Keep Your New Year Resolutions Going Strong

OK, it’s a few weeks into the new year. How are your resolutions for 2020 coming along? Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t made much progress. Or, if you barely got started in the first place. Maybe you vowed to spend more quality time with the family, take better care of yourself or up your fitness game. Don’t fret! The North Shore’s got your back to help you follow through on those good intentions. Re-energize with acrobatics or amino acids. Mix things up with bocce ball or pickleball. Make time in your day for a swim or some retail therapy. Check out some of these ideas to get creative and tackle those goals with renewed gusto.

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Spend More Time with Family 

Getting quality time with the family can be a tall order these days. Luckily, the North Shore delivers adventures of all kinds that really are fun for all. Take in the unique, spectacular acrobatic theatre antics in Winter Circus: The Ghost in Gadsden's Garden at Actors Gymnasium Circus School & Theatre Company (927 Noyes St, Evanston). Playing weekends through Mar. 22, it’s ghastly tale of garden tending by one of the premiere circus and performing arts training centers in the U.S. You can stock up on stories to read aloud with the little ones at The Book Stall (811 Elm Street, Winnetka) or check out their calendar for author visits and book discussions.

Your active bunch can find plenty of ways to engage at every age. Rope courses, an ultra-realistic caving system, and a giant slide are just a few of the dynamite options at adventure park Funtopia (2050 Tower Dr., Glenview). Their unique concept combines sports and fun with entertaining and healthy activities for everyone, all under one roof. Check out their Family Fun Fridays! Combine bocce and bowling with a tasty Italian-American bistro at Pinstripes (1150 Willow Road, Northbrook). These games are great for a laid-back way to connect face-to-face or amp up the family competition.

Pinstripes, Northbrook
 

Self Care: Inside and Out

Give yourself permission to take better care of yourself. Feel the fresh glow of a rejuvenating professional facial from Dawn Skin Studio (828 Davis St., Ste. 102, Evanston). Nature and science are combined to nurture your skin while tackling issues, such as acne, aging, and pigmentation in a tranquil setting. Boost your immunity and treat your tummy to a delicious, organic smoothie at Purple Sprout Café and Juice Bar (341 E Dundee Rd, Wheeling). Try their Fountain of Youth – a bright blend of green apple, kale, celery, lemon, ginger, parsley — and check out their healthy cooking classes.

And what do we do when we feel fresh and fancy? Hunt for that new outfit or shiny accessory to perk up a winter day throughout the North Shore's retail shopping districts. The department stores still have it all, from apparel and jewelry to home furnishings, while local favorites include chic designer boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, and magnificent art galleries.

Purple Sprout Cafe and Juice Bar, Wheeling
 

Get on the Healthy Bandwagon

The top goal for most people facing a new year is getting healthier. Whether you want to focus on weight-loss by upping your cardio, improve muscle tone with weights, or feel energized with a more creative workout, Chicago North Shore fitness centers cover it all. Athletico Center (1900 Old Willow Rd., Northbrook) boasts soccer teams for adults and kids in their climate-controlled facility. You can stay active all winter long with pickleball and flag-football for grown-ups. Five Seasons Family Sport Club's (1300 Techny Rd., Northbrook) updated tennis courts and professional-level instructors definitely raise the bar on quality amenities where the entire family can go to exercise, socialize, dine, or simply relax.

A cutting-edge, inclusive fitness center, Midtown Lustbader Health Club (300 Revere Dr., Northbrook) is open to everyone on a wellness journey, regardless of age or current fitness level with aquatics, classes, trainers, massage, and more. The strong community vibe makes Evanston Athletic Club (1723 Benson Ave., Evanston) an energizing and supportive place with more than 150 group exercise classes, basketball court, pool, saunas, and more.

Five Seasons Family Sport Club, Northbrook

 

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