I Tried 4 Different Workout Classes at a Sold-Out "Fitness Festival"
Our take
The rise of the “fitness festival” – large-scale events combining workout classes, wellness activations, and often, curated food and beverage experiences – speaks to a fascinating shift in how we approach health and well-being. This particular piece, detailing a writer’s experience at a sold-out Chicago event, isn’t necessarily about the efficacy of the classes themselves, but rather the *experience* of fitness and the increasingly blurred lines between exercise, entertainment, and social connection. It’s a far cry from the solitary gym routine of decades past, and a reflection of a cultural desire for community and curated moments, even in traditionally individual pursuits. The article’s observation of being elbow-deep in chicken limone after the workouts highlights this perfectly – it's not just about the sweat; it’s about the shared indulgence and the overall lifestyle aspiration. This aligns with a broader trend toward holistic wellness, where physical fitness is just one facet of a carefully constructed, aesthetically pleasing life. We've seen this play out across various wellness categories, and it's interesting to see it solidify within the fitness realm. Consider the popularity of routines like the one detailed in This 30-Minute HIIT Workout Is the Best Summer Sweat Session – short, impactful, and easily shareable, fitting into a busy, aesthetically conscious schedule.
The popularity of these festivals is also intrinsically linked to the influence of social media and the “Instagrammable” nature of wellness. The visual appeal of a vibrant fitness event, the opportunity to share experiences with like-minded individuals, and the perceived validation of participating in a trendy activity all contribute to its allure. It’s not just about *doing* the workout; it's about *being seen* doing it. This dynamic is further underscored by the growing emphasis on skincare and beauty routines intertwined with wellness practices. As demonstrated by the efficacy of products like the one featured in I Tried the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Eye Serum—And It Kept Me Looking Alive During My Busiest Month Ever, maintaining a polished appearance is increasingly viewed as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. The festival setting amplifies this, creating an environment where individuals are actively curating their image alongside their physical well-being. The careful selection of a sunscreen, as explored in I ID'd Kendall Jenner's Favourite Sunscreen—It's Hydrating, Layers Seamlessly Under Makeup and Has Zero White Cast, isn't just about protection; it’s about achieving a specific aesthetic – a healthy glow that seamlessly integrates with a carefully considered look.
Beyond the superficial, however, these festivals represent a genuine desire for connection and belonging. In an increasingly fragmented world, people are seeking opportunities to share experiences and build community around shared interests. The fitness festival provides a structured environment for this to happen, offering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. This echoes a broader societal trend toward experiential consumption – people are prioritizing experiences over material possessions, and are willing to invest in events and activities that offer a sense of connection and personal growth. It’s about more than just burning calories; it’s about forging relationships, discovering new passions, and feeling part of something larger than oneself. The carefully curated atmosphere of these events – the music, the lighting, the branding – all contribute to this sense of immersive experience, transforming a simple workout into a memorable occasion.
Looking ahead, the evolution of the fitness festival model is worth watching. Will these events become more personalized, catering to niche interests and skill levels? Will technology play a greater role, with virtual reality and augmented reality enhancing the workout experience? Perhaps the most significant question is whether the emphasis on aesthetics and social media will continue to dominate, or if the focus will shift back toward the core principles of health and well-being. As the wellness landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative and immersive ways to combine fitness, community, and curated experiences—but will they remain accessible and authentic, or become yet another exclusive domain for a select few?
I'm elbow-deep in a plate of chicken limone at an Italian restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. A man who I presume to be the owner inquires first about the food, then my trip. "I'm here for a fitness festival," I tell him. "What the hell is that?" he laughs back.
To his credit, it's not every day you hear the words "fitness" and "festival" in the same sentence. I explain that I spent the better part of the morning trying four different workout classes with fellow fitness enthusiasts. "Sounds horrible," he responds. I try not to choke on my linguini.
It's a tough sell for some. Not everyone is willing to trade a precious summer weekend for a series of consecutive sweat sessions. But when you consider that a singular fitness class can cost anywhere from $35 (Peloton) to $46 (solidcore), having the ability to sample four different modalities in one place isn't just a great workout – it's a bargain.
Even so, I felt nervous walking into Chicago's sold-out Faces of Fitness Festival. I had sworn to tighten up my fitness routine in the weeks prior, but inexplicably, my three-pound hand weights remained untouched. I was going in totally unprepared, just me and my matching workout sets against the world. But in the end, it wasn't the nightmare Mr. Chicken Limone likely had in mind.
Whether you're considering attending a fitness festival yourself, or just want to know how I survived mine, here's my honest take on what it's really like.
My Fitness Festival Experience
I hear the festival before I see it. Pop EDM music is being pumped into an expansive outdoor campus, where attendees are lined up. I walk in and feel a familiar wave of overstimulation I sometimes get at concerts. The entire perimeter of the space is dotted with different wellness brands, most of them having to do with protein, supplements, or hydration. It's 8:30 in the morning so I head straight for the Celsius activation to stock up on some (much-needed) festival caffeine and settle down for my first workout.
I plan my day strategically; four workouts, 30 minutes each, all under the bright sun. There are 16 different workouts total to choose from (four for each 30-minute slot). In my mind, it makes sense to ease into the day with something low impact, so I opt for a mind-body interval class from Life Time. Interestingly enough, this yoga and mat Pilates hybrid is one of my favorite workouts from the whole day. I catch a glimpse at the next stage over, and the participants are jumping straight into burpees. Bullet dodged.
Now fully warmed up, I have five minutes before Bünda's "glute camp" workout. The Celsius kicks in, the sun escapes from behind the clouds, and someone hands me a pink resistance band for good measure . . . the perfect storm. We dive straight into various squats, lunges, and kicks, staying low to the ground for optimal glute burn. My boyfriend beside me has somehow evaded the evil resistance band, looking at me inquisitively as beads of sweat start to roll down my forehead.
I finish the workout by the skin of my teeth and spend two of my five transition minutes curled up in a ball on my mat. When I finally manage to peel myself up, I remember that my next workout is lululemon's boxing and HIIT class.
To be clear, this is not a workout I would normally choose myself. As a self-described yoga girlie, the words "high impact" typically send me running in the opposite direction. But just as you might attend a music festival with friends, debating over which headliners to see on what day, I also compromise with my incredibly active boyfriend. Boxing it is.
One of my favorite things about Faces of Fitness is that you get to sample new workouts you might not try otherwise. I don't know enough about boxing to sign up for a dedicated class, but I find myself enjoying the movement anyway. By the end of the workout, I'm in high spirits, and more open to trying something new. I finish day one with a jump rope class from Chicago Jump Club, and find myself less worried about nailing every move, and more focused on enjoying the movement in community.
Day two, I'm pleasantly surprised that the muscle soreness hasn't fully settled in yet. It's my birthday, and I'm feeling particularly strong and present in my body . . . if not a little wiped from yesterday's antics. I spend the majority of the day listening to (and meeting!) the incredible Simone Biles. She leads us through a box-breathing exercise, talks about mental health, and guides us through the perfect cartwheel. Best birthday ever.
The rest of the day I spend exploring the different wellness activations, ducking in and out of line for electrolyte drinks, protein bars, and collagen shakes before heading out for the afternoon. But that's the beautiful thing about a fitness festival — you get to tailor your experience to fit your needs, not the other way around.
What to Keep in Mind
You may be working out, but Faces of Fitness still feels like a festival. If your experience is anything like mine, you might catch your neighbor setting up their tripod just to get an aesthetic workout video. You might sneak out of a class early to track down the (air-conditioned!) porta-potties. You might even endure a 20-minute line in the hopes of snagging a free protein bar.
In true festival fashion, I saw people rocking glittery makeup, dancing to the music, and making new friends. Bring water, a yoga mat, comfortable workout clothes, and don't be afraid to modify when you need it. The festival is all about having fun and embracing your own best self.
My Takeaways
There's a reason fitness festivals are selling out. Getting to experience so many trending workout classes firsthand (we're talking Barry's, Orangetheory, Peloton, Pvolve, and more) gives you a unique opportunity to sample everything on your fitness radar . . . and maybe even a few things you hadn't thought to try before. Tack on wellness freebies, a positive community of fitness enthusiasts, and gold-medal "headliners" like Biles, and I really did walk away feeling grounded and stronger in more ways than one.
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Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.Read on the original site
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