Top 5 ways to achieve your 2023 New Year’s health resolutions with help from the Chicago Park District.
WHAT: The Chicago Park District offers affordable and accessible tips to keep your physical and mental health goals in 2023. Conveniently situated near your home and places of employment, local parks are great places to start your fitness journey in the new year.
"The Park District is excited support Chicagoans in their journey to live healthier, more active lives in 2023," said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. "We encourage everyone to visit one of our more than 600 parks to accomplish your new year's resolutions!"
SMART TIP #1: Be kind to yourself and work-up to your fitness goal by adding on minutes each day. Any movement is better than none.
A 30-minute workout five times a week could potentially burn up to 750 to 1,000 calories/body weight. Add more minutes for accelerated calorie burn!
WHERE TO START: Exercise for FREE at any of the Chicago Park District’s 69 Fitness Centers through January 8, 2023. Find a fitness center near you and register today at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/fitness-centers.
SMART TIP #2: Build your fitness routine from activities that you enjoy.
Engage in 150 minutes of moderate or rigorous physical activity per week to release stress, improve gut health, increase immune system strength, and reduce risk of dangerous illness, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
WHERE TO START: Register for one or two of our fitness and wellness winter classes, which are available for all ages and abilities at parks citywide. Options include aquatic aerobics, cycling, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and strength training. For a complete list of wellness classes, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/wellness.
SMART TIP #3: Practice mindfulness. Mental health is as important as physical health.
Start by meditating or engaging in breathing exercises for five minutes a day. Just five minutes daily helps reduce stress, control anxiety and promotes emotional health and self-awareness.
WHERE TO START: Pick your favorite spot at a park to meditate or take a walk in our natural areas while listening to the sounds of nature. If the weather is not cooperating, pick a virtual class from our free, on-demand collection of videos and meditate at home. Check out our “New Year, New Me” fitness video inventory at https://bit.ly/NewYearNewMe21 and our “A Walking Experience in Chicago's Parks” series at https://bit.ly/WalkingInTheParks.
SMART TIP #4: Join a league or try a team sports activity.
Playing on a team positively impacts an individual’s self-esteem and wellbeing. Sports promote accountability, boost confidence, while helping players develop coping mechanisms.
WHERE TO START: Register for a league or pickup basketball, pickleball, volleyball at your local park. Playing a 30-minute game can help you burn 150 to 200 calories. Browse our Winter Session Programs at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/winter-programs.
SMART TIP #5: Embrace the outdoors. Get fresh air and go outside with friends to keep humor levels high and hearts pumping.
A short 45-minute ice skating session can help burn 400 calories.
WHERE TO START: This winter, invite a group of friends to go skating. Ice rinks are open through February. Admission is free and skate rentals are only $7. For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ice-rinks.