Chicago Gets Moving

Need an excuse to get the weekend started early? Seeking some motivation for a lackluster Chicago day? Venture over to Daley Plaza in the loop between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the celebration going down for Chicago Moves Day. The Plaza is filled with activities to get the body and mind moving on the healthy front. You can browse the tents filled with information on good eating, health club deals, giveaways and more. Or stand by for the programs on the main stage that will encourage all in attendance to get moving--think calisthenics warm-up, yoga, dance, even adapted aerobics for those with limited mobility.

My favorite session? There are two: the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department workouts. OK so I haven't been at the event in a few years--blame that on a poor memory and not getting a press release about it--but the firefighters stick out in my mind. More because they were working their arms and legs hoisting fire hoses, squatting and performing perfect push-ups. While I'd love to watch them again--maybe even pick up a few moves to incorporate into my own workout, sans hose, of course--I'm also curious about how the police get and stay fit. And not just those who cruise the streets by bike.

Here's a sample of the workout schedule from the Chicago Park District:
11:10 a.m. Marine Martial Arts / U.S. Marine Corps
11:20 a.m. Cardio Dance / Bally Total Fitness
11:30 a.m. Firefighter Fitness / Chicago Fire Department
11:40 a.m. Teen Time / Girls in the Game
11:50 a.m. Lunchtime Yoga / Fleet Feet Sports
12 p.m. CPD Workout / Chicago Police Department
12:10 p.m. Cardio Latin Dance / Chicago Park District
12:20 p.m. Army Boot Camp / U.S. Army
12:30 p.m. Fit Kid Fun / Namaste Charter School
12:40 p.m. Bhangra / Bally Total Fitness
12:50 p.m. Adapted Seated Aerobics / Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

And if you pick up a passport at the event and acquire five stamps by making the rounds at various activities, you can score an event goodie bag. I don't know about you, but I'm all about freebies and an excuse to get moving during the day (especially since I hit snooze at 5 a.m. instead of attending a make-up bike class). And a note to remember for next year: Check out the Chicago Moves Day 5K. If the event is still around next year, I'm totally signing up. The 5K kicked off this morning at 6:45 a.m. and free for 200 interested runners. I wish I had checked the calendar earlier because that's just the type of running I needed this morning, and a great wake-me-up. I'll just have to stay on top of the news at chicagoworksout.com in the future. Photo grabbed from the City of Chicago. Posted by Kate