MANHATTAN, IL — Summer is a good time to get moving in Manhattan, even if the season also comes with a weather pattern meteorologists have called a “heat dome” that makes staying planted near the air conditioner more attractive.
The heat may not be a dealbreaker for people who are already physically fit and prepared for it, but for others, it can be dangerous. High temperatures drastically increase fluid loss and the demands of the body, raising the risk of serious heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Across Manhattan and nearby communities, there are plenty of free or low-cost fitness options, both indoor and outdoor, offered by parks departments, libraries, senior centers, YMCAs, school districts, public pools, and local recreation programs.
Here are 10 ways to stay active this summer in the Manhattan area:
Fitness classes can be a low-pressure way to try something new without committing to a membership.
The Manhattan Park District offers yoga, total body workout, gentle yoga and core strength training. Find out more online.
Walking remains one of the simplest ways to stay active, and summer is a good time to rediscover local trails, paved paths and park loops.
In Manhattan, look for walking routes at Round Barn Farm and the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Wauponsee Glacial Trial.
For a safer summer walk, go early in the morning or later in the evening, bring water, choose routes with shade when temperatures climb, and watch for snakes.
Walking clubs are having a moment because they offer something many people want: movement, fresh air and a little company without the pressure of a hard workout.
Manhattan residents may find walking groups through local libraries, senior centers, running stores, neighborhood Facebook groups, faith communities, moms’ groups, or parks departments. Some meet weekly at a park or trailhead, while others use mall corridors or indoor tracks when the weather is too hot.
New business Hope Coffee House has started a walking club, Saturdays at 11 a.m. Find more info on their Facebook page.
It’s a healthy activity with a low barrier to entry. All you need are comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a place to meet.
Swimming is great exercise. Water workouts can be especially appealing in summer because they are easier on joints and keep people cooler than many outdoor workouts.
Manhattan Park District residents have access to the pools at Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way West, as well as fitness centers and walking tracks. Find more info.
Pickleball, tennis and basketball can be great summer workouts, but hard courts heat up quickly and offer little shade.
If you play, aim for early morning or evening, bring more water than you think you need, and take real breaks between games. Some parks may also have shaded benches, nearby splash pads, indoor courts or posted heat rules for leagues and camps.
Find pickleball courts at Round Barn Farm Park, 24115 U.S. 52. Free open-play is available at the park's tennis/pickleball courts.
An 18-hole disc golf course and sand volleyball court are also available for public use.
A local race gives people a date on the calendar, which can make it easier to stick with short, regular walks or runs during the week.
The 6th annual 5K run/walk in memory of a Manhattan teen and Lincoln-Way West student is set to return to Round Barn Farm Park in August.
Jog for Jackson was started in 2020 to honor Jackson Lewis, who died by suicide in June 2020. Lewis was 15 years old when he took his own life. The event has raised thousands for the foundation created in his memory.
The 5K will take place Saturday, August 1 at 8 a.m. at Round Barn Farm Park, 24115 S. US 52, in Manhattan. Registration is $25 per person and can be done online. The fee includes a race shirt and wristband.
When temperatures rise, older adults, people with health conditions, families with young children, and anyone trying to avoid the hottest part of the day may want to move their fitness routine inside.
Walkers may move to Orland Square Mall or use an indoor track at a Lincoln-West or Central high schools. Or, they may want to visit a gym during off-peak hours.
Senior fitness programs aren’t just about getting enough exercise. They also focus on strength, balance and flexibility to help older adults stay independent and reduce the risk of falls. Check out offerings from the Manhattan Park District.
The Manhattan-Elwood Library Public Library District offers senior fitness classes such as seated yoga and "sit and fit" classes. Find out more.
Additionally, SilverSneakers is a free fitness and wellness program for adults 65 and older, primarily available at no cost through eligible Medicare Advantage and some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. It provides access to thousands of participating gyms nationwide, senior-focused group classes, and online on-demand workouts.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District also offers fall prevention classes to help seniors regain confidence, stay active, and reduce their risk of falling. Participants will learn simple strength and balance exercises, practical lifestyle adjustments, and strategies to maintain independence
When school is out, kids may have more free time but fewer built-in chances to move during the day. For families trying to avoid expensive activities, public parks, school playgrounds, walking trails and library programs can help fill the gap.
The Park District offers summer camps for ages 3 - 12 and holiday camps for K-5th grade, complete with optional before and after care hours. Camps are instructed by caring professionals who create an environment of adventure and fun while encouraging positive social development, physical activity, and emotional well-being. Campers create long-lasting friendships while learning new skills, playing favorite games, expressing creativity, and making lifelong memories.
Summer campers enjoy weekly field trips, visits to Manhattan Public Library, and fun at Central Park Splash Pad and Round Barn Farm. Camps are held at Central Park, the Hansen Community Center, and Round Barn Farm. Installment billing options are available. Find out more online.
The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District offers a restorative yoga and sound bath experience for teens and adults. Find out more online.
A splash pad is available at Central Park, an 11-acre community park located in downtown Manhattan. Central Park was the Park District’s first developed park, purchased in 1960 for $4,000 with funds generated by community fundraising efforts. Central Park features both passive and active recreation opportunities and is home to the new Splash Pad and community-wide events, including our Sip of Summer concerts. The park features a pond with a recently restored shoreline and planted with native vegetation, pavilions, newly renovated restrooms, athletic courts and fields, a playground, and a walking path connected to the Wauponsee Trail.
The splash pad is open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day, or as weather allows. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find out more.
Smartwatches, fitness trackers and phone apps can help people notice how much they move, set step goals and track workouts.
But the numbers do not have to be perfect. For many people, the simplest goal is also the most useful: move a little more than yesterday.
Summer workouts require some common sense. Exercise earlier or later in the day when possible, drink water, wear light clothing, and slow down when heat and humidity make activity harder.
People should stop exercising and get to a cooler place if they feel dizzy, faint, confused, weak or unusually overheated. Anyone with heart disease, breathing problems or other health concerns should check with a doctor before starting a new fitness routine.
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