Summer activites in Chicago

There is no need to cram yourself in a gym inside when the sun is shining and the beach is calling your name. Swap out the treadmill for a walk down Lake Shore Drive and the dumbbells for a beach volleyball. Chicago has a lot to offer if you are willing to look under the radar.

“I work out or run on the beach because sand builds resistance,” said DePaul freshman Rita Dawod.

“Volunteering keeps you on your feet, like summer camps and playing sports with kids,” said junior Jessie Eggert. “Also, there are lots of free or cheap intramural sports during the summer. I know a friend who paid $20 to join a volleyball league.”

“Chicago is a great biking city,” said senior Andrew Winkler. “The bike path by the lake is always nice, but it’s cool to explore any street, really.”

While these students have found their own ways of staying active, the DePaulia uncovered some other fun indoor and outdoor activities that you can take advantage of this summer, most completely free of charge.

Salsa Dancing

Dancing is a great way to stay in shape, hence the growing popularity of dance exercises like Zumba. Have you ever wanted to turn the exercises into a practicality? Maxwell Street Market is offering free salsa dancing lessons in its parking lot, located at 800 S. Des Plaines St., provided by Hoton1salsa.com.

Lessons are held at noon every third Sunday of the month, running until Sept. 16. Grab a friend or your significant other and add some spice to your life!

Yoga

Freeyogachicago.com is your ultimate guide for uncovering free or donation yoga classes all over Chicago. Under each day of the week is a comprehensive list of venues and times of classes. Moksha

Yoga Center’s yearlong program, Summer Yoga in the City, provides free yoga at various events throughout Chicago, such as Full Moon Fire Jam, neighborhood festivals, Whole Foods Lincoln Park and more.

Millennium Park Workouts

Every Saturday morning, the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in the park will offer fun and energizing workouts, completely free of charge. Each workout lasts 45 minutes and is accompanied by live music played over the sound system.

A new addition is welcomed this year: Tai Chi, a Chinese “meditation in motion” consisting of gentle stretches and movements. The morning starts off with Tai Chi at 7 a.m., followed by yoga at 8 a.m., pilates at 9 a.m., and wrapping up with the lively, Latin-inspired dance party, Zumba, at 10 a.m. Millennium Park Workouts begin June 9 and go until Sept. 1.

Rock Climbing

Hidden Peak Rock Climbing Gym has rock climbing for all ages. The indoor gym primarily has options for bouldering, which requires no technical training or harness. It is a great way to start off getting into rock climbing--something that could develop into a grounding hobby.

A day pass is $10, and extra rentals of harness, shoes or full gear are all less than $10. Hidden Peaks is located at 937 W. Chestnut Chicago, IL, at the intersection of Halsted and Chicago.

A retention wall overlooking the lake is located at Jackson Harbor and is completely free to use. It is not located in an industrialized building--it is pure climbing on pure nature. It is 16-feet high and 650-feet long. This is a place that is a little hidden. To get there, you head south on Lake Shore Drive past the Museum of Science & Industry. Turn left at Marquette, then make the first left. This turns into Promontory Drive. Drive all the way to the turnabout where there is parking.