Turn on, tune in, work out

Springtime. Now's the time you expected to emerge svelte, buffed and glowing with an inner radiance, the direct result of your New Year's resolve to start working out.

Change of plans.

First the cold, then the darkness conspired against you. Perhaps the plan was too ambitious, you reflect on the couch between bites of Twinkie. No one has time for cardio training, plus weights, plus relaxation, you reassure yourself.

Maybe your lack of inspiration is the gym's fault. Who can be expected to mount that treadmill, day in, day out, for a 30-minute trek going nowhere without eventually snapping? After all, you're not a hamster. And those mind-numbing weights? They don't call muscle-training routines repetitions for nothing.

Thinking your flabby buns might be the result of a flaccid mind, we've found some activities—from challenging to light, and for type A-to-Z personalities—that will energize your body, mind and soul simultaneously. Couple this with friendlier weather, and watch your excuses begin to melt like snow.

YOU: THE MUSCLEHEAD

Thai boxing
What it is: Though fighters strike primarily with their elbows and knees, make no mistake: The workout is thorough. The sport is based on Buddhist principles, but "it is a fierce fighting art," master instructor Fred Degerberg says. Classes require intense fitness, so if you lack a killer physique, Degerberg recommends building strength with a "blend" class that includes English boxing, Tae Kwon Do and other martial arts. A side benefit: You may find a mate in the ring. Degerberg claims at least 18 now-married couples met at the school.
What it does: Develops strength, speed, cardio endurance and a fighting spirit.
Where to get it: Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts, 4717 N Lincoln Ave, (773-728-5300, www.chicagomartialartsclasses.com). Membership from $29.95 per month.
Seido karate
What it is: Yes, you'll learn Jackie Chan–style spinning kicks and karate chops, but each karate class begins and ends with a meditation in which participants kneel, concentrate and focus the mind. Training takes place in a dojo, Japanese for "place of awakening," where students learn to merge karate with Zen meditation—sweating and mindful breathing are not mutually exclusive, after all.
What it does: Develops strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance through a meditative workout.
Where to get it: Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self Defense Center, 1220 W Belmont Ave (773-472-7663, www.thousandwaves.org). Free trial class; membership from $80 per month.

YOU: THE GRANOLA CRUNCHER

Yamuna body rolling
What it is: If you hate exercising but like the exhilaration that follows a good sweat, you'll love this workout and stress-relieving massage "rolled" into one. You'll lie on a 6- to 10-inch ball, which stands in for a masseuse's hands. As you roll, the ball moves over muscles to unlock tension and increase blood flow.
What it does: Tones and realigns, lengthens muscles and improves core strength at your own pace and in calming surroundings.
Where to get it: Sana Vita Studio, 1357 W Grand Ave, (312-829-8482, www.sanavitastudio.com). Free trial class; unlimited group classes for 30 days $140, walk-ins $18.
Nia dancing
What it is: Nia means "with purpose" in Swahili. The movement combines body and breathing awareness to the beat of fast-paced world music. Nia is playful and great for those who'd like to overcome inhibitions. "You'll finish with the goofiest smile on your face," instructor Lynett Putterman says.
What it does: Gives you a low-impact, heart-pumping workout that blends yoga, martial arts, dance moves and a joyful release.
Where to get it: Body Balance, 1009 N Rush St, (312-440-9558), $20 per class; or Belle Plaine Studios, 2014 W Belle Plaine Ave, (773-935-1890). $14 per class.

YOU: THE SCOREKEEPER

Baseball batting cages
What it is: Smacking a baseball is one of the great, unappreciated exercises in achieving peace of mind. A machine lobs slow, medium or fast pitches for you to whack the hell out of with a bat. If it helps, feel free to assign to each ball the face of one of your rivals. The next day your back muscles will ache, but your soul will be lightened. A buck buys 15 pitches.
What it does: Works your upper body while working out aggression.
Where to get it: Sluggers Sports Bar, 3540 N Clark St, 773-472-9696; or Warren Park, 6601 N Western Ave, (773-262-6314). Cages open mid-April, weather permitting.
Ultimate frisbee
What it is: In this newfangled take on football, two coed seven-player squads storm the field and let the Frisbee fly in an attempt to score goals in each other's end zones. Beginners are welcome (beginner's clinic is ongoing) and pick-up games are plentiful. For those who want to develop cutting, throwing and other Frisbee skills first, try the free instructional clinics (Mondays 7:30pm, check website for locations and further information), or dive into the free pickup games.
What it does: Inspires team spirit and gives you a great cardio workout.
Where to get it: Clarendon Park, 4501 N Clarendon Ave, Tuesdays 8pm; Revere Park, 2509 W Irving Park Rd, Thursdays 8pm; Horner Park, 2741 W Montrose Ave, Sundays 2:30pm; Ultimate Chicago, (www.ultimatechicago.org/uc/), eight-week spring league began March 26. $30.

YOU: THE THINKER

Gardening
What it is: If you think piddling around in the dirt seems like a gray-haired activity, you'll be shocked by the throbbing muscles resulting from the digging, bending, lifting and pulling. Don't know a peony from a pepper? Garfield Park Conservatory helps thumbs get green with workshops and demonstrations in garden design, composting, organic fertilizers and container gardening so even those without their own plot of land can get in on the action.
What it does: You'll feel great joy months from now when you bite into your first juicy tomato fresh from the vine.
Where to get it: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, (773-638-1766, www.garfieldconservatory.org). Activities free to $75.
Labyrinth walking
What it is: Labyrinths have been described as a metaphor for life journeys. For centuries they've been walked to center the mind and heart and release stress. As a symbol, the labyrinth relates to wholeness because it starts and ends at the same spot. "Even in the middle of the city, the path provides a metaphysical boundary. It's transporting," says the Rev. Judy Mason, coordinator of the labyrinth installation at St. James Cathedral.
What it does: Walking at a moderate pace for 30 to 60 minutes burns stored fat, builds muscle and speeds metabolism. The metaphysical benefits are incalculable.
Where to get it: St. James Cathedral, on the upper level of the plaza between the cathedral and 65 E Huron St, 312-787-7360, www.saintjamescathedral.org, open 24 hours; Garfield ParkConservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, (312-746-5100, www.garfieldconservatory.org), Mon–Wed 9am–5pm; Thu 9am–8pm; Fri–Sun 9am–5pm.