Ways to stay fit this summer

Just because your Ray Meyer membership expires with the school year, there's no reason not to stay active this summer. Chicago has plenty to offer to help you stay in shape.

Beach volleyball

Of course, you can bring your ball to the beach and volley it around, but if you have the money, or find a bar sponsor, take advantage of joining a team organized by Chicago Sport and Social Club. Over 20,000 players make up 1,200 teams each summer, with a game going on every day of the week at Montrose, Oak Street and North Avenue beaches. Coed groups are segregated both by level and size. You can choose a team of 2's, 4's or 6's, and play at the recreational level, intermediate or competitive. The fee ranges from $230-$555 per team and includes seven matches plus playoffs, a shirt, equipment and general playing fees. Many bars, such as McGee's, Duffy's and Durkin's, sponsor volleyball teams, which can bring the fee down to as low as $30 a person. If you're interested in registering, there are still plenty of spots left, though the start dates are approaching in mid-June.

Biking

Chicago is making a name for itself as the best city to bike. It has rapidly become bike-friendly, especially with the recent passage to track "dooring" of cyclists by vehicles. Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance not only ensures cyclists the leisure of safe biking in a metropolitan area, but also organizes several events promoting biking. Among the multitude is: Bike to Work Week, Four-Star Bike Tour and Chicagoland Car Free Day.

There are also several cycling groups out there to join. If studying for finals has turned you into a night owl, then Midnight Marauders is for you. It's a group of nocturnal cyclists who explore Chicago streets while the city sleeps. They meet on the third Saturday of every month around 11:30 p.m. Since the meeting place is always different, it's best to call beforehand at 773-384-9546.

Coming up is Commuter Fashion Hits the Runway on June 9 in the Daley Plaza, where you can discover how to bike in style, or bike over to Grant Park for Movies in the Park on June 16. So instead of spending the grueling $80-something on a 30-day CTA pass, invest in a good bike lock and join Chicago's unique and expanding bike culture.

Millennium Park Workouts

Every Saturday morning between June 4 and Sept.10, Millennium Park is offering completely free yoga, pilates and zumba classes. Normally, the price of such classes run exorbitantly high, so take advantage of the dynamic workouts on the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Each session is 45 minutes long, with yoga starting at 8 a.m., pilates at 9 a.m. and zumba at 10 a.m. Accompanying will be live music played over the park's cutting-edge sound system. A complete schedule can be found here.

"I took a Pilates class last semester, so I'll be continuing that this summer," said Aileen Keating, a junior at Columbia College. "I'll definitely check out the free lessons at Millennium."

Other ways people are staying fit

"My friends and I like to go up to Senn Park to play a game of soccer," said Kyle Kells, 19, from College of DuPage.

"I'm running 5K with my sister in United Run for the Zoo, where we get to run through Lincoln Park Zoo among the animals," said Rhianna Brzuszkiewicz, 21, of North Center. "It's my second run, and I plan to run more over the summer. Chicago offers so many great running events, and it's an excellent way to stay in shape."

A popular and festive run to look out for is Chicago's Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk and Block Party on July 14. It's the event's 30th anniversary in celebrating the French holiday and it's making a new home in Lincoln Park this year. Walkers and runners are invited to a block party near Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The fee is $30-35 for participants, but all are welcome to the block party for $5. Proceeds benefit Chicago's Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.