The Best Outdoor Workouts in Chicago Before Summer Ends
Chicago summers may be short, but they pack a punch; long golden hours, warm nights by the lake, and endless ways to get outside and sweat with a smile. From iconic skyline views to hidden green spaces, the city transforms into one giant fitness playground. Before summer slips away, try these fun outdoor workouts in Chicago and make the most of every sunny day.
1. Interval Training on the Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail isn’t just for joggers, it’s your outdoor gym. Sprint between light posts, drop into push-ups or squats on grassy patches, or tackle stair climbs at Oak Street Beach. Add in park benches for tricep dips and you’ve turned Chicago’s favorite path into your personal boot camp with a view.
2. Outdoor Pilates in Chicago Parks
Who needs four walls when you’ve got skyline views? Roll out your mat in Grant Park, Millennium Park, or your neighborhood green space for a DIY Pilates flow. Strengthen your core, stretch it out, and breathe deep while the city hums around you. Bonus: your shavasana comes with fresh air.
3. Beach Boot Camps with a Twist
North Avenue Beach isn’t just for volleyball and tanning. Bring resistance bands, a kettlebell, or a TRX strap, and you’ve got a pop-up gym with sand as your secret weapon. Lunge, sprint, and burpee your way to one of the toughest (and most fun) outdoor workouts in Chicago, then reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the lake.
4. Kayak Sprints on the River
Forget the treadmill—grab a paddle. Kayak sprints give you cardio, core, and arm day all in one, plus views of the city from an angle you don’t get stuck in traffic for. Short, powerful bursts across the river will leave you breathless in the best way.
5. Walking Tours and Neighborhood Workouts
Sometimes the best outdoor workouts in Chicago are about moving, exploring, and soaking up the vibe. Try these city adventures, and don’t forget to reward yourself afterward:
– Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary: Jog through wild prairies and spot migratory birds. Cool down with a coffee from Dollop Coffee Co. just west of the beach.
– Lincoln Park: Trails, hidden gardens, and a zoo run = cardio meets sightseeing. Treat yourself to a smoothie, cold brew or energy bites at FFC’s Local’84 Cafe.
– The 606 Trail: A 2.7-mile elevated path perfect for running, biking, or power-walking past murals and skyline shots. End your workout with craft cocktails and small plates at Wolf & Company.
– Ping Tom Memorial Park: Riverside views + plenty of space for circuits. Refuel with dim sum or bubble tea at a nearby Chinatown favorite like MingHin Cuisine or Joy Yee.
6. Outdoor Fitness with FFC
FFC’s outdoor classes—think boot camps, HIIT, cycling, and yoga—bring community vibes and serious sweat to rooftops, parks, and pool decks. Prefer solo sessions? Head to an FFC rooftop for bodyweight circuits or stretch it out before cooling off in the pool. Either way, you’re working out with the city as your backdrop.
Maximize Your Chicago Summer Fitness
Chicago summers don’t last forever, but every sunny day is an invitation to move, explore, and play. Ready to elevate your outdoor workouts in Chicago? Stop by FFC to keep the momentum going year round, because the best workouts in Chicago combine fitness AND living your best city life.
