It’s finally spring, which means there’s no better time to start planning outdoor adventures, where you can test bodily limits and have some fun. Here are a few ideas to do just that.

SUP Yoga

After paddling out to a semi-secluded spot at Montrose Beach with Chicago SUP Yoga, even experienced yogis will work overtime trying to nail the most basic of poses as Lake Michigan does its best to throw them off center. SUP Yoga classes are open to ages 12 and up, all experience levels and, in some cases, dogs. Yep, beach loving canines can balance and pose with their owners on the water during SUP w/Your Pup sessions. For those not a fan of the water but who still enjoy the beach, workouts using Indo Boards (mini boards set up like seesaws) are performed on the sand, providing the same balancing challenge without the threat of getting wet.

 

Trapeze

Trapeze classes are offered year-round at TSNY Chicago‘s indoor facility in Edgewater, but come the middle of May, there’s another option. Outdoor lovers curious about doing flips and tricks on the trapeze can try their hand at this adrenaline-inducing activity at Belmont Harbor. Take drop-in classes or week-long workshops without sacrificing a need for sun.

 

 

Adult Jungle Gym

The lakefront path is a staple in many a Chicagoan’s fitness regimen, especially during the spring and summer months. Runners can tweak their routines by heading south towards 39th Street where, not only is it not overly crowded, there’s an adult jungle gym right off the path. Pull over at Lakeshore and E. Oakwood Blvd to swing through the monkey bars, do some pull-ups, perform dips on the parallel bars, finesse the climbing wall, climb a rope and work your abs on the incline benches.

 

Parkour

The practice of parkour is about efficient movement. Or, the running, climbing, swinging, jumping and rolling over environmental obstacles. Parkour Ways currently offers both indoor and outdoor classes, the latter of which will increase the warmer it gets outside. While participants might not perform crazy stunts on the first day, they will learn how to creatively use their bodies to get from point A to point B.

 

The Other Side of Lake Michigan

Roughly two hours outside of Chicago, Third Coast Surf Shop offers a plethora of summer fitness options near southwestern Michigan’s sand dunes. With locations in St. Joseph and New Buffalo, Third Coast offers rentals and lessons in SUP, kayaking, surfing and, something you can’t get in Chicago, sandboarding. No money needs to be spent at all though, as sand is a natural resistor, making running or hiking the dunes a tough workout all by itself. Luckily, the lake is a short jog away in which to cool off.