Wellness

The We Move Chicago initiative promotes, educates, and motivates Chicagoans of all ages and abilities to adopt a healthier lifestyle through moving more and eating better. All Chicago Park District wellness-related programs, events, facilities, and other related initiatives fall under We Move Chicago.

Health Equity in the Parks

Parks and recreation are vital to community health, and the Park District plays an integral role in promoting health and wellness by providing Chicagoans with equitable access to resources to allow them to live healthy lifestyles, regardless of identity, income, or neighborhood. We are focusing our efforts into our three new health pillars, which include:

Promoting Community Wellbeing – connecting community members, including Park District employees, to essential programs and resources that advance wellbeing, improve health outcomes, and enhance quality of life.
Supporting Active Living Through Parks – providing access to spaces to allow Chicagoans to lead active lifestyles.
Ensuring a Healthy Food Environment – supporting access to healthy food options for those who are food insecure; increasing nutrition education to improve diet quality and reduce chronic disease risk.

Throughout all of our efforts, we will promote health equity in all policies - ensuring health and wellness policies are accessible, achievable, and sustainable.

Move Your Way^SM

The Chicago Park District was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Move Your Way^SM campaign. Move Your Way^SM was created to promote the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. It aims to help people understand how much physical activity they need to be healthy and how to fit it into their daily lives. In the long term, regular physical activity can help prevent chronic health problems like type 2 diabetes. In the short term, even small increases in physical activity can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep.

Click on the "Wellness Events" button below to view the complete list of Wellness events taking place in the parks.

To learn more about Move Your Way^SM, including how much physical activity is needed to be healthy and how to fit the recommended amount into your daily life, visit: www.health.gov/moveyourway

Wellness Events

Throughout the year, a number of wellness-related events and special classes are offered at parks throughout the city. Join us at an upcoming event.

VIEW ALL WELLNESS EVENTS

Wellness Classes

Get fit in a safe, fun and non-intimidating exercise class. No matter your age or ability, we offer a fitness class that is right for you. Chicago Park District fitness classes offer a high-quality, low-cost alternative to commercial gyms. All classes are taught by certified fitness instructors, select classes are taught by former military personnel! Class offerings, schedules and class fees vary per location.

Fitness Facilities

In addition to the variety of fitness and nutrition classes offered in the parks, take advantage of the facilities available in Chicago's parks to keep you active and fit. From our 70+ fitness centers offering state-of-the-art equipment at an affordable membership rate, to our outdoor fitness courses and the many paths and trails found in our parks, you'll find the perfect place for you to keep moving in the parks.

On-Demand Fitness Videos

Yoga

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Yoga for Beginners (23:45 minutes)
Becca Schatz, Chicago Park District Senior Program Specialist - Wellness

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Vinyasa Yoga (30:08 minutes)
Michelle Buckmaster, Chicago Park District Program & Event Coordinator - Wellness

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Restorative Yoga (32:33 minutes)
Andrea LeVasseur, Chicago Park District Program & Event Coordinator - Wellness

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Yoga Sculpt (34:14 minutes)
Meghan O’Boyle, Chicago Park District Wellness Manager

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Trauma Informed Yoga for First Responders (36:39 minutes)
Brandon Lyles, Chicago Park District Senior Program Specialist - Wellness