Breaking Down Nike+ Chicago
I know it's been a while. Both work and training for my races had me feeling exhausted and run down, but I'm up and running again. As promised, I will begin my series about fitness, and how to alter your self care to better care for your new active self, along with how to incorporate your fitness gear into your wardrobe to nail down the ever popular athleisure look. But today, I want to talk about one of my cults: Nike.
I've had a lot of friends, male and female, ask about NTC (Nike Training Club) and NRC (Nike Run Club). Because they've become such a big part of my life, I wanted to write a post talking about both NTC and NRC, as well as Train Chicago.
A general note before I get started: all three of these options are not only 100% free of charge, but they are unisex. Don't feel like you can't go to NTC because you're male, or that you can't go to Train Chicago because you're female.
Getting Started
To get started with these Nike events in Chicago, you first must create a (free) Nike + account. If you use the Nike+ Running App or have shopped online at Nike, you likely already have an account. But if you don't, you can make one by following the instructions in my screenshots below. Please note that I will be doing this through the Nike Chicago site, which is www.nike.com/Chicago.
Click "join/log in"
Click "Join Us" and fill out the fairly standard info
Log in and select the classes you would like to sign up for. NOTE: The calendar goes live every Sunday at 2 and it's VERY competitive to get a spot.
Nike Training Club and Train Chicago
Both NTC and Train Chicago are Strength and Conditioning style classes. With NTC, you can book classes like HIT, H.I.T. and Run, Yoga and Barre. The classes are at a variety of times throughout the week and are taught by amazing Nike Trainers. My favorite classes? HIT classes with Emily Hutchins (who owns On Your Mark) and/or Betina Gozo (who owns CrossTown Fitness) and Barre with Trista Greco (who also teaches at Shred 451). I'm still trying to decide whether or not I like H.I.T. and Run classes. I really hate running speed work so it's hard for me to decide. Come Train With Us!
Additionally, there are strength-focused classes: Train Chicago. These classes are small and incredibly difficult to get into. I recommend stalking the sign ups page beginning at 1:59 pm on Sundays to try to nab a spot. I don't know much about them, but am planning to attend next Tuesday morning to learn more!
Nike Run Club
I have a soft spot in my heart for NRC. It's quite literally changed my life (shout out to Jenn Grimmer for getting me involved!). I'm now not only signed up for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, but also the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, B1G 10K, Race to Wrigley 5k, Soldier Field 10 Miler, Rock'n'Roll 10k and a handful of Fun Runs. I base everything else in my life (social life, cleaning, eating, etc) around my running and training. It's greatly improved my happiness and overall healthiness, as well as providing me with new friends and an amazing support network. I can't say enough amazing things about NRC. Come Run with Us!
Hopefully that gives you some insight into the amazingness that are Nike's free training programs. If you have any questions, as always, please contact me!
--B