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

#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!

Squeeze in that Final Summer Fun!

Summer is winding down, but there’s still time to cram in a few more events. Here is the lineup for the upcoming weekend. Have fun and make the most of the last few precious days of summer!

Thursday

Chicago Dancing Festival at multiple locations (August 22-24)

Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz - Tale of the Tiger: Pat Mallinger Quartet feat. Bill Carrothers & Cameron Pfiffner's Marco Polo at Millennium Park

Movies in the Park: The Adventures of Buckaroo Bonzai at Wicker Park

Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Taylor Street Festa Italiana at Taylor St. and Ashland Ave. (August 22-August 25)

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival: #SHOPFEST Outdoor Fashion Show

Friday

Brazil Fest at Logan Square (August 23-25)

Sammy Hagar at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

Shoreline Sightseeing Brew Cruise at Navy Pier

The Boulevard at Logan Square (August 23-August 25)

Saturday

#EXPOSURE2013 with A Mind and Body Total Fitness 

Bash on Wabash (August 24-August 25)

Bucktown Arts Fest at Senior Citizens Memorial Park (August 24-August 25)

Taste of Greektown at Halsted St. (August 24-August 25)

Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival: Pamper Your Pooch Weekend (August 24-August 25)

Sunday

Maroon 5 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Movies in the Parks: Megamind at Ellen Gates Starr Park

Movies in the Parks: The Wiz at Oz Park

Don't forget to set aside some time for a little R and R as well. 

Tweet us a picture of your weekend fun for a chance to be featured on MDPR Insider next week!

By Rebecca Taylor, MDPR Team Member