering 15, 25, 37, 50, 62, 75, or 100 mile rides in gorgeous Three Oaks Michigan) In fact, biking is one of the safest and easiest sports for us Big Guys and Girls (not including that whole hill thing) in that it puts limited wear and tear on your knees (so long as your bike is set up right), back, and hips, and allows you to shift gears to accomodate your skill and fitness level. Curious? Check out Chicago Endurance Sports' Century Cycling Program, which will help you get more comfortable on your bike, teach you how to change a flat, and even get comfy riding within falling distance of other humans on bikes. Really, it's worth it (mostly for that flat-changing thing, but also for the cameraderie and knowledge of local riding routes and overall coolness of Chicago's cycling community.)
Alternatively, join the Chicago Cycling Club for one of their (at least three) group rides per week, or check out your local bike shop. (More to come on those options).
Get Outside
The summer offers some absolutely low-hanging fruit when it comes to being active in Chicago. First, there's the Saturday morning workouts on the lawn at Millenium Park. Every Saturday from June 9-September 29, the Mayor and McDonald's (now there's a Partnership we can get behind) sponsor FREE FREE FREE 8 a.m. Yoga, 9 a.m. Pilates, and 10 a.m. variety courses that you can drop in for. Did I mention it's free? Really, what better way is there to start your Saturday than on the quiet lawn at Millenium, enjoying the view of the city before it wakes up? Seriously, check it out, even if you only visit once this season.
Second, take advantage of Lake Michigan's Lap Lanes. No, for real. If you haven't ever swam - really, swam in Lake Michigan, THIS is the summer to do it. Right now, the water teamperature is as warm as it usually is in AUGUST. You can jump in, in your bathingsuit, and swim at Ohio Street Beach every morning, and every night, from now till Labor Day. Did we mention it's free? One of the unknown benefits about getting in at Ohio is that if you follow the route North (swimming parallel to Lake Shore Drive), you can swim all the way to the curve just South of Oak Street, and the water is between 4 and 5 feet deep the entire way. So it's super safe, and there's also the added benefit of knowing you're basically swimming faster than traffic's moving. Dont' forget a cap and goggles, but really, it's lovely. People ask all the time how I can swim in "that lake" and I tell them simply this: I've swam in Lake Michigan since 1999, and never once - ONCE - have I gotten sick. Lake MIchigan and Chicago's Swim Beaches are an awesome resource, and for those of us who are carrying around some extra poundage, it's even better - it's cool, it's safe, and it's just begging for us to visit.
Have an Adventure
Are you one of those people who can't stand to run for "fitness", but would run a mile if it meant you could beat your brother at something? If so, sign yourselves up (both of you) for one of the city's great Adventure Races. Think Amazing Race writ Chicago, and you'll be spot-on for the kind of fun you're in for.
There are a variety of these races popping up on the scene, including the Great Urban Race (July 24), The Muddy Buddy (August 1), the City Chase (August 21), and City Solve Urban Race (September 11). Grab a friend (or, sometimes up to five) and get ready to run, walk, get dirty, and search for clues as part of these fun (and totally distracting) races. I promise, at these events, speed is a second thought to fun and entertainment -and before you know it, you'll have run or walked a few miles while getting some serious laughs in.
The Challenge
Before I sign off, I'd just like to throw one challenge out there. For all of you who think you CAN'T do something fun like this, I say this: join me. I like putting my money where my mouth is, so let's try this together.
First up: Millenium Park workouts. This Saturday, join me at 9 for a Pilates session. I'll be fresh off a swim at Ohio Street Beach, but if you're game, so am I. If you'd like to meet up, drop me a line, and we'll stake out a Big Guy/Big Girl section in the back, and throw down like only a pilates newbie can do.
Up next: Adventure Racing. I'm thinking with your help, we can field a rock star team for one of these events. What do you think?
Drop a comment and let me know. In the meantime, get moving.
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