Fitness doesn’t have to mean rigorous, dreaded workouts – simply getting up and being active is good for your body and spirit. Regardless of your fitness level or interests, DuPage County makes it easy to stay active year-round, relieve stress of daily life and find your zen. The following health and wellness experiences are a few local favorites.
TRAILS
Illinois Prairie Path
DuPage is home to the first successful rail-to-trail conversion in the United States – the Illinois Prairie Path. The path spans over 60 miles and is a favorite among bicyclists. Nearly 40 miles of the path are located in DuPage, and it is considered a main artery connecting communities, quaint downtowns, forest preserves and recreational trails including the Great Western Trail.
Century Trail
Just off the Illinois Prairie Path is the Century Trail. Created in 2016 by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Century Trail links together more than 30 forest preserves in an uninterrupted 100-mile loop bordering the county. Along the trail are 11 markers providing historical snapshots from the past 100 years.
FOREST WALKS
The Morton Arboretum hosts Forest Therapy Walks with a focus on Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Similarly, a Fitness Forest Walk with the Forest Preserve District engages in healthy exercise and enjoying the wonders of the preserves.
Check website for up-to-date information.
DANCING
Dancing at the Laboratory
When you hear the word “laboratory” you often think of science, medicine, or experiments. Would you ever think of dancing or fitness? Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory can be associated with all of those terms. Fermilab’s Kuhn Village Barn, and occasionally Ramsey Auditorium, is the site of Scottish Country Dancing and International Folk Dancing classes.
Class schedules are subject to change. Check website for up-to-date information.
TRENDING AT THE MALL
Yorktown Center
Yorktown Center in Lombard has taken the phrase “shopping is my cardio” to a whole new level. In addition to being a premier shopping destination, the Center features a 12,000-square-foot “self-care wing” that clusters together fitness, health and beauty tenants. Three national fitness studios include The Barre Code, CycleBar®, and Orangetheory Fitness. Each studio provides their own unique experience.
Class schedules are subject to change. Check website for up-to-date information.
TEE UP
Top Ranking Golf
Home to the first 18-hole golf course and more than 50 golf courses, five of which appear on Golf Digest’s 2019-2020 list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf courses. The County has played host to numerous professional tournaments including the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships, BMW Championships, Western Opens, the LPGA Solheim Cup and more. A variety of beautifully landscaped and manicured golf courses in DuPage County offer a unique blend of style, amenities and services. Learn more about golf in DuPage County and find a complete listing of courses.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows
The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison received the Green Star environmental award in 2017 after undergoing a major environmental restoration project. The transformation of the course is a “model for how conservation agencies can blend ecological initiatives with golf and recreation,” said Forest Preserve District DuPage County President Joe Cantore.
Topgolf
Topgolf Naperville features a variety of fun and exciting competitive golf games that take place within climate-controlled “bays” that keep you comfortable any time of year.
Cantigny Golf
Cantigny Golf at Cantigny Park is home to 27 challenging and scenic holes. Golf Digest named it the Best New Course in America when it opened in 1989. On Dec. 20, 2017, Cantigny Golf received the Player Development Award by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Cantigny Golf remains at the forefront of player development with their Youth Links (youth-only, 9-hole golf course) as well as robust programming, including youth clinics that reached more than 1,500 young golfers in 2017 and Young Executive Program that introduces golf to millennials and has accounted for more than 700 rounds since starting in 2016.
FITNESS WITH AN END REWARD
Spice Up Your Routine
PiYo & Pinot class is hosted by Lynfred Winery and is led by a certified instructor for a 45-minute session in the Lynfred Cellar. Attendees can cool down after a workout with a glass of wine and great company. Alter Brewing Company is known to host Brews & Yoga events to revitalize the spirit with one hour of yoga followed by a refreshing beer of choice.
Class schedules are subject to change. Check website for up-to-date information.