Chicago Park District offers free fitness classes from Jan. 2-11

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Going from eating chips and dip to looking like Chippendale's dancer certainly isn't easy, but now it doesn't have to be costly either.

That's because of the Chicago Park District's Free Fitness Week - which started Friday.

Those resolved to get in shape can kick off the new year by working out for free from Jan. 2-11 citywide at each of the Park District's fitness centers, fitness classes or pools.

"We have something for everybody, so we have a variety of classes - kickboxing, yoga, small group personal training - and that's just to name a few, so you can try different classes, any of them all week, and you're going to find something that you want to stick with," said Brandon Lyle, Chicago Park District.

Fitness buffs will be able to work out at Fosco Park and the Park District's other 71 fitness centers. There they will find state-of-the-art equipment, free weights, benches and core-focused weight equipment.

"I get a lot of people at the beginning, by the second or third week it starts dropping down - and again the weather is a big factor, a lot of them come in like, 'This is my resolution, I'm all excited,'" said Patricia Donahue-Thorpe, a trainer. "But after that first big snowfall comes, a lot of them are like, 'It's too cold.'"

And although many will break a sweat as a part of their New Year's resolution, remember it only works if you work at it.

To sign up or learn more, visit www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com.