This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.
It’s that time of year again, ladies. Classes are over, the winter that seemed to last forever has been replaced by a cloudless sky and the days are filled with possibilities. There may be internships, jobs or volunteer work that needs to be done, but summer is usually more relaxed than all of the stress piled on by a regular semester.
Summer is the perfect chance to use that extra time and soak up all the fun fitness opportunities it provides. It may be tough to find the motivation without the campus gym filled with hotties nearby, but there are plenty of original ideas that can keep collegiettes looking fit for the upcoming return to campus in the fall and help relieve some post-work stress.
Do a Fun Run
Running is one of the simplest ways to keep up cardio, and it always makes for a good workout. This summer, take your running game to the next level with an obstacle style run or even just a simple 5K benefiting your favorite charity. There are plenty of options of races to choose from and something that will suit everyone’s interest.
Bike It Out
Another great cardio activity, biking is a more laid-back alternative. If you’re a suburban collegiette, the forest preserves have great biking trails. The Cook County Forest Preserves alone have over 100 miles of paved bicycle trails and over 200 miles of multiuse trails. If you live in the city, check out the Lakefront Trail where you can get a great workout and view an amazing skyline. The city even has a relatively new bike sharing system called Divvy Bike where one can rent a bike for 30 minutes from hundreds of stations across the city.
Taylor Ormond, a sophomore at FIT in New York City, grew up in Chicago. Biking along the lakefront has always been a big part of her life.
“Well you get to sit down and work out, so I like half of it,” Ormond joked. “It just seems normal because I don’t know any better. But I’m pretty spoiled since everything is walking distance or train ride away, so I never did learn to drive.”
Crank It up Kayak Style
Now, if running or biking can’t get you outdoors, try something a little less well-known: kayaking the Chicago River. With different companies offering different tours, fitness can take a whole new meaning. Adventurers can choose from taking a classic Chicago tour to boating at sunset or during firework shows to even taking a ghost and gangster tour all while working out on the river. Popular companies that offer such tours include Urban Kayaks and WateRiders.
Maggie Oberst, a sophomore at Illinois State, has never kayaked the Chicago River, but has done plenty of kayaking elsewhere.
“It is a great upper body and core workout,” Oberst said. “I do it all the time for my yearly family reunions. It is especially fun in the morning and at night, when the water is very still. It can be really relaxing. It is a great workout that is just so much fun. I love it.”
Park it on Saturdays
If a traditional class is what you prefer, change up your routine by making it to Millennium Park on Saturday mornings. The city’s most popular outdoor area offers free classes every Saturday from now until September 6th. Tai chi, yoga, Pilates and zumba are all offered starting from 7-11 a.m. Classes are 45 minutes long and provide a great switch up from the usual gym location.
Now is the time to kick your fitness into overdrive before your big return to campus this fall. Take advantage of all of these fun ideas offered in the city and beyond for an easy way to switch up your summer workout routine.