Fitness Classes

Reach your wellness goals while meeting other active people with DeKalb Park District Fitness Programs! We also offer Martial Arts, Adult Athletics, Memberships, Indoor Open Walk, Open Gym, and Open Pickleball. 

Free trials for all fitness classes on the last day of each session. Pre-registration is required!

Register Here'

By signing up for programs early, you're not just securing your spot, you're also playing a crucial role in preventing cancellations and ensuring that our programs meet their minimum participant requirements. So, why not take the lead and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to join you or spread the word in our community? 

Step into Fitness

(Ages 16+) 

Step your way into cardiovascular fitness and tone up those muscles! The class will start with 40 minutes of step aerobics and finish with toning exercises for a full-body workout. Enjoy your favorite music and interact with classmates as you step away unwanted pounds and strengthen your muscles. 

	Mondays Summer Session: August 5 - 26 Session 1: September 9 - 30 Session 2: October 7 - 28 Session 3: November 4 - 25  Session 4: December 2 - 30, No class on 12/23/24
	5:15 - 6:15 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$38 R/ $48 NR per session

Pilates

(Ages 16+) 

Strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and posture, and relieve pain caused by everyday mobility by improving your abdominal area, obliques, lower torso, back, and gluteal muscles. You will develop muscles that you weren't even aware of while improving your ability to perform daily tasks without soreness and stiffness and increasing your overall sense of well-being.

	Wednesdays Summer Session: August 7 - 28 Session 1: September 4 - 25 Session 2: October 2 - 23 Session 3: October 30 - November 20 Session 4: November 27 - December 18
	5:15 - 6:00 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$38 R/ $48 NR per session

Susan Smith Lindell Step into Fitness & Pilates Instructor Susan has been a fitness instructor since 1988. She has been with the YMCA for thirty years and has taught various fitness classes there: floor aerobics, step aerobics, water aerobics, cardio kickboxing, Zumba, spin, pilates and circuit training.  She began to teach fitness as a substitute at the Sycamore Park District and later, as an aerobics instructor for the DeKalb Park District. She has many certifications including aerobic, group exercise, silver sneakers, and water classes for Parkinsons participants and the elderly. Susan retired from NIU as an instructor of English. She is also a Certified Public Accountant; however, her favorite job is being a fitness instructor!

Yoga

(Ages 16+)

Join yoga instructor, Megan Wheless, for an all-levels yoga class that explores the fundamentals of yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness meditations. This class will focus on helping you develop strength, flexibility, balance, and focus. This is a welcoming space for all body types. Modifications are given as needed. Be sure to bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. A yoga block and strap is encouraged but not required.

	Thursdays Summer Session: August 8 - 29 Session 1: September 5 - 27, No class on 09/26/24; Last class is 09/27/24 Session 2: October 3 - 24 Session 3: November 7 - December 5,  No class on 11/28/24
	5:30 - 6:30 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$38 R/ $48 NR per session

Megan Wheless Yoga Instructor Megan has been practicing yoga for over twenty years. In 2015, she received her 200-hr Registered Yoga Certificate (RYT) from Studio Gaia in Edwardsville, Illinois. Megan believes yoga is for everyone and she makes sure to offer suggestions and modifications for people to ensure they have a healthy, positive yoga experience.

Line Dancing 

(Ages 16+)

Line dancing has become a favorite activity worldwide and is a great low-impact way to meet others and keep fit. Using a variety of music styles, beginners can learn the basics and progress to become more experienced dancers. 

	Thursdays, Session 1: September 3 - 24 Session 2: October 1 - 22 Session 3: October 29 - November 19 Session 4: November 26 - December 17
	6:30 - 8:00 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$38 R/ $48 NR per session

Tegan Fischer Line Dancing Instructor Tegan Fisher is a local Line dancing enthusiast who has been learning, dancing, teaching and instructing country steps over the last 8 years.  She enjoys dancing and breaking down the steps for others for fun, stress management and social connection.

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention

(Ages 55+)

This program has been designed for people with arthritis, but is open to all. Recommended by the CDC, and supported by Arthritis Foundations throughout the world, it is safe and proven effective. Participate in this journey to better health to find relief from pain, improved balance and health, and a better quality of life. The slow movements are often described as "meditation in motion."

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and a willingness to improve your condition with Tom Scott, certified instructor in Dr. Pal Lams Tai Chi for Health programs!

	Tuesdays & Thursdays Session 1: September 3 - 26 Session 2: October 1 - 24 Session 3: October 29 - November 21 *Session 4: December 3 - 19
	10:00 - 10:50 am
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$65 R/ $81 NR per session *Fee for Session 4 $49 R/ $59 NR

Tai Chi for Energy 

(Ages 55+)

This program is designed for active seniors and is comprised of two different Tai Chi styles. Chen style is vigorous and complex combining fast and slow movements with powerful spiral force. Sun style incorporates unique qigone life energy movements with agile stepping. These two seemingly contrasting styles have complementary internal energy.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and a willingness to improve your condition with Tom Scott, certified instructor in Dr. Pal Lams Tai Chi for Health programs!

	Tuesdays & Thursdays Summer Session 2: August 1 - 22 Session 1: September 3 - 26 Session 2: October 1 - 24 Session 3: October 29 - November 21 *Session 4: December 3 - 19
	11:00 - 11:50 am
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$65 R/ $81 NR per session *Fee for Session 4 $49 R/ $59 NR

NEW! Tai Chi for Life

(Ages 55+)

Tai Chi for Life is designed for adults, whether retired or still in the workplace. These slow-moving, gentle exercises are an easy and enjoyable activity to improve balance, strength, and relaxation. It contains all the health-giving characteristics of tai chi to improve the quality of life for all learners.

	Mondays & Wednesdays,  Session 1: September 4 - 30 Session 2: October 2 - 28
	6:30 - 7:30 pm
	Sports & Recreation Center, Fitness Studio
	$65 R/ $81 NR per session

NEW! Tai Chi and QiGong in the Park

(All Ages)

Tai Chi and QiGong in the Park allows newcomers and experienced students alike to practice "meditation in motion" together with a focus on the health benefits of Tai Chi practice and how it can build strength and reduce stress for adults whether retired, still in the workplace or still in school. 

	Saturdays, September 7 - 28
	10:00 - 10:50 am
	Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road
	$32 R/ $40 NR

Tom Scott Tai Chi Instructor Tom Scott is a retired police officer having served thirty years in law enforcement in the DeKalb County area. Mr. Scott also served 11 years as a full-time Adult Protection Services Investigator with Elder Care Services of DeKalb County. Mr. Scott has been practicing martial arts for over 40 years receiving a black belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate and is a certified Tai Chi and Qi Gong for Health instructor. Mr. Scott is also a certified radKids child safety instructor teaching youth to resist aggression defensively.