Goal # 7: Workout Four Times a Week

Since requesting a gym membership for my 16th birthday, I have been working out five or six times per week. In an ideal world, I would do an hour each of cardio, weight training, and yoga every morning. To have a goal of hitting the gym four times per week is actually a little sad to me…a sign that I’m getting older and life is getting busier.

Exercise is my drug. I feel better when I do it and when I haven’t had my “hit”, I start to feel pretty down. Over the years I have found that I’m most addicted to high-impact exercise; I am trying to learn how to slow my mindby trying pilates, yoga, and meditation…it’s an uphill battle.

Here are some of my favorite workouts, exercise media, and workout locations in Chicago:

1. TURBOKICK (thanks Kristina for the introduction!) – an amazing, fast-paced combination of kickboxing, aerobics, and choreography. It's like dancing on the gym floor. The music is awesome and, with a good instructor, the classes are high energy! See an example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHDUJ4kHTf0

2. YOGA BOOTCAMP – A six week course of 2-hour yoga sessions. For those new to yoga or looking to get back into it, this course should be a great way to [re] commit. It’s held at a Spring Pilates Wellness Center (http://www.springpilateschicago.com/) on the North Side of Chicago, a studio that keeps classes affordable and high quality.

3. RUNNING – I hate to do it, but with my Saucony running shoes I feel like I’m running on air! I also download DJ Divsa’s mix tracks (available for free at his website http://www.djdivsa.com/) and the never-ending jam session keeps me enjoying the run! Can’t wait until the weather gets nice to go to the lake!

4. KETTLEBELLS – amazing workout that leaves you limping…and begging for more. Though I’ve only done it in a class session, it’s an exercise easily adaptable to home. Sort of like yoga with weights.

5. WOMEN’S WORKOUT WORLD (Monroe St.) – A $20-a- month gym located a block from where I work. Not a high-scale facility by any means, but great for the basics [and for a recession]. This is where I acquired my love for TurboKick. http://www.w3body.com/

6. FLIRTY GIRL FITNESS – By far the best classes and instructors I’ve ever had! These ladies push you to your limits, but keep you entertained with dancing, boxing, and pole classes. Unfortunately the facility has no cardio machines, otherwise it would be heaven (salon and bar included!). The price is a bit high for me as well. http://www.flirtygirlfitness.com/