5 of Chicagoland's Most Challenging and Unique Workouts

By Matchup | Health and Wellness Blog

It’s hard not to get tired of your typical fitness routine. Try any of these insanely hard and rewarding workouts to get in shape!

1. Barre Brawl at The Barre Code

Take your typical barre class to the next level. This workout combines barre with kickboxing for extreme toning. With locations all over the Chicagoland area there’s no excuse not to try it! Take your pick of Park Ridge, Oak Park, Evanston, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Ave., River North or the Gold Coast.

2. Shockwave at Equinox

In this extreme workout you’ll rotate between 8 stations alternating between varieties of exercises to help strengthen your entire body. There are two rowing stations and you’ll also get the chance to do planks, squats and push-ups or use body bars, sandbags and kettle bells. There are locations in Highland Park, Lincoln Park, The Loop and the Gold Coast so all you have to do is find your closest location and get started!

3. Flywheel in Chicago

Push yourself to reach new limits with this indoor cycling class. In this 45 or 60 minute workout you’ll cycle both up and down mountains at high resistance and strengthen your arms with weights to in-house DJ beats. There are studios in both the Gold Coast and Old Town for you to get your spin on.

4. The Cavewoman workout at i.d. Gym

Through I.d. gym prepare to get ripped like it’s 10,000 BC. Use gear such as tires, sledgehammers, heavy ropes and beer kegs to strengthen and tone your muscles. Take a trip to Lincoln Park, Chicago and “train like Jane”.

5. Total Body Class at Shred 415

This high intensity interval workout combines cardio with weight training for a powerful workout. All participants are encouraged to attack the workout at their own pace, which is very important to avoid injury. This workout will keep your body burning calories and tone your muscles. There are locations in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Old Town, North Shore and the South Loop.