Fit-Pic: Rooftop Yoga

How's this for a morning workout? 

A view of Lake Michigan, overlooking Lincoln Park, the sun beaming down and 20-something (my best guess) yoga mats spread across J. Parker's rooftop. That's how you do yoga, thanks to a partnership between Equinox and Hotel Lincoln (1816 N. Clark). 

“Since opening the hotel, we’ve been thinking of creative ways that members of the community could access this incredible view and we think Rooftop Yoga is a great way to offer something truly unique to the neighborhood,” says General Manager Bob Shelley. “With Equinox Lincoln Park next door, it was a natural fit to partner with their team and we are excited to offer this unique fitness experience to their members, as well as our hotel guests and friends in the neighborhood.”

Every Wednesday in June, you can wake up with warriors, sun salutations and breathtaking views at Rooftop Yoga from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The hour flies by, you're getting some vitamin D if the sun peeks out (like it did this morning), and your muscles will thank you--just ask mine which were sore from the combined effects of Recruit, FitFour and Shred415 (don't worry, not all in one day). 

This exclusive setting isn't reserved just for hotel guests. Although there's no charge for guests to participate, you need to register in advance, which can be done through the hotel. Equinox members can move their regular, inside-four-walls yoga practice to the rooftop for $5, and non-members pay $20. Reservations can be made by calling Equinox Lincoln Park (312-254-4000). But register soon for June's remaining classes: There was a wait list this morning. Maybe everyone secretly knew there'd be virgin cocktails--a refreshing mix of fresh rhubarb from the Green City Market, a lemon wedge and water that may have been dubbed a rhubarb agua fresca (I didn't catch the full name and forgot to take a picture before I slurped it down, but it looked like this)?

And if you want even more exercise after an hour of yoga, registered yogis get full-day access to Equinox Lincoln Park. My recommendation: Rooftop Yoga in the morning, a visit to Green City Market across the street, then TRX Bootcamp or Metcon3 in the evening. 

Let's just hope the weather stays as nice as it was this morning for the rest of June's rooftop workouts!