I Tried 4 Different Workout Classes at a Sold-Out Fitness Festival

I'm elbow-deep in a plate of chicken limone at an Italian restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. A man inquires about the food, then my trip. He asks about a fitness festival, and I explain that I spent the morning trying four different workout classes with fellow enthusiasts. The owner's response is a mix of surprise and amusement. He jokes that trying multiple classes in one day sounds horrible, but I counter that it's a bargain, especially considering the cost of individual classes. I felt nervous entering the sold-out Faces of Fitness Festival, having sworn to tighten up my fitness routine beforehand. Despite my unpreparedness, the experience wasn't as daunting as I expected. If you're considering attending a fitness festival or want to know how I survived mine, here's my honest take on what it's really like. The festival's atmosphere is overwhelming, with EDM music and wellness brands lining the perimeter. I head to the Celsius activation to stock up on festival caffeine and settle in for my first workout. I plan my day strategically, opting for a low-impact class to ease into the day. The mind-body interval class from Life Time is a highlight, but I'm relieved to avoid the more intense burpees. With the Celsius kicking in, I'm ready for Bünda's 'glute camp' workout, which involves various squats, lunges, and kicks.