Jessica Herman

Those of us who require the looming threat of falling off the treadmill as motivation to keep running often miss out on the experience of exercising outdoors. Running, rollerblading or biking along the lakefront all too easily translate into a leisurely stroll on the beach, which does wonders for the mind but not as much for the heart or the waistline.

This summer a few local health clubs are recruiting the city's fair-weather fans to take group exercise outdoors. Lincoln Park Athletic Club (1019 West Diversey) offers two 60-minute options: Get Outside is a run or jog down to the lakefront incorporating upper-body movement while Fittrek, offered in traditional and prenatal options, features group hiking to the lakefront using trekking poles that make it a full-body workout.

Lincoln Parkers may remember Crunch on North Avenue Beach, but that turf has changed hands. Now the posh gym offers rooftop yoga (weather permitting) at the North and Sheffield location, and Bally's takes over the beach workout area, featuring weightlifting equipment and fitness classes.

Should you prefer the yoga route, inquire at your studio about outdoor instruction. Moksha Yoga (3334 North Clark, 700 North Carpenter and 1 East Oak) offers students the opportunity to select the location for private sessions, whether that means doing downward-facing dog in your backyard or posing in tree form on the beach.

(2005-05-31)

Also by Jessica Herman

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LA has flea markets, New York has street vendors and Chicago has the Indie Designer Fashion Market
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Swimming in Sephora
A line of ladies await their fates inside the Northbridge Mall (520 North Michigan): are they destined to be good or bad? Painted in "good witch" Glinda pink or "bad witch" Elphaba green by stila makeup artists, their fates are sealed as long as their makeovers last
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A Fair Bargain
While plenty of high-end designers riff off of ethnic styles like low-slung, chunky necklaces from Africa and gold-inflected, sari-like dresses, you generally have to travel thousands of miles to spike your wardrobe with authentic international wares
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Open for Business
Savoring the high from their recent grand opening, the ladies of Plein Aire (2036 West Division) stand behind their brick and granite-top counter, sipping glasses of white wine and opening Ziploc bags filled with the latest shipment of Pozzo's chunky stone necklaces
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Beyond Ikea
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Open for business
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Sexy Appeal
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Fashion Salvation
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Open for business
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Open for business
(2005-02-22)

Tightly Knit
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One stop
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