April 19, 2018 | Lifestyle
As the cold days start to melt away and usher in warmer temps, the desire to shed that winter weight is in high demand. From bouldering walls to beachside yoga sessions and more, here are some of Chicago's most fun and out-of-the-ordinary classes that are bound to mix up your otherwise dull workout routine.
Photo courtesy of Brenan Salgado
Learn the basics of bouldering and climbing while getting a total body workout—and simultaneously cultivating problem-solving techniques—with the West Loop facility’s Intro to Rock Climbing class. Even better: sign up for your first class and score 20% off with promo code “LETSCLIMB.” And, on April 28, don’t miss their “anti-street festival,” Movement on Monroe, featuring an 8-foot bouldering wall, yoga sessions and group fitness classes. 100 S. Morgan St., 617.942.6940
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When time is of the essence, but you can actually manage to burn some calories in 30 minutes, this class will cover all of the bases. This high-intensity interval training class takes you through five sequences and finishes with a 5-minute ab session, all on the comfort of your own mat. 945 N. State St., 312.753.6500
Photo courtesy of Victoria Kwan
Hang ten—minus the waves and sand—with this challenging barre class at the only surf studio in the city. Hop on a surfboard and work your core in various moves such as planking, pliés, standing and sitting. Available at Studios FUSE, 2215 N. Halsted, 630.670.4700
Photo courtesy of Andrew Weber
Get fired up with the Power Yoga/Performance Stretch class offered at their River North space. Rooms are heated to 80-85 degrees to help you work through 40 minutes of power vinyasa yoga; then, slow down the pace with 20 minutes of stretching and active release through the use of tune-up balls and yoga props. 648 N. Clark St., 312.944.3333
Photo courtesy of Cynthia Lynn Photography
From May 26 through Sept. 25, make those apps and drinks on the beach worth it after you choose from various classes offered at the club on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Hosted by Equinox trainers, these workouts include power yoga, kickboxing and more. Reservations are required. 1603 N. Lakeshore Dr., 312.635.8058
Photo courtesy of Braxton Klavins
Burn 700 calories in 45 minutes with this fast-paced Signature Row class, which offers shorter intervals of rowing plus body-sculpting exercises using weights. 2933 N. Halsted St., 773-359-8562
Photo courtesy of POUND Rockout Workout
Who would’ve thought that one of the best ways to get rid of unwanted stress is pounding it away with drumsticks? This POUND workout class offers a full-body workout to include cardio, strengthening and conditioning using yoga and Pilates-inspired moves while jamming out with lightly weighted Ripstix. 1819 W. Grand Ave., #201, 773.630.5883; and other participating studios
Photo courtesy of @sweatnetclt
Work your core like nobody’s business in the AIR® Foundation class, which gets you acclimated with maneuvering in aerial hammocks while simultaneously utilizing techniques from Pilates, HIIT, ballet and conditioning. New clients get 30 days unlimited for $99. 357 W. Erie St., 773.359.3411 (River North); 2217 N. Clybourn Ave., 773.234.8947 (Lincoln Park); 1317 S. Michigan Ave., 773.359.3411 (South Loop); 549 Lincoln Ave., Floor 1, 312.288.9614 (Winnetka)
