Fitness, coaching and walk clubs for women in Chicago

Why Chicago

Chicago moms are tough. You push strollers through slush in February and then soak up every second of summer on the lakefront. You also know how long a Chicago winter can feel when you’re home with a baby and the sun sets at 4:30.

That’s why we think Chicago is perfect for Pink in Progress. Coaching and virtual circles keep you moving and connected through the cold months, and walk clubs make the most of the good ones. From Lincoln Park to Oak Park to Naperville, there are so many women who would love a reason to get outside together.

City or suburbs, new mom or seasoned pro, come find your people.

What you can start this week

You don’t have to wait for anything to get started in Chicago. Everything below works online today, wherever you are in the city.

• 📱
  Online, starting now1:1 coaching

  A custom training plan built around your Chicago schedule, weekly check-ins and messaging with your coach.

• 💬
  Online, starting nowVirtual circles

  Small video groups for new moms and women in big transitions. Cameras optional, babies welcome.

• 🐦
  Online communityThe Flock

  Our members-only community, group chat and events, and your first invite to Chicago walks as they start.

• 📖
  Self-pacedGuides

  One-time guides for postpartum strength, nutrition and building a routine, if you prefer to go solo.

Not sure which is right for you? Our honest guide, Is a health coach worth it?, walks through who coaching is (and isn’t) for.

The Chicago walk club: founding members wanted

Our walk clubs are simple: a regular, easy walk with strollers and sneakers welcome, followed by coffee when the babies cooperate. No pace requirements, no fancy gear and no one left behind.

In Chicago, we’re building them with our founding members. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up and tell us your neighborhood. It takes two minutes.
2. We group you with women nearby. Walk clubs start wherever the most founding members are.
3. You help choose the time and route. Founding members get first say on when and where.
4. Your club grows. As more women join, we add new routes, times and neighborhoods.

We expect our first Chicago walk clubs on the North Side near the lakefront and along The 606, with suburban groups following wherever founding members cluster. Tell us your neighborhood or suburb when you sign up.

Want to get a walk going on your block right now? Our guide to starting a stroller walk club has everything you need.

Favorite stroller walks in Chicago

A few of the stroller-friendly routes we love in Chicago. Conditions change, so check the official site before you go.

• Lakefront Trail

  About 18 milesLakefront, city-wide

  Chicago’s crown jewel: a paved path along Lake Michigan through parks, beaches and neighborhoods. Pick any stretch near you for an out-and-back. Separate walking and biking lanes on many sections help.

  Official info

• The 606

  About 2.7 milesBucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Humboldt Park

  An elevated trail on an old rail line with smooth ramps, landscaping and city views. It’s popular with strollers for a reason; go on weekday mornings to skip the crowds.

  Official info

• Lincoln Park

  Loops of any lengthLincoln Park

  Paved paths, the lagoon and the free Lincoln Park Zoo, all in one place. Ideal for a walk that turns into a toddler outing.

  Official info

• Humboldt Park

  Lagoon loopHumboldt Park

  A big, beautiful park with a lagoon loop, historic boathouse and lots of open space, just a short walk from the west end of The 606.

  Official info

Neighborhoods we’re focusing on

We’re taking signups everywhere in the Chicago area. These are the neighborhoods where we expect walk clubs to form first, based on where so many families live and walk. Don’t see yours? Sign up anyway. That’s exactly how new clubs start.

• Lincoln Park
• Lakeview
• Wicker Park
• Bucktown
• Logan Square
• West Loop
• Andersonville
• Roscoe Village
• Evanston
• Oak Park
• Naperville
• Hinsdale

Walking in Chicago all year

Every city has its walking seasons. Here’s how we think about Chicago’s:

• SpringThe city wakes up. Celebrate the first warm days with a lakefront walk, and keep a layer handy for wind off the lake.
• SummerChicago’s reward. Long, beautiful walks; go early on hot days and find shade in the parks.
• FallCrisp air and gorgeous color along The 606 and in the parks. Peak walking season.
• WinterBundle up, use a stroller cover and keep walks short, or move indoors. Virtual circles and home workouts carry you through.

On days when walking outside isn’t realistic, your coach can swap in a home workout so your week stays on track. If you’re postpartum, check with your provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Local support

Some helpful Chicago resources for families and anyone who loves to get outside:

• Chicago Park DistrictParks, beaches, trails and family programs across the city.
• The 606Trail maps, access points and events.

Plans and pricing

The same plans work in Chicago and everywhere else:

• The Flock ($19/month). Community, virtual circles, events and first invites to Chicago walk clubs.
• Pink Plan ($179/month). 1:1 coaching with a custom plan, weekly check-ins, messaging and everything in The Flock.
• Pink Plus ($279/month). Everything in Pink Plan, plus video calls and priority replies. Interested in in-person sessions in Chicago? Tell us when you sign up and we’ll let you know what’s available.
• Guides ($39 each). Self-paced plans you can start today.

Compare everything in our pricing section, or read how coaching and community work together.