Fun ways to work out in the winter

This West Loop locale combines start-up savvy with an emphasis on work-life balance. More than 25,000 square feet of climbing surfaces, bouldering walls and designated areas for things like yoga separates this climbing community from others. The gym’s most popular class happens on a weekly basis and allows beginners to work on the basics—from tying knots to belay training. A two-hour session is all you need to learn the ropes. 

In April, Aloft Loft owner Shayna Swanson turned a 109-year-old church in Logan Square into 6,000 square feet of studio space, all dedicated to the circus arts. With 16 adjustable height-rigging points and a spring floor, among other goodies, you’ll find opportunities to expand your horizons with Cirque du Soleil–style acrobatics, perhaps none so elegant and sweat-inducing as aerial silks. In this class, you’ll use your upper and lower body to suspend in the air, swinging in beautifully coordinated patterns. As far as winter workouts go, it’s beauty meets beast. 

Local weather experts predict a lot of snow this winter, which bodes well if you’re a regular at Northerly Island. For just five bucks, you can rent snowshoes for two hours, allowing you to enjoy more than your share of the 91-acre peninsula. Bask in nature’s snow-dusted glory, and cap off your expedition with a raucous snowball fight for good measure.