New year’s weight loss resolutions busted? Did you even make it past March? Don’t give up just yet because summer in Chicago is a great time to start losing weight. Just so I didn’t offend anybody when I spoke about busted new year’s resolutions I was talking about mine, this year was supposed to be the year. My will was weak though, I started a new job and going from Walmart to a desk job sitting for eight hours isn’t good for weight loss goals. On top of that I had the blessing to land a new job that caters lunches, a lot. It’s great really but I have a real problem with portion control. However my dedication is renewed, and it’s summertime.

In the winter you are confined to the gym or home to workout. Honestly there are too many easy excuses to not go to the gym for newbies like me. I’m not going to list them all because we all know them, but I will list the number one go to excuse. It’s too damn cold to go to the gym, even if it’s around the corner.  At home it’s no better. There we are too easily distracted. Your phone, TV, Laptop, boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, wife, and kids are all begging for the attention you denied them at work. I know I have found myself making difficult choices like workout, sweat and be sore the next day or binge watch Orange is the New Black. I chose the latter. In the summer that excuse is gone. Its beautiful in Chicago in the summer and there are lots of outdoor opportunities to win round two of the weight loss resolution.

I live in the Hyde Park area of Chicago, so I’m more than a little bias of when I say that Hyde park is the best place to lose weight in the summer in Chicago.  Hyde Park is beautiful especially in the summertime and is the perfect time to start again on my healthy lifestyle. What I love about Hyde Park is that it is such a great neighborhood people still say hi and good morning here. Everything you need is in walking distance – food, clothes, fitness and entertainment.

This is my second summer in Hyde Park, last year I was riding my bike and joined a running club. I lost weight and wasn’t even trying. I’ve gained it all back and then some, but I’m confident I can lose the weight again. Hyde Park just inspires that kind of lifestyle and hope.

Here is how I plan to use summertime Chicago to lose weight;

1. The Lake
   Being in such a close proximity to the lake it is of course a beacon for those looking for a good run. Even those like me who are not too crazy about running can appreciate the beautiful scenery while puffing away.
2. Outdoor sports
   Chicago is full of great parks to play outdoor sports. I recently played soccer at Washington Park. There are always random games to join and have fun. I always wanted to join a volleyball game when they play at the beach. This year I’ll try to join in.
3. Fun Runs
   They are so much fun to do with friends and a 5k is actually not that bad. I’m slow so I can push out a mile non stop, the rest is stop and go but I can manage to finish a 5k in 35 minutes. I’ve done the color run in the past and this I year I plan to do the same. I have a friend who is doing the Wipe Out Run, it is going to be hilarious.
4. Bike Riding
   I am currently riding my bike to work about 3 days a weeks I want it to be more but the weather has been really crazy.
5. Gym
   There are tons of gyms in Chicago, and not just traditional gyms, take this time to travel to different gyms with free passes, and groupons to try them out.

There are many other ways to take advantage of the only 3 months of great weather in Chicago, those are up to you to find and share.

Ronni
Hyde Park, Chicago