To Keep You Fit: Whether you're an avid runner, or looking to try a new fall sport, nothing could be more motivating than joining a running club. Whether it's raining, cold, or 5 a.m., you're all in the same boat. Taking place at various locations all over the city, Chicago Endurance Sports offers everything from learning how to run a 5k to advanced speed training for a fee of about $50 to $229 per program. Once you get past those proverbial hurdles, you can try one of the marathon training groups. Just sayin'.
Chicago Endurance Sports, 2808 Garrison Avenue (at Isabella Street), Evanston, 866-237-7861.
To Keep You Fed: Sure, it's fun to check out the hottest tables in town, but what about for those times when you feel like being a little more incognito — but not to the tune of sweats and carryout. Clandestino is a super-cool underground supper club that springs up in a different location every month. The coveted restos are taken on a first-come, first-served basis online only, so put that phone down. Warning: Dressing-on-the-side divas, allergies abound, and any other dietary restriction will fall on deaf ears — at least for now. Feel free to contact the Clandestino team in advance to see if the next menu on the schedule will work for you, as they occasionally offer dairy/gluten/meat-free menus. Dinners cost around $75 per person, but it's BYOB.
Clandestino Supper Club.
To Keep You Cultured: Parlez-vous français? We thought so. The Alliance Française de Chicago has an abundance of fun Frenchie workshops and events (hello, wine tasting!) ranging from fashion and food to culture and history. In addition, you can brush up on your high school French with the various levels of language classes offered.
Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 North Dearborn Street (between State and LaSalle Streets), 312-337-1070.
To Keep You Healthy: If you're looking to get on the health and beauty bandwagon but tend to be a Monday morning quarterback, then you'll love KLUTCHclub. It doesn't get any easier than going online and signing up for a membership ($18 or less per month) that involves a monthly, theme-based delivery program of health and beauty goodies packaged up in a cute little box. Contents change each month, but include items such as downloadable workouts, nutritious and delicious snacks, awesome skin-care prods, and more. This month's theme is Staying Healthy on the Go, but upcoming boxes include KLUTCHmen in September, holiday gifts and entertaining, giving thanks to your body, and de-stressing during the holidays (we can't wait for that one!)
KLUTCHclub.
To Keep You Connected: We can't think of a more positive group to hang out with than the fabulous ladies behind Step Up Women's Network. Unlike your sometimes catty monthly dinner club, members of Step Up gather together by way of meetings, events, and fundraisers to support and assist one another (and the community) with their goals and dreams on a monthly basis. Membership dues to this fabulous nonprofit organization range from $75 to $1,000 per year, but the cost to get a serious self-esteem boost is absolutely free.
Step Up Women's Network.
Photo courtesy of Step Up Women's Network