Rent a bike for two at Bike Chicago Rentals & Tours
Few exercises are as romantic as biking in Chicago. Cycling along the lake at sundown with your sweetie beats any dinner-and-a-movie night. And you can make it even more memorable by renting a tandem bike for two. Bike Chicago Rentals & Tours rents all different types of bikes at various locations throughout the city. Double bikes cost $20 per hour or $45 for the day, or you can rent a standard single for $8 to $12 per hour, depending on the type of bike you choose. Bike Chicago also offers free maps with bike routes listed, or you can simply follow the lake and see where it leads you.

Learn to two-step at Dance Center Chicago
At Dance Center Chicago, you can take pretty much any type of dance class?from salsa to swing?that your two left feet desire. A class for you and your most coordinator pal costs $65 for a 55-minute session or $300 for a set of five classes. The school also offers lessons that'll prepare you for your first wedding dance, so you can skip the bridal boot camp and get in shape with your honey here. The staff will even choreograph a special dance just for the happy couple?so you can keep on grooving long after your big day.

Take a hike at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Just an hour drive from Chicago you'll come across the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can take a hike through the steep sand dunes to get your heart rate pumping. The tourist office has plenty of gratis maps and brochures for private hikes, or you can opt for a ranger-guided hike or an advanced climb. Stick to the trails (all easy or moderate in difficulty) for some quiet quality time with your partner and nature, or walk along the beach and take a swim in water that's much cleaner than the stuff you'll find in the Windy City. If you want to make a weekend out of it, nab a campground for $15.

Rent rollerblades from Chicago Tours
There are over 18 miles of lakefront trails in Chicago, which is way too many to cover by foot. But if you add some blades, you could cover it all in one day?with the support of a very motivating partner. Chicago Tours rental offices are located at various spots along the trail, so you shouldn't have to travel far to pick up a pair. It offers one-day rollerblade rentals for about $42 per person. While that might seem costly for a rental, it's hard to put a price tag on your health, and if you've never tried blading before, you can give it a trial run before investing in your own pair (new pairs cost $80-$200).

Fight then make up at Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts (Lincoln Square) and on North Milwaukee
The best part about fighting is making up, right? So having scheduled fights surely must add to the passion of any relationship. At Degerberg Academy, many of the people taking the mixed martial arts classes, which involve various disciplines like karate, kick-boxing, weapons and ground work, are couples, says Asha Gray, instructor and program director. That's because most people feel more comfortable fighting with someone they know. The introductory month costs $29.95 per person, and that includes the uniform, a 30-minute semi-private class and twice weekly classes for the first month.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/winterworkouts.html

Crunch (multiple locations)
Love stretching it out in a yoga class but feel disconnected from the origins of this ancient practice? Spectrum Yoga is a strong hatha class based around the ancient ayurveda chakra energy systems, with each class guided by special lights that correspond to the energy centers. You'll learn what a chakra is and why it's important to balance them, get a bit of a history lesson on ayurveda and leave buzzing with energy.

The tough yet fun AntiGravity Yoga class, created by New York's AntiGravity acrobatic performance troupe, is 60 minutes of aerial moves and basic yoga poses. Going into a headstand will never be easier, yet you'll still build core and upper-body strength while manipulating the body in a strong tricot fabric.

If you don't do mat workouts, Crunch offers two new unique spin offerings as well. Cycology builds mental focus by taking you through a tough spin workout with no music. Second Wind Ride literally gives you a boost of air after a hard day's work. This challenging class uses tru2o oxygen tanks to help keep the blood pumping and allow you to take your workout to the max.

Equinox (Gold Coast and Lincoln Park)
From breathing exercises to yoga poses to martial arts combos, Budokan has something for everyone. Equinox is one of the only gyms in the city to offer this new mind-body workout, created by Cameron Shayne and popular among Hollywood celebrities. With the combination of yoga for flexibility and calmness, martial arts for power and grace and meditation for relaxation and piece of mind, after a few Budokan sessions, you may just be a completely new person.

KettleBells have been gaining buzz in the fitness industry, health magazines and workout sites for quite awhile now, and for good reason. These oddly-shaped weights have been used in Europe for 100 of years to train the body using dynamic exercises that require the muscles to work in a more functional way. If you get easily bored in toning and training classes, Iron Body may inspire you to look at weight training in a new light.

photo: courtesy of Core Power Yoga

Work on your core in the South Loop.

Escape2Fitness
If you're not the gym type and you prefer to work out outdoors, don't let the cold weather stop you. Join Escape2Fitness for its Winter Walking Club, the Escape Eskimos. Starting mid-November, you can meet a walking group at Ohio Street Beach twice a week for an hour, receive a weekly home-workout plan from one of the E2F trainers, training tips, a meal plan, a 10-percent discount on other Escape2Fitness services like massage therapy and personal training and most importantly, a group of supporters to keep you motivated.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/cheap-yoga.html With yoga boasting various health benefits, like increased flexibility, stress relief, detoxifying the body, massaging the internal organs and creating long, lean muscles, you'd be wise to start incorporating a sun salutation or two into your fitness routine. Many places throughout Chicago offer free weekly or donation-only classes, so if you need to find balance in your hectic life, or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, we've listed places that offer the opportunity to do so without breaking the bank. If you don't see a studio that's in your hood, always remember that many places may offer special event free classes or monthly pricing specials, so don't be afraid to call and ask.

Go for the real deal at Moksha Yoga (River West and Lakeview)
3:30-5 p.m. Sunday in River West; 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday in Lakeview
Moksha, reputed to be one of the most complete yoga lifestyles centers in Chicago, offers free weekly community classes at both locations, and the River West location offers a Sunday-night meditation class (perfect for relaxing before hitting the sack). Teachers alternate frequently; while styles may vary, all classes are at a beginner level. The sessions fill up fast here, so try to come early to get a spot in the cozy studio. If you find yourself feeling the community vibe, learn the fundamentals of yoga in a four-week intro to yoga session for $60, with your first studio class free.

Detox at YogaNow (Gold Coast and Edgewater)
2:15-3:15 p.m. Sunday in the Gold Coast; 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Edgewater location
Everyone can benefit from yoga's cleansing properties, but it's especially helpful for those of us who deal with the daily grind of the commute to and from downtown. Try this sustainable studio's community class on Sunday to get accustomed to the space and the teachers, then make stopping by its Gold Coast location part of your post-work routine. It offers a variety of yoga classes, fun workshops (like couples yoga) and a few classes for kids. No matter which class fits your schedule, be sure to make time for a steam or sauna afterward. The heat (and drinking plenty of water) will suck out even more of the toxins built up in your system than yoga alone. This combo can be a bit addictive, so opt for a 10-pack of classes for $130 instead of dropping $16 each session.

Build a yoga community at your local Chicago Park District facility
Check chicagoparkdistrict.com for class times, locations and fees
If the idea of going to a yoga studio is a bit intimidating, try a yoga class through the Chicago Park District. Classes take place in gymnasiums all around the city; they draw a diverse, neighborhood crowd and are a way to truly build a local yoga community. Most programs are open to people of all skill levels, though there are a few intermediate classes, too. CPD does offer a few free classes every semester, but considering sessions cost just $3 to $90 and run three to four months, the cost of your daily Starbucks will do more damage to your wallet.

Learn to Breathe Fire at Spirit Rising Yoga
5-6 p.m. Sunday; $5 donation
Hatha and Ashtanga dominate the yoga styles in Chicago, but there are many varieties of yoga, including Kundalini, which focuses on cleansing the organs and tapping into deeply buried inner energy. So when you visit Spirit for its suggested-donation class on Sundays, expect to do a lot of pranayama fire breathing (imagine panting like a big, excited dog) during your session with a Kundalini student on the verge of graduation. The breathing techniques and use of a gong for sound may perplex you at first; the practice is very spirituality-based, though not in a religious way. Give it a chance, and before you know it, you'll want a gong for your home and shell out $75 for a six-class card.

Be a Frugal Yogi at Nature Yoga
Donation classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-5:15 p.m.; Community Class 3:30-4:45 p.m. Sunday
This sunny yoga studio is the perfect place to get a healthy reminder to be thankful for your body and your mental awareness, instead of getting caught up among the hipsters, fashion boutiques and condo-dwellers that fill most of the surrounding Wicker Park neighborhood. It's also great for frugal yogis and students, as Nature not only offers a free community class on Sunday, but also donation and discounted (just $10) classes five days a week. Plus, Nature offers a variety of classes, so you can try out anusara-inspired, tantric hatha and vinyasa styles without breaking the bank. Once you find a teacher and a style that resonates with you, a 10-class card is $125 or do an Intro Series for $60.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/so-you-wanna-acroyoga.html

Started in San Francisco by Jenny Sauer-Klein and Jason Nemer, AcroYoga combines yoga, Thai massage and acrobatics for a truly unique mind-body fitness experience. The practice teaches you how to respect your body and others', as well as trust and communicate. "It has everything I feel our society needs," says Jonny Nobleza, who leads the AcroYoga classes at Nature Yoga Sanctuary in Wicker Park. "It explores and develops trust, connection, playfulness, all within a framework and focus on community and interactions with one another." Nobleza is one of only three teachers in the Chicago-area, but AcroYoga has about 125 teachers worldwide, with its largest following in San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto.

The Skinny: AcroYoga isn't about jaw-dropping poses (although there are a lot of cool-looking ones); it's much more about building trust, respecting others and appreciating the physical possibilities of the body. Classes incorporate yoga asanas, inversions, partner yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage and they always start with the circle ceremony.

Everyone sits in a circle and begins to breathe and move together as a group. This may be as simple as draping your arms over your neighbor's shoulders and beginning to sway to the right and left, eyes closed and following the natural movement of your breath. Then the circle proceeds to do gentle massage work and other getting-to-know-you exercises.

Once it's on to the partner training, you'll work in groups of two to three; one person is the base, another a flyer and a third is the spotter. While you may be matched up by similar body types, AcroYoga borrows from Thai massage techniques of bone stacking, so as long as the base has a good foundation, there's no need to exert a lot of force and no way for the base to get hurt. One move that you can expect to try in a basics class: the base lays on his back with legs up in the air at 90 degrees; the flyer goes into downward dog over the base, with her hips right at the base's feet. They join hands and the base straightens his arms, lifting the hips and legs of the flyer up into the air. From here, the base moves his hands to the flyer's shoulders, allowing them to go into more advanced moves as shown in the pictures. After every pose, the flyer and spotter give the base a gentle stretch and Thai massage, another way to continue the group aspect of the practice and show respect to all those involved.

photo: Ronald Leon Hale IV

Wear and Tear: The same risk that you'd find in yoga and beginner acrobatics applies for AcroYoga, but paying attention to your form, following instructors' cues as to where your hand, knee and weight distribution should be and trusting your partner should keep you injury-free.

The Commitment: As with all forms of yoga, you'll learn something new every class. It's an ongoing practice that gets better as you learn to open yourself up to trust and begin to learn more about your body. Don't expect to be a master at advanced flying and acrobatic poses after your first few sessions. But you may be surprised by your new appreciation for your body and your deep respect for people who were perfect strangers when class started.

The Cost: Classes at Nature Yoga are $15, however you can purchase class cards for discounted fees on anything from five sessions ($65) to 20 ($200). Difficulty Level: AcroYoga is definitely not for those who have no experience with yoga at all. You should be comfortable with basic yoga terms and poses and not be afraid of inversions. This isn't a vinyasa flow class where you'll be flowing from pose to pose; it's more challenging in the sense that you'll be holding poses longer. But more than anything, it's important to be open and up for anything in an AcroYoga class.

The verdict: Yoga enthusiasts and even active couples who like to play will get a kick out of AcroYoga. A yoga practice is deeply personal and all about you, so this allows you to finally get a chance to know your fellow yoga enthusiasts, make new friends, develop trust and let your inner-child come out. You'll walk in a bit hesitant and unsure and leave with a deep connection to a group of strangers and a big smile on your face.

Jonny Nobleza runs AcroYoga classes Monday nights at Second Nature (Nature Yoga's smaller sister outpost in Lincoln Park) and Friday nights at Nature. For more info, visit acroyoga.org or email Jonny.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/so-you-wanna-trapeze.html

Classes are held at the Aloft Loft (recently relocated from Humboldt Park to Fulton Market), which was opened in 2005 by Shayna Swanson to provide a home for dance troupes and aerial dance and circus performers in Chicago. Since then, it has become the go-to source not only for such gravity-defying artists, but also for regular people who desire cool, irreverent and hip workout classes.

The Skinny: Aloft is an aerial dance and circus performance troupe, but this ain't Barnum and Bailey. Think more old timey vaudeville-style performances, not swing trapeze. You won't learn to flip through the air and grab on to another trapeze or performer. But you will get a great core and toning workout. Besides trapeze, Aloft offers aerial conditioning, silks, pilates and hooping classes. But if you're interested in doing any of the circus arts, it's highly recommended you start with trapeze. The second Saturday of every month Aloft offers a free intro workshop where curious newbies can get a chance to check out Aloft's sprawling Loft Space and give trapeze a try.

The class starts with simple warm-ups to get blood pumping, get the shoulders open and the arms and legs ready to work. The most basic moves are similar to those of pilates: abdominals in and up with a rounded ribcage (if you're not sure what that means, they'll explain in depth for you), shoulders down and legs hugging the midline.

The Get Up: Form-fitting exercise clothes. You'll be flipping and hanging from the bar a lot, so wear a shirt that can be tucked in or won't rise up. You'll also want to wear slim-fitting pants that cover your knees. You also do things barefoot, so don't worry too much about fancy socks or shoes.

Wear and Tear: With any new activity, especially with foreign movements, there's a chance for injury. Luckily the intro classes at Aloft are kept pretty small so everyone is spotted and given proper personal attention. However, no matter how prepared or how often you're spotted, you'll have sore hands during class and for awhile afterwards.

photo: Margot Dahl

The author hopes you don't notice that her feet aren't pointed enough.

Aloft doesn't currently offer an intro series, although it does offer specific classes for beginners. If you miss a week or two, or decide to jump into a regular trapeze class, there's a chance the class may move at a faster pace, so try to commit to one day per week, especially if you're interested in moving on to Silks (the instructors/members of the company say it will feel like you're using more core and muscles during 10 minutes of Silks than during an hour of trapeze). There are also aerial conditioning classes for those who really want to get fit.

The Cost: Everyone pays $30 annually for the Aloft membership fee and each drop-in class is $35. However, you can purchase a 4-pack of classes for $120 or if you know you'll be able to commit to taking four classes in a row, purchase a consecutive series for just $100. Ten classes (can be taken at any time) will set you back $275.

Difficulty level: You'll need a pretty strong core, but nothing we did on the first day was impossible for anyone to do. The class I attended was pretty diverse, with about 15 women of all ages and body types, and while some of us needed more assistance than others, everyone could complete all the moves we learned in the workshop (some a little more gracefully than others). Any experience with yoga, pilates, dance or gymnastics will also make getting a feel for the trapeze easier.

The Payoff: Sculpted abs, a sexy back, strong shoulders and an overall increase in strength and flexibility. Not to mention you can brag to your friends about being able to fly.

The Verdict: Do it, especially if you love yoga and pilates. It's surprising aerial-dance classes aren't more popular. They're fun, invigorating and unique. You leave feeling exhilarated and without a doubt that you've burned more than a few calories.

You can check Aloft's website for more info, but for up-to-date class and general info, it's best to send an email to Amanda@aloftaerialdance.com.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/olympic-training.html

Sport: Kayaking
The skinny: The Chicago Kayak Club offers lessons for beginners and for more advanced athletes. It also sponsors trips to such varied locales as the Florida Everglades and Wisconsin's Apostle Islands.
Where you can train/practice: Beginner classes take place at the Skokie Lagoons, while intermediate instruction is on Lake Michigan.
Cost: An introductory class runs $75. Membership in the Chicago Kayak Club is $100 a year.
On the Web: chicagokayak.com

Sport: Archery
The skinny: If you want to learn a new sport but are strapped for cash, this could be the way to go. The Lincoln Park Archery Club offers regular clinics for adults and kids 8 and older; many are free and others cost just $10. But note that pre-registration is required. And no, there won't be any knocking apples off heads like in the William Tell legend.
Where you can train/practice: The club's range is on Belmont Harbor Drive in Lincoln Park.
Cost: Club membership costs $25 plus a $10 non-refundable key fee.
On the Web: lincolnparkarcheryclub.org

Sport: Basketball
The skinny: Chicagoans love their hoops, and what better place to satisfy our basketball jones than Attack Athletics?the gym run by Michael Jordan's long-time personal trainer, Tim Grover, and now frequented by the likes of NBA star (and Chicago-area native) Dwyane Wade.
Where you can play: Attack, which features four NBA-sized courts among other amenities, is at 2641 W. Harrison St. in Chicago.
Cost: Prices for gym rental, skill camps and other services are available by calling (773) 826-2300.
On the Web: attackathletics.com

Sport: Fencing
The skinny: Fencing has a rich tradition in Chicagoland, thanks in no small part to the efforts of veteran Northwestern coach Laurie Schiller, whose women's teams have finished in the top 10 in the NCAA tournament each of the past nine seasons.
Where you can train/practice: The Chicago Fencing Club holds practice sessions at Parkview Lutheran Church, 3919 N. Monticello in Chicago.
Cost: The club has a variety of instructional and practice options, including an introductory class for adults that lasts eight weeks and costs $150.
On the Web: chicagofencingclub.com

Sport: Field hockey
The skinny: This fast-paced outdoor game can be as physical as the version played indoors on ice (and next New Year's Day, by the Blackhawks and Red Wings at Wrigley Field). For proof, just consider the extensive body armor worn by goalies.
Where you can train/practice: The Chicago Field Hockey Club, a co-ed group, holds weekly scrimmages at Northwestern University.
Cost: Club membership is $100 for students and $150 for full members, which includes $50 for membership in the U.S. Field Hockey Association.
On the Web: chicagofhc.com

photo: STNG file photo

Sport: Table tennis
The skinny: Maybe you play it in your basement rec room and call it ping pong. But it's also a good cardio activity. Chi-Slam Club commissioner Ardy S. Taveerasert notes on the club's website that playing several times a week helped him drop 20 pounds.
Where you can train/play: Chi-Slam has several locations throughout the city, though not all are open during the summer. Check the club website for more info.
Cost: $5 a table for non-members. USA Table Tennis has a variety of membership levels; the basic adult rate is $40 per year.
On the Web: chislamclub.com

Sport: Wrestling
The skinny: Most competitive wrestling in the U.S. is of the so-called "folkstyle" variety, but in major international events like the Olympics you'll see freestyle and Greco-Roman action.
Where you can train/compete: The Chicago Cyclones Wrestling Club, which bills itself as the city's "only Senior/Vet level-specific club," is headquartered at Quad's Gym, 3727 N. Broadway.
Cost: Practices, which are held Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, run $5 apiece or $20 per month. Wrestlers also are encouraged to join USA Wrestling; memberships cost $35 per year.
On the Web: wrestlechicago.com

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/so-you-wanna-makkoho.html

The Japanese exercise form called makko-ho makes these workout woes melt away; it's a no-impact series of stretches that helps you build limberness and strength, all the while seated on a comfy blanket spread across the floor. I took my first makko-ho class a couple weeks ago and was immediately hooked. The series of playful movements elongated my computer-crunched back and refreshed me to face the trails of urban living with confidence and calm.

The Skinny: Makko-ho ("facing forward" in Japanese) was conceived in the mid-20th century by a businessman named Nagai, who suffered an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Stuck in a hospital and unable to work, Mr. Nagai studied Buddhist teachings and, as result, cultivated a profound sense of gratitude. To express this gratitude, he began a routine of bowing in various seated positions. Through regular practice of these bowing exercises, he eventually regained the ability to walk.

There are only three makko-ho instructors outside of Japan: one in New York, one in L.A. (who also overcame paralysis via the practice) and one in Chicago?Tomoko Horikawa, who teaches a weekly class at purepeace spa in Edgewater. Tomoko is a yoga instructor as well and brings an extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine and bodywork to the class.

The Get Up: Any comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely will do. Take off your shoes, kneel down on the blanket and get ready to get relaxed.

Wear and Tear: This is the opposite of wear and tear; makko-ho promotes physical and mental rejuvenation. At the beginning of class, we established deep, even breathing that was sustained the entire hour. By the time I walked out the door, dozens of little muscles I didn't know I had was clenching released for the first time in years. The effect is both energizing and deeply calming.

photo: Sharon Hoyer

The Cost: Classes at purepeace are $15 an hour or you can purchase a 10-class card at a discounted rate. In addition to an effective stretching regimen, makko-ho is far and away the most affordable massage in town.

The Payoff: Improved skeletal alignment, increased flexibility, particularly in the back, hamstrings, groin and quads. And, though you won't even realize it's happening, a much stronger core. All that deep breathing into the harra, or lower abdomen, engages the center of the body while other large muscle groups stay relaxed?a subtle skill that will trick you into keeping an open chest and effortless good posture throughout the day.

Difficulty Level: Makko-ho can improve the flexibility and alignment of nearly anyone of any fitness level. It's slightly more rigorous than sitting still and a hundred times more relaxing. Possessing a degree of flexibility is to your advantage, but not necessary. Ages in the class I attended ranged from mid-20s to late-50s.

The Verdict: The makko-ho sequence is invigorating and easily practiced at home, be it first thing in the morning, midday, or whenever you have a spare 15 minutes. Tomoko's expertise in other eastern exercise forms make the class a wonderful complement to a regular yoga practice and an approachable alternative for those discouraged by the rigors of yoga. You won't believe you could feel this good after a fitness class without needing a shower.

Makko-ho class is held at purepeace Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. ? 11 a.m.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/pregnancy-fitness.html

Prenatal belly dancing at Bloom Yoga Studio
Apparently, having a belly actually helps with belly dancing?shocker, right? And since you've finally grown a huge bump, you should look like a pro here. Plus, the moves you learn will help you during labor, and you can even belly dance in the hospital to help you through those tough times; word on the street is that it makes the pain a little more manageable. The class is taught by a trained doula, who is a founding member of the Northeastern Illinois Doulas Association, so you may learn even more than belly dancing here.

Prenatal aerobics at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Apparently, hospitals do way more than fixing the problem at hand. Northwestern is putting a huge emphasis on preventative care, and for pregnant ladies, that means getting your heart rates up. They offer a low-impact aerobics class which fuses Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, yoga and dance in order to build your stamina and get you ready for labor. Start this class early enough in your pregnancy, and you just may be strong enough to go drug free during the actual event. Plus, you're already in the hospital, so third trimesters need not worry about the possibility of the workout putting them into labor.

Water aerobics at Equinox (Gold Coast)
The best thing about getting into a pool is that amazing feeling of weightlessness. It's the one time pregnant women can free themselves of that humungous weight hanging off them. And, it's still an amazing workout. Equinox offers a range of water aerobics classes that they change routinely, which currently range from water ballet to body surfing (don't worry; you never actually get on a surfboard). When I took a class, I was surrounded by baby bumps, so don't worry about sporting that huge belly; you'll be in good company.

Prenatal yoga at YogaNow
Being pregnant is stressful. You're worried about your body and your baby constantly, and to add insult to injury, it's near impossible to get a good night's sleep. But yoga can really help. The stretching involved eases the pains of joint and muscle aches, and you?ll help your body to relax and strengthen. If you take the classes regularly, you may not even look pregnant from behind anymore. At YogaNow, no prior yoga knowledge of yoga is needed.

Prenatal Fitness Fix with Erin O'Brien DVD
Some days, simply getting out of the house is too difficult when you're knocked up. That's when Erin kicks in. Her DVDs are so much fun because she doesn't take herself too seriously?and even runs out for bathroom breaks. But her workouts really work. They're hard, and you'll actually break a sweat. It's a 40-minute workout which combines Pilates, Kegels, conditioning and a short partner workout. Do this every day and you'll be back to your pre-pregnancy jeans by the time you walk out of the hospital.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/get-fit-give-back.html If you're like us, you indulged in a few extra brownies this spring, figuring you'd work them off by June. But since then, you've spent far more time drinking in your backyard than jogging down the lakefront path. Maybe you need a good cause to motivate you to put down the Newcastle and put on your New Balances. Here are a few ways to get fit for charity.

United Run For The Zoo
June 1, 2008
Besides 1868 being a hell of a long time ago, it was also the year that Lincoln Park Zoo opened. Show your support of one of the oldest public (and free, let's not forget) institutions in the nation by strapping on your sneakers and signing up for this race. Participating in the 5K or 10K runs ($25 or $30 on race day), a 5K fun walk ($17 or $20 race day) or the free kid's Cheetah Chase?all of which wind through the zoo?seems like the least we can do to make sure the polar bear stays comfy.

Proud to Run 2008
June 28, 2008
You don't just have to show your lesbian and gay pride at the Gay Pride Weekend parade. If you're looking for a more low-key, high-endurance event, try 27th-annual Proud to Run 5 K/10 K run and two-mile walk. The event, which starts and finishes just north of Montrose Harbor, raises funds to aid health and service organizations and is open to anyone regardless of sexual orientation. Registration for the runs costs $30, while the walk rings in at $25.

Niketown Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk and Block Party
July 10, 2008
If you're too timid to join a French Revolution re-enactment group, but are still itching to find a way to commemorate the storming of the Bastille, running through the West Loop in the Bastille Day 5K Run may be as close as you'll get. The course starts and ends on Jackson, where crossing the finish line means walking into a beer- and food-filled block party. Non-racers are welcome to join the party, which will feature live music and last until about 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, a residential child-care facility for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Chicago Fire Fighters Union Run for the Kids 5K
July 17, 2008
This race isn't limited to ripped firefighters. (Sigh.) But the Run for the Kids 5K is sponsored by said hunks and honeys?more specifically, the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 members and independent charitable unit of Local 2, who have donated over $2,000 to children's foundations since the race's inception in 2001. The 5K run ($30) starts at the Soldier Field Great Lawn and travels past the Shedd, following Lake Shore Drive. Kids can take part in a dash ($15) all on their own or visit the Teddy Bear Clinic and Safety Town at the Kid's Corral. No rollerblades, bikes or dogs allowed.

Women's 5K, 10K and Festival
July 20, 2008
This no-boys-allowed race promises massages after the finish line. Not hooked yet, ladies? The first 3,200 participants receive a non-shrinkable Nike Dri-FIT Tempo Top and other new Nike products at the post-race festival. Nike will also be giving awards to the top finishers, as well as fastest combined mother/daughter and sister teams. The $30 5K and 10K registration fee benefits Catch Your Breath, a Woman and Lung Cancer Health Initiative. The co-ed kids race costs $10.

Elvis Is Alive 5K
August 7, 2008
If you do a double-take after spotting a running Elvis this summer, know it ain't no ghost. It's the real thing?well, the real fake thing. Dressing as the King for the Elvis is Alive 5K will get you a front position at the starting line. If you're an Elvis fanatic but a never-before racer, don't shy away: The No Boundaries training program will help motivate beginners to prepare for the race (that means no grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches). The self-timed run, which starts in Grant Park at the southwest corner of Columbus Drive and Balbo Drives, costs $25, and the proceeds go to Rock for Reading, an initiative to curb illiteracy. A post-race party will feature entertainment from?well?you know who.

Race Judicata 2008
August 14, 2008
Trade in your briefcase for New Balances at the Race Judicata 5K Run/Walk. In its 15th year, the race benefits the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, which provides pro bono representation to Chicagoans in need, striving to make sure the law protects people of all economic classes. No dogs, bikes, rollerblades or strollers are allowed in the $33-a-person race. Awards will be given to the top overall man and woman, as well as the top overall male and female lawyers. A post-race party, with drinks, snacks and live music from the local band Skapone, concludes the day.

PAWS Chicago 8th Annual Run for Their Lives
September 28
Pet lover or no, you can't deny the great work of PAWS Chicago, an organization that runs "no kill" shelters, aids in the adoption of homeless animals and provides free spay and neuter services for underserved communities. It costs $30 to register for the 8K run or 4K walk, with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit. The family- and pooch-friendly race takes place at Montrose Harbor, and in past years, pet owners with style (and a sense of humor) were encouraged to enter the Howl-o-ween costume contest, a dog and master dress-up competition.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Tue, 27 May 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/so-you-wanna-sand.html Playing in the sandbox used to be a great way to spend a relaxing day with your buddies?when you were about four years old. Just because you're an adult now, though, doesn't mean that you have to ditch the sand altogether. Instead, pick up some 10- or 15-pound bags of sand to use as weights and cardio tools at Equinox's Sandblast. In truth, you probably won't have as much fun working out as you did bulldozing your playmate's sandcastle. But, when you leave the class, you'll know that you've burned loads of calories and toned your entire body. You never could say that about the playground, could you?

The skinny: Sandblast is offered at most Equinox locations, and you can take a 30- or 45-minute class. We opted for the 45 minutes to get the most out of our day at the gym. The 10- or 15-pound bags of sand that Equinox provides are the only gear you?ll need. The class mixes strength building with cardio, so expect to use the bags for tricep lifts during one exercise, only to jump over them repeatedly during another exercise.

At one point, the class had to place the bags on our towels and drag them across the room; I felt a bit like a horse during the exercise, but now I know why the animal looks so lean and beautiful. Pulling even 10 pounds across the room is hard work. It's perfect for the person who wants a total workout in one session: You'll get your heart pumping and your muscles toned, and you expect to burn between 300 and 400 calories.

The get up: Anything you'd usually wear to the gym will fly in this class. But don't dress too warmly; you'll be sweating within minutes of stepping into the sandbox.

Wear and tear: The bags of sand aren't exactly easy to hold; there are no grips, so your fingernails and cuticles may get a little scratched when you use your hands to grasp the rough sand bag. Also, don't skimp on the warm-up or sneak out before the cool-down. This is a tough class, and you'll need to take good care of your muscles to prevent any injuries.

The commitment: You can be as committed or uncommitted as you'd like. If you take a Sandblast class three times a week, you wouldn't need to do additional workouts if you simply wanted to maintain your weight. But if you want to lose weight and truly get toned, you should go more often. Still a once-a-week Sandblast class is a nice supplement to whatever workout you do normally.

The payoff: Since Sandblast uses sand instead of weights, you're going to tone your abs really quickly; you'll need your abdominal muscles to keep your body from falling over as the sand moves around inside the bags. You'll also get firm arm muscles from holding those heavy bags, and your heart will thank you for all the cardio you're doing.

Difficulty level: Equinox says Sandblast is an intermediate class, but we beg to differ. As long as you go at your own pace and take breaks when needed, it's as hard or as easy as you want it to be. There aren't any complicated moves or routines that you'll have to learn, so anyone can catch on easily.

The verdict: It's no day at the beach, but the class is the perfect solution for an all-in-one workout.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/best-of-gyms.html

Best group classes: Crunch
Crunch puts a lot of time, effort and money into its classes?and it shows. It consistently offers creative and fun group workouts, in addition to the standard fare, so you never get bored. Plus, the schedules change seasonally to keep it fresh; just be sure to check the offerings at your Crunch of choice, as each one has its own calendar. Our favorite classes include Kangoo, when you strap on some bouncy boots (provided for you) and jump along to a fun aerobic workout that promises to burn twice as many calories as a traditional workout, and Zodiaction; a mix of cardio, weights and yoga, the class changes monthly to coincide with the movements of the planets, moons and stars.

Best place to score a date: XSport Fitness
If you're into muscle-heads and super skinny women of the young-professional persuasion, XSport Fitness, which has locations throughout Chicagoland, may become your new favorite pick-up joint. The gym is relatively cheap, which means it's almost always packed at peak times?early mornings and from 5-8 p.m. You'll likely have to wait a while for a cardio machine, so fight the urge to pass the time listening to your iPod, and start chatting up the other people in line instead. Once you finally get on a machine, you'll be within inches of the person next to you, which can be sexy?if you're into that sorta thing.

Best personal trainers: David Barton Gym
David Barton is known for employing the best personal trainers, and the gym really gets kudos for having this elite set teach all of the group classes. That means you can literally try the trainers out for free before choosing the person who will whip you into shape. Unlike other gyms, where the trainers are so overwhelmed that they barely remember to show up for your session, the guys and gals at David Barton have a knack for remembering your name and recognizing you when you bump into them at the free weights. Talk about personal attention!

Best country-club feel: East Bank Club
So you live in Chicago but you're a true Greenwich, Connecticut girl at heart? East Bank Club is the gym for you. It's pricey ($170 a month plus initiation fees), but for the money, you'll get a driving range, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, racket ball courts, a fabulous restaurant, a smoothie bar and the typical cardio and weight rooms. The equipment is always top-notch, and the rooms come outfitted with the newest and best televisions money can buy. In fact, it's taken on such a country-club vibe that many people go here to work out?and to network, eat and chill.

Best gym for the money: YMCA
If you don't want to spend a lot and don't mind a bare-bones gym, check out your local YMCA. The locker rooms are usually a tad dirty and the cardio area can be crowded and sweaty, but you can't beat it for the price. Fees vary from location to location, but can go as low as about $15 per month. It's a great place to get in, get out, go home and shower?because you won't want to linger long. The bonus of working out at the YMCA: You'll be sweating it out with your neighbors. Its community-minded environs make it a great place to meet the people from your block.

Best view: Holmes Place Health Club
Turn off the television and head over to Holmes Place, where you can take advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows, best viewed from the treadmills, bikes or elliptical machines on the second floor. Spy on all those posh Streeterville residents as they head into Fox & Obel across the street. You'll be so distracted, you won't realize how hard you're working. But rest assured you will be working hard; the international health club chain has countless classes?from spinning to pilates?and the personal training focuses on lifestyle changes and is offered at three different difficulty levels.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/so-you-wanna-bat.html

The skinny: Batting cages have helped many athletes?from little leaguers to pros?since the 1970s, when the machines were pretty basic and used an "arm-style" pitch. Today's advanced machines can throw curves, fastballs and knuckleballs, but it's pretty easy to figure out how to play. All you really have to do is set your speed (at BASH, you could choose speeds ranging from 30 to 70 miles-per-hour) and decide if you want to hit a hard ball or soft ball. Then, you simply stand in the cage in front of the home base and swing whenever a ball comes flying at you.

The getup: Anything you'd normally wear to work out in is perfect. At BASH, you receive a helmet free of charge, and although I was the only person in the entire stadium who bothered to put it on, I felt safer wearing it. It also provided the bats and all the balls you'll need.

The payoff: According to the diet and fitness website SparkPeople.com, a 60-minute batting cage workout will burn about 300 calories. Plus, swinging the bat will build back and arm muscles and make your legs look toned and firm. I didn't break a sweat, but by the end of the exercise, my arms were incredibly tired. The next morning, I felt decidedly sore throughout my upper and middle back?so much so that I needed to take a bath to relax my muscles.

Wear and tear: I played hard ball, which strained my wrist and hands, but the tight feeling went away about an hour after I finished, and if you play soft ball, it shouldn't hurt as much. If you don't warm up and cool down after playing, you could tear a muscle, although I skipped both and was fine.

The commitment: It all depends on your goals. If you want to go pro, then?obviously?the more times you go, the better you'll bat. But I was able to drastically improve during the 60-minutes that I played. I missed the ball the first dozen tries, but then I started getting the hang of it. Soon, I was hitting every ball super hard, and if the nets weren't there to catch them, I'm sure I would've been knocking out home runs (or so I keep telling myself).

The cost: It costs $45 for 60-minutes in the batting cages. Or, you can sign up for an annual membership for $350, which allows you to go three times a week at no additional cost. Sign up for an All-Star membership for $525, and you can spend a half-hour in the cages every day for a year.

The skill: To earn the millions that the pros make, you've got to have killer hand-eye coordination, a fast running speed and powerful arm muscles. But to play in the batting cages without making a fool of yourself, you simply need to practice a few times at slow speeds, and you'll catch on quickly. There's a reason why children love to play baseball; it doesn't take a genius or a superhero to hit a ball.

The verdict: Athletes?or anyone who wants to up their game before this summer's baseball/softball leagues kick off?will quickly reap the rewards of a few hours in the batting cages. It's fun, easy, social and good for you. What more could you want?

For more information, go to bashsportsacademy.com

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/abs-classes.html

Core fusion at Exhale Spa
Exhale takes the best aspects of pilates, yoga and abs classes, and combines them into one hardcore, core-focused hour. The class uses a ballet bar, your own body weight and medicine balls to get to the deepest part of your abdomen, so you?ll really target the mushy areas of your belly. Instead of doing basic leg lifts, for instance, you'll sit under the ballet bar with your back against the wall, feet planted in a V position. Then, you'll pulse your legs in the air. Don't be surprised if you can?t even lift them at first; but, according to Exhale, if you go two or three times a week, you'll be an expert?and the proud owner of a flat stomach?in no time.

Fit Core at Fitness Formula Clubs
If you've only got a half hour to spend on your abs, Fitness Formula has the class for you. You'd think it would be easy to get through a 30-minute class, right? Well about five minutes into Fit Core, you may regret your decision to go: Your stomach will be killing you?in every area that a stomach could possibly hurt. Obviously, a zillion crunches, leg lifts and ab pulses won't feel as comfortable as, say, a Swedish massage. But you will love the effect when you're done; almost immediately, you'll see a slimming of your midsection. Keep it up, and all that ab flab will disappear.

Buts & Guts at Core Chicago Pilates & Fitness Studio
You might as well get some butt action while you're at it. At Core Chicago Pilates, this 60-minute class uses key components of pilates to whip you?and your butt and gut?into shape. You'll use props like the Bosu, which looks like half a ball and is flat on one side, round on the other; a flexibility band that sort of resembles a jump rope, but applied in this case to strengthen your thighs and butt; and the stability ball; you've seen these roll around the gym floor, but when used for sit-ups, the ball better supports your back than a standard crunch.

The Bar Method at Bar Method Chicago
Sadly, this class uses a ballet bar instead of an actual drinking bar. But we love it nonetheless for its fab ab results. The Bar Method already has a following in California, and the studio's recent addition to Chicago is getting rave reviews. It combines pilates, ballet and yoga?taking the best core exercises from each and using a slow burn method, which targets major muscles by holding positions for a long time. Get ready to do lots of pulsing to increase the fat-burning part of the workout, which will boost your metabolism and keep the muscles working even after the class is over. Then, you'll really want to hit the bar (the booze-slinging one, this time).

Pilates Reformer at Harmony Mind Body Fitness
The machines may look intimidating, but the reformer classes at Harmony Mind Body Fitness aren't in the slightest. The instructors will place you in the correct position inside the massive Cadillac or Stability Chair (types of equipment, not modes of transportation for the elderly), and all you'll need to do is move your legs a bit while trying not to fall off the machines. For some reason, the reformer never feels very hard while you're working out. But we always feel completely sore the next day, and our abs work harder than ever. So it's a win-win: You get that hurts-so-good feeling in your gut without seemingly much effort.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/samba.html At Dance Center Chicago, slow ballroom music fills the air as couples gracefully twirl each other. An instructor catches my confused gaze. "Edilson's class is in Studio Three, that way," she says, pointing to the corner. As I walk toward the studio, low, heavy bass begins to cut through the droning music. I'm early for Beginning Samba, so I slowly open the door and peak my head in on Edilson Lima's Advanced Samba class. It's a complete contrast from the waltzes going on in the main studio and from the ballroom-style samba that has been gaining popularity from "Dancing with the Stars;" bodies move quickly and sweat drips from more than a few participants.

My infatuation with Brazilian culture gained momentum after checking out Brazilian Night at SushiSamba Rio. Every Wednesday, starting at 10 p.m., the Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian fusion restaurant throws a massive show, complete with a DJ, Brazilian-Latin jazz band, acrobats, capoeristas, breakdancers, a projection screen showing footage from Carnaval, and samba dancers in full costume. Lima emcees the show, but when he's not at SushiSamba, you can find him dancing with Chicago Samba or at Dance Center Chicago, where he rents out studio space for his Wednesday night classes.

The skinny: Samba describes both the music and the dance, which is considered the national sounds and movement of Brazil. While samba may be synonymous with Carnaval in Rio, the dance can be traced back to Brazil's African roots?more specifically, to the country's predominately black region of Bahia. There are many different forms of samba, but the most common and easily recognized is samba no pé, which is typically danced during Carnaval.

Unlike the mellow bossa nova, another popular musical genre in Brazil, samba is alive and vivid. The drums are infectious, almost tribal, and during a super-speedy samba, the dance may look like nothing more than a quick hip shake. Twisting from the hips and stepping out on the balls of the feet makes up most of the dance. The move is basic and easy to get, but throw in the fast music, the accompanying arm movements and freestyle moves (Lima is big on winking in the mirror, teasing and smiling while you dance), and it's easy to see why lessons are needed.

The getup: Generally, experienced samba dancers wear bedazzled, revealing two-pieces with large, feathered headpieces. Sometimes, they wear less. But, for Lima's class, showing up in comfortable clothes will do the trick. Ladies may want to try wearing heels, as is customary in Brazil.

The payoff: After going over the basic moves, Lima puts on music. I'm already sweating by the end of the first song. You definitely whittle your waist down and work your hips in this class, and will also get a mild cardio workout.

Wear and tear: As with most dance styles, attention to form is crucial. Proper twirling of the hips, bending at the knees and staying light on the feet not only make the dance look more graceful, but will also ensure that you're not damaging your body.

The commitment: Lima's classes meet once a week for four consecutive weeks ($60). At the end of the course, you'll be able to hold your own during a samba song at your favorite Latin night. Sessions at Old Town School of Folk Music cost about $160, meet once a week for eight weeks, and at the end of the session you'll have an understanding of samba's history and the various types of styles. So, the commitment level depends on what you're looking for: A few fancy moves or a thorough understanding of the dance?

Difficulty level: Once the basic samba step becomes fluent and graceful, you'll only have to worry about the speed of the various samba rhythms, which can get extremely fast. You also have to remember to smile, which isn't so hard once you let yourself go.

The verdict: The dance?and the music?is infectious, sexy, fun and bold. Salsa dancers, Latin and Afro-Caribbean music fans will definitely enjoy samba. It's easy to see why Brazilians learn the dance as soon as they can walk, and how they can perform the dance for days on end during Carnaval.

Visit oldtownschool.org or edilsonlima.com for more information on class sessions.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> So You Wanna... Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/personal-training.html Grunting, groaning, overzealous aerobics instructors and bad music: It's easy to see why going to the gym is an acquired taste. But if you've made a resolution to get in better shape this year?or you're feeling guilty about overindulging at holiday parties?don't just go to your local gym and begrudgingly sign a one-year contract; try a personal training studio or boutique gym instead. Most of these places aren't cheap, but the comfortable atmosphere, one-on-one attention, customized workouts and a schedule that can fit around your life will make the extra cash well worth it. Here are a few of our favorite places that will get you started on the road to being a lean, mean, health and fitness machine.

John Hall Studios
Don't let the pics on the website fool you: The West Town to West Loop transplant, John Hall Studios, isn't a sports-specific training facility and is much more focused on whole body training. Open space makes up the bulk of the large, clean studio, so Hall and his crew of trainers can get inventive with their workouts. Functional movements are big here, and workouts incorporate everything from the power plate to monkey bars to medicine balls. Whatever the workout, it will surely be effective. Hall prides himself on only hiring trainers?and taking on clients?who are serious about results because, after all, it's his name at stake. "All new clients have to buy a 10-pack up front," he says. "This lets us know you're as serious as we are about getting in shape." Ten sessions with John cost about $1,500, $1,000 with another trainer.

HiFi Personal Fitness
Gregg Shipp credits much of the success of HiFi, a Lincoln Park personal training studio that he co-owns with his twin brother Drew, to luck. But he's just being modest. In business for more than 13 years, HiFi is better defined as a boutique gym rather than a personal training studio. Instead of making a nominal fee off of a pre-set rate, trainers pay HiFi to rent its space and set their own rates for clients. The 10,000-square-foot studio is full of bright colors and tons of open floor space for functional fitness workouts. Shipp says the privacy and relaxed atmosphere is a big draw for local chefs and celebrities. HiFi has smaller locker rooms, each with two showers, and also offers massage, facials and waxings and free parking. Prices vary based on the trainer, but package deals are always the cheaper way to go.

Citywide Super Slow
At the city's only Super Slow facility, trainers take you through a series of weight training exercises at an extremely slow (10 seconds to lift and 10 seconds to lower) but fluid pace. Working the muscle almost to the point of failure will leave you shaking and trembling until it's impossible to lift the weight. This stimulates the muscles to become larger (not bulkier) and causes the metabolism to speed up. No music plays; sessions only last 30 minutes; there are no mirrors or grunting and facial distorting is discouraged?all things that would take your focus off the challenging task at hand. In addition to being a quick, intense workout that you only do once or twice a week, no other training or cardio is needed. "The intense workout stimulates all systems in the body," says Theresa Snyder, co-owner. "When you start with the leg press, working the largest area of muscles first, you're asking your body to work hard so it gets your heart rate going." Individual sessions cost $57, while package rates offer nominal discounts.

Bulldog Bootcamp
The city of Chicago serves as your gym during a Bulldog Bootcamp workout. Five days a week for four- or twelve-week sessions, classes meet at Grant Park and Lincoln Park (also in South Barrington) to get people in shape "the old fashioned way?with sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, running and a whole lot of sweat," as its website puts it. The group is much larger than you'll find at other alterna-gyms, and part of the appeal is the relationships formed with other bulldogs. Classes meet early in the morning or in the evening, even when there's snow on the ground and super cold outside. But your heart will be pumping so fast that you'll hardly notice the chill in the air. Sessions start at $160, and Bulldog requires that you can at least speed walk for a full mile.

Soulistic Studio Spa
Equal parts spa and mind-body studio, Soulistic is a fitness haven located steps away from the Chicago Blue Line. Pilates, yoga, circuit kickboxing, prenatal classes, salsa aerobics and West African dance are just a few of the courses offered here, and since sessions are kept small (some have as few as five participants), instructors can give personal attention to each student. There are also private pilates (mat and reformer) workouts for those who prefer to go at it alone. In addition to a large studio, Soulistic has personal treatment rooms for massage (Thai, deep tissue and more), organic facials and waxings, a steam room and a special sauna that uses infrared light for a deep detox. You won't have to shell out a membership fee (pay for all classes per session or purchase a set package rate), but with the luxe accents, cool decor and thoughtful attitude toward whole-body wellness, this studio will make you feel like a member of a fancy private spa.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/autumn-workouts.html

Run for fun with Fleet Feet Sports
As someone who's barely willing to sprint for the bus, I have trouble suppressing a skeptical smirk when the words "run" and "fun" appear in the same sentence. Regardless, last Saturday, I rose at 6:30 a.m. and headed up to Lincoln Square for my first ever fun run, hosted by Fleet Feet Sports. Eight perfectly sane-looking people gathered to start their weekend by jogging six miles. Apparently fall is the perfect time to get into running. The wooded North Branch Trail was in full autumnal glory; the brisk morning air was refreshing; and the time passed quickly while I chatted with the other runners. I returned to Fleet Feet triumphant and resolved to return the following week. Still, I get it if you don't want to rise early on a Saturday. Running Away in Wicker Park motivates their Tuesday evening fun runners with beer and pizza at Piece. I may just go into training.

Take a hike in the forest preserve
If running isn't your speed, slow down and really drink in the fall colors with a hike through one of Chicago's forest preserves. I know, who has time to schlep out of the city with the holiday mania quickly approaching? The first time I took a woodland hike it was half begrudgingly to appease my friend Alina, who taught me the importance of occasionally going somewhere with no buildings in sight. Now one of my favorite ways to halt the quickstep of time is by taking off an afternoon to stroll through the North Branch Trail System. Chicago is ringed by protected forest areas, all open to the public and most accessible by Metra or CTA. Sometimes the most rejuvenating workout is the one that just gets you out of the city.

Better yet, volunteer
Feel healthy in body and soul by working up a sweat cutting brush, harvesting seeds or clearing litter. The Forest Preserve District is always looking for volunteers to do everything from picking up trash to leading school groups. Two hours caring for Mother Nature will have you feeling better than a week at the gym, and doesn't cost a dime.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CST http://CenterstageChicago.com/recreation/articles/hikes-near-Chicago.html It's the time of sweatshirts, Honeycrisp apples and countless recreational opportunities to absorb the fleeting sights and smells of autumn. Face it, this is the last color we'll see for at least four months. And hiking is one of the best ways to take in all the natural goodness. Here are some personal favorites for an eyeful of red, yellow and orange, all within two hours of the Loop...assuming no traffic.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Loop
Get there: A 20-minute drive, take 55 South to Cass Ave (S), follow the sign to Argonne Laboratory and you'll see the first trailhead. Note: If you're pressed for time and want the highlights, take the next exit off 55, Lemont Rd South. Hard to believe, but true: There's a nine-plus-mile loop trail just 20 minutes from downtown. In truth, it's more of a nature walk than a hike, as the crushed-gravel path welcomes foot traffic, bicyclists and horses. The main trailhead loops around Argonne National Laboratory, passing through wetlands and forests. Ignore the words of Robert Frost and stay on the trail well traveled until you reach the Kettle Hotel side trail, as the Tear-Thumb side trail runs up against an unappealing barbed-wire fence. The varied terrain, which traverses Saw Mill Creek and includes wide expanses of prairie, is an awesome sampling of natural Illinois. Sag Valley Trail System, Swallow Cliff Woods entrance
Get there: A 25-minute drive, take 55 South to Lagrange Road 45 South. After a river, channels, canals and a few small lakes, you'll get to the Swallow Cliff Woods parking lot. Follow the yellow trail. A few miles from Waterfall Glen is the sprawling Palos Hills forest preserve system. Its southern preserves dish up some of the area's most distinctive terrain, with (get out your geography handbook) moraines, hills, lakes, ponds, kettles and sloughs. Known as one of the only (the only?) sledding destinations, the Sag Valley/Palos Hills district is revered for its mountain biking and fishing holes. An ideal hike for water lovers, the eight-mile loop main trail connects several of the park's areas, winding through dense forests and swamplands rife with waterfowl. The terrain varies but isn't too strenuous. Bicyclists and horses share the trail. Starved Rock State Park
Get there: A 90-minute drive, take I-55 South to I-80 West; 45 miles to Rte. 178, Utica (exit #81); go South (left) for three miles to park entrance. If you haven't been to legendary Starved Rock, you've probably heard of it. The distinctive bluffs looming over the Illinois River make this one of the State Park system's most popular destinations, and many of the shorter, steepest trails have undergone considerable work in recent years, from solid wood staircases to long hand rails. With more than 13 miles of trails, some skirting the bluffs, others descending into gulches, there is plenty of space to get away from the congestion. The trails, which can be ass-kickers by the river, offer plenty of switchbacks and intersections, letting you choose any number of loops depending on what you want to see. Matthiessen State Park
Get there: A one hour, 40-minute drive, take I-55 South to I-80 West; 178 South past Starved Rock into the Dells area (make a right, take it into the woods to the park area). Without a doubt, Matthiessen State Park is the crown jewel of autumn hiking; the fall colors extend for miles. The three main trails run somewhat parallel to each other on different contours and have several off-shoots that all lead down, down, down, into the guts of the moraine. Gulches drain into the placid Vermillion River and offer some cool stone hiking, where you may encounter rappellers. Colors paint the rock faces as well, like in Giant's Bathtub, which envelops you in stout cliff walls. Five miles of trails are listed but it feels like a lot more at the end of the day. One trail stays high up in the trees, emerging onto meadows that look over the entire valley. The Ice Age Trail
Get there: A one hour, 45-minute drive, take I-94 North to 50 West in Kenosha to Lake Geneva. Go North (right) on HWY 12. No hiking article would be complete without a nod to our neighbors to the north. The Ice Age Trail, which zippers through Kettle Moraine State Park, will extend 1,000 miles through the state of Wisconsin once volunteers have established the second half of the trail, intended to be the Midwest's Appalachian Trail. Check the maps for parking areas then fashion your own loop from there?you can pass rolling fields spiked with cattail and sumac then dip into forests of birch and oak. The terrain is moderate (our group included a super pregnant friend who was hoping the hike would induce labor, to no avail). Though it's a little farther than the alternatives, it was refreshing to take in the Wisconsin landscape, replete with dairy cows, apple orchards and bucktooth hunters. There are several local trails accessible by public transportation. The paved North Branch Bike Trail extends 20 miles into Lake County, ending at the Botanic Gardens. The lengthy Des Plaines River Trail is raw and unmaintained, ideal for both mountain bikers and hikers. And don't forget the lakefront path, which is especially pretty off Recreation Drive at the Bird Migration area.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals! ]]> Fitness Guides Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CST