Work Out With Public!

With #EXPOSURE2013 coming to an end on Saturday, some of you may be looking for ways to keep up your workout routine this fall.

We're excited to announce that our go-to trainer Alex Vasileski is now offering personal training at Public Hotel! (1301 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast)

This is a great option for those of you who don't like working out in crowded gyms. Alex's 60 minute sessions get you one-on-one attention to help you reach your fitness goals all in the privacy of the hotel's gym. It's one of our favorites in the city and it has an awesome view. We couldn't think of a better place to workout!

To schedule a training session with Alex, contact Public's front desk or concierge.

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Writer

Trust us, if anybody understands how hard it is to find time to workout, it's us. Between work, evening events, meetings, never-ending emails and family time, fitness easily falls to the wayside. It seems like mornings are the best time to try to squeeze in a quick sweat sesh, but then there's the whole waking up at the crack of dawn thing...

This was how we felt until we first tried A Mind and Body Total Fitness' free Tai Chi workout class in partnership with the Langham Chicago's Chuan Spa. Whereas trying to fit in a morning workout previously caused us stress, Tai Chi offered a calming solution to our problem. Not only did we leave feeling that we had gotten an effective workout, but we felt centered, relaxed and ready to tackle another crazy day.

Judging by the overwhelming turnout to this week's #TaiChiTuesday class, we're guessing that we're not the only one's with this sentiment. Over 50 people filled the Langham plaza (many of them first-timers) to try out a new type of workout. It's safe to say that they were not disappointed. 

Debi Lilly was one of those Tai Chi first-timers, and her comments on social media following the workout were an accurate representation of the response that many had to Alex's class.

"Was beyond fab. Feeling it in my legs big time..."

Viktoria Ivanchyk said, "Great way to start Tuesday morning. Thanks Alex for great workout!" 

We only hope that Alex continues to spread the knowledge about and appreciation for Tai Chi each week through #TaiChiTuesdays. To experience it for yourself, join in next week at 8:00am at the Langham Plaza. 

Want more info about Tai Chi? Tweet Alex at @mindbodychi to learn more!

By Emily Cleary, MDPR Social Media Director 

#TaiChiTuesday

When we got the scoop on Alex Vasileski's Tai Chi class with The Langham Chicago and its Chuan Spa, while we were excited, we were also a bit apprehensive. Why? It's a workout none of us had done before, and let's be honest, we all fear the unknown. But we took a risk and went for it. Though intimidating at first, we soon learned the class would be one of the most relaxing workout experiences we'd ever experienced. On top of it's ease, #TaiChiTuesday also left us feeling like we'd actually burned calories. Talk about best of both worlds!

As Tai Chi first timers, we have three (okay, four) words to pass on to fellow newbies - be positive, breathe and relax. Alex gave us a helpful pre-workout tip -  the worst thing you can do in Tai Chi is try too hard. The key, he said, was to relax and focus on breathing. 

As the moves progressed, we loosened up, giving ourselves the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Tai Chi - letting the positive energy in and releasing the negative. Breathing is the key to gaining positive energy. Your breathing affects the fluidity of the movements and helps you find your center.

Following all of Alex's guidance, we succeeded in experiencing a sense of calm as the cool breeze flowed through the plaza. We began as uneasy beginners and finished as Tai Chi advocates. Having learned it ourselves, we can vouch for the fact that the class is ideal for anyone who's seeking an effective, calming workout without necessarily breaking a sweat. We will definitely be back next Tuesday at 8am!