Now that spring is here, are you yearning to trade in Zoom for Zumba? Craving more downward- facing dog and less TV-facing with your dog? There are lots of outdoor exercise classes being offered this spring - in the city and the suburbs. Some classes are free, some donation-suggested and others charge admission.
Schuylkill River Banks
Yoga on the Banks, a donation-based class, is back at the Schuylkill River Banks. The class meets at the 25th & Locust entrance on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. All levels are welcome and registration is necessary. Masks are required.
Tip: Bring a mat or towel, sunscreen and water.
Dilworth Park, on the west side of City Hall, has been transformed from an ice skating rink into a safe, free outdoor gym.
Fitness classes have returned to Center City District's Dilworth Park. The classes, taught by trainers and instructors from Optimal Sports, will continue through October 12. The classes will be for people of all skill levels. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All fitness classes begin at 6 p.m. Arrive early to fill out a waiver.
Mondays: Zumba
Tuesdays:
Boot Camp - April 13-27
High Intensity Interval Training/HIIT - May 4-25
Speed Games - June 1-29
Boxing - July 6-July 27
Circuit Training - August 3 - 31
Boot Camp - September 7 - October 12
Enhanced health and safety protocol, including mandatory mask wearing and social distancing, will be required. Ground markers will be in place to measure six feet of social distance. There is no bag check.
Tip: Watch for more programming at Dilworth Park coming soon. For a full calendar: click here.
Bok Bar, the rooftop bar in South Philly, offers a variety of exercise classes with beautiful views of the Philadelphia skyline. Yoga by KG Strong will be offered on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month from May through October. Emily Schwartz of Sculpt 45 with OMM Yoga Studio will lead participants through vinyasa yoga with strength training on Wednesday, May 12 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Masks are required, except when you're on your mat. Ticketed. And Movement Therapy with Sanovia, a judgment-free dance party, is scheduled for on May 8.
Tip: Stick around after class for food and drink and to soak in the view. Reservations needed at Bok Bar and Irwin, the adjoining Mediterranean restaurant.
Ripped PHL is offering high intensity, full body workouts on the patio of this Italian restaurant at 17th & Carpenter. Bring a set of dumbbells. Masks are optional. Social distancing is required.
Tip: RippedPHL offers special pricing and packages for first-timers.
You'll get exercise with a view at Cira Green, the rooftop park on 30th Street in West Philadelphia's University City District. Rooftop Yoga with Tuck Barre classes are being offered on Thursday evenings at 6 pm and Spring Classes with Maja Yoga are being offered on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Advanced reservations are required.
Enjoy yoga and meditation on the beautiful grounds of Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden in Villanova. The former house of the Haas family is now a 42-acre park with stately trees, lush gardens, and a mile-long paved walking path. It is free and open to the public. The Tudor Revival Mansion is used for programs and houses the Organ Historical Society, an organization that studies pipe organs in America, including one in the house. Yoga classes will be offered on Sunday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. starting May 9. The classes, taught by Christina Fittipoldi Alden, will be for all levels. Masks are required when walking around but may be removed when on your mat. Ticketed event. Registration needed.
Haddonfield Fitness is offering Outdoor Boot Camp in its back parking lot. No equipment is needed and it's BYOM (bring your own mat). Masks are optional. To sign up, buy a drop-in class or purchase a package of classes. Masks are optional.
Tip: Don't miss the reduced price for 3 classes for new clients.
Phoenixville's Kimberton Park will be offering yoga at the Amphitheater on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. through October 27. The class is taught by Sheila Keating and a $10 donation is suggested. Please arrive in a mask, which can be removed once you're on your socially distant mat.
Pennypack on the Delaware Park
Exercise classes are being offered at Pennypack on the Delaware Park, 7801 State Road (just south of Rhawn) on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m through June 3. On Mondays, Dance Fitness by the River will be offered by DanceFit and will include a combination of Zumba, JazzFit and Ballet BarreFit. On Wednesdays, Yoga on the Pier will welcome all levels. The classes are free, but donations are accepted. Pre-registration and masks are required.
Tip: We Walk PHL, a free walking group, will also meet at the park on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. from May 1 through June 29. No registration is needed. Masks are required.
Enjoy yoga at Falls Township Community Park in Bucks County's Levittown on Mondays at 7 p.m. from May 3 through June 14. The class, taught by June Miller, meets on the peninsula near the lake. Admission and registration are required.
Tip: Watch for more outside exercise classes to be added soon.
White's Road Park in Lansdale is offering Zumba in the Park and Motown Line Dance classes outside from April 20 through May 25. Registration required. Social distancing and safety protocols will be observed. Masks are not required while exercising outside but must be worn at all other times.
Make exercise a family affair in Alverthorpe Park in Abington Township. The classes with Terri Clime Palacio of ClimeWellness will include yoga-inspired games, activities and stories. One child (age 6+) per adult preferred, but 2 children with an adult are allowed. The classes are Saturdays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Four-week sessions are offered in May and again in June. Registration needed.
Workout at Narberth's Sabine Park
Narberth Tailored Training is offering cardio and strength training using circuits on Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at Sabine Park. For all fitness levels. Masks are required until you're in your socially-distant spot. Ticketed.
It's spring -- time to turn off Netflix and turn on the cardio!
By Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. 100 Things includes well-known sights and hidden gems that even long-time locals may not know about, and tips. Unique Eats tells the sweet and spicy stories behind Philadelphia area restaurants. Both books include the city, surrounding suburbs and South Jersey. Looking for places to social distance? Starting to venture out again?
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