Chicago Park District offers free week of fitness

Above photo: You can try out a Chicago Park District pool, fitness center or class for free through Jan. 11. | Al Podgorski/Sun-Times

The Chicago Park District knows a lot of us made the resolution to exercise more in 2015.

And it wants us to consider the district’s facilities to do just that, so it is offering free fitness to Chicago residents through Jan. 11.

I think sometimes we forget that the park district is there for us: There are 72 fitness centers across the city that offer a variety of equipment, such as treadmills, cross-trainers, stationary bikes, weight machines, free weights and those core-focused weight apparatuses. Of the 72 centers, 40 of them provide equipment that’s accessible to those with disabilities.

During this free period, you also can try out classes such as Pilates, kick-boxing, yoga, cycling, strength training and water aerobics.

Speaking of water, if swimming’s your thing, this would be your chance to try out a park district pool during lap swim.

After the free period, the park district offers a variety of affordable monthly, three-month and annual memberships to its facilities.

Registration is required. To find a park district fitness center near you, visit here.