Spring Fitness and Activities to Renew the Body Mind and Spirit

With spring in the air, you’re probably already looking ahead to summer with open arms. An influx of warm air and sunshine can work wonders for your mood, skin, and activity level. Now is the perfect time to ramp up your fitness and activity routines – swimsuit season is just around the corner – and take full advantage of all the spring fitness and activities to renew the body, mind and spirit that Chicago has to offer.

And why not? Falling into a rut of doing the same routine day in and day out can often cause setbacks in achieving desired goals and stifle creativity. Being fit and healthy isn’t just about a number on a scale, it’s also a state of mind. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air while trying new activities is a great way to boost your endorphins and neuroplasticity all while burning calories.

Here are just a few of the wonderful things Chicago has to offer for those seeking outdoor fitness opportunities and activities:

Chicago Lakefront Trail

The Chicago Lakefront Trails spans 18 miles along the western shore of Lake Michigan from the most northern point beginning in Edgewater Beach and all the way south to South Shore and Jackson Park. The lakefront trail offers wonderful views for people to enjoy walking, running, cycling, and skateboarding. As the trail runs along the lake and beachfront there are also athletic clubs and swimmers who enjoy the lake. It’s important to follow swimming guidelines in Chicago’s beaches for everyone’s safety.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of our favorite places to visit in the spring. This is one of the world’s great gardens and attracts international visitors. You can easily reach the garden by bike paths and there is plenty of safe dedicated bicycle parking. Stroll through the extensive gardens and have lunch on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lagoons. If you live in the city, you can take the Metra Union Pacific North Line to the Braeside Station; from there it is a short walk to the garden entrance. This beautiful, serene environment is the perfect motivator to start living a fuller and healthier life.

Spring Meals & Gardens

Because springtime has a natural tendency to pull you outdoors, it’s easy to spend your time enjoying many of the outdoor and open-air restaurants in the spring. As delicious as the food may be, eating out frequently typically comes with a higher calorie count compared to making fresh, healthy meals at home. Why not take advantage of the season’s fresh produce to up your culinary skills and try some new recipes? Asparagus, avocados, kiwifruit, pineapples, and rhubarb are just a few of the fruits and vegetables that come into season in supermarkets during this time of year and can be a great addition to the meals you have planned. Or better yet, try planting an herb or vegetable garden at home! Growing things with your hands can be a relaxing experience and foster appreciation for the food we put in our bodies. For those who don’t have space for gardening at home there are community gardens throughout the city neighborhoods.

Cosmetic Finishing Touches

Healthy eating, regular exercise, and outdoor activities are a great start to looking and feeling your best, but they don’t always result in the body you desire. Natural aging can make it difficult to lose fat in certain areas, and your skin can have trouble tightening with the loss in weight.

To put the finishing touches on your body, cosmetic rejuvenation with Dr. Cook can help. Procedures like liposuction, BodyTite, tummy tuck, and breast enhancement can improve the contours of your body.

Learn more about the treatment options available to you during a consultation with Dr. John Q. Cook. During your consultation Dr. Cook can suggest the procedures that will benefit you the most based on your aesthetic goals.

Improve your lifestyle with diet, exercise and cosmetic procedures with Dr. Cook. Call 312-751-2112 to learn more or to schedule a consultation at the Whole Beauty® Institute.