New Pop-up Fitness Classes at Eakins Oval
Move over Rittenhouse Square—ovals are hottest new thing in the Philly park scene. Eakins Oval, better known as the traffic circle in front of the Art Museum, will be a parking lot, no more, as it makes the transition to major programming space this summer. Set to debut on July 17th, the Oval will be the site of a whole host of exciting events ranging from educational to entertaining.
Here’s why you should care, Be Wellers: Every Tuesday (and a few Sundays), the programming will center around wellness, which means that you can expect to find free yoga and Zumba classes, with a hula-hoop dance class—or two—thrown in there for good measure. Rumor has it that there will also be a huge Twister board, so count it as good news for anyone who likes holding awkward positions for extended periods of time as a workout. Because that’s a thing, yes?
Eakins Oval will be bumping every Tuesday through Sunday through August 18th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Get info here.
Check out the full fitness-oriented lineup below:
Hoop Dance Performance and Classes, Presented by The Philly Hoopstarz
When: Sunday, July 21st 12pm – 2pm
Description: Join Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and the Philly Hoopstarz for hooping at the Oval! Jennifer and her Hoop Troupe have been performing throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City and the East Coast, wowing audiences for the past eight years with choreographed hoop dance routines. Whether you are a spectator or choose to join in as Jennifer and her troupe give basic hoop dance instruction and hold hula hoop contest, all will appreciate the beauty and fun of this mesmerizing dance form.
Mommy & Me Yoga, Presented by Molly Crowley, Registered Yoga Teacher
When: Tuesday, July 23rd 10am – 11am and 11am to noon
Description: For moms and babies (six weeks to pre-crawlers). Enjoy a gentle yoga class designed to relax the body, clear the mind, and bring you and baby closer through yoga, massage and deep breathing techniques. An opportunity to spend time with your baby and meet local moms through yoga and meditation practices. You must be cleared for exercise by your doctor before attending this class. Please bring a yoga mat or towel for yourself and a blanket and toys for your baby.
Food Truck Series, Presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
When: Tuesday, July 23rd, 11am – 3pm
Description: Visit during Wellness day for some healthy and kid friendly snacks from Zea May’s Kitchen, Mac Mart Cart, Lil Dans and Little Pop Shop. Come hungry!
Senior Chair Yoga, Presented by Molly Crowley, Registered Yoga Teacher
When: Tuesday, July 23 1pm – 2pm and 2pm – 3pm
Description: For anyone who has ever hesitated to try yoga because of the challenge of getting down onto the floor or doing standing poses, we adapt yoga poses with the creative use of the chair. Enjoy all of the benefits of yoga while exploring gentle yoga poses, breath work and guided relaxation. Open to all levels of experience. Be sure to wear clothing that allows for ease of movement.
Adult Learn To Ride Bike Class, Presented by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Wheel Fun Rentals
When: Tuesday, July 23rd 5:30pm – 8pm
Description: This two-hour class will teach adults how to ride a bicycle. Mature teenagers can also register if accompanied by an adult. Participants do not need to bring a bicycle. $10 registration fee and tax is required, but it entitles you to receive a Wheel Fun Rentals Annual Pass (50% off rentals!) Meeting location is Wheel Fun at the Lloyd Hall Recreation Center and then we walk with the bikes to The Oval for the class. Register here and learn more information.
Hoop Dance Performance and Classes, Presented by The Philly Hoopstarz
When: Sunday, July 28th 12pm – 2pm
Description: Join Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and the Philly Hoopstarz for hooping at the Oval! Jennifer and her Hoop Troupe have been performing throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City and the East Coast, wowing audiences for the past eight years with choreographed hoop dance routines. Whether you are a spectator or choose to join in as Jennifer and her troupe give basic hoop dance instruction and hold hula hoop contest, all will appreciate the beauty and fun of this mesmerizing dance form.
“Play” Station, Presented by the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
When: Tuesday, July 30th 9:30am – 1pm
Description: “Play” Station is a new interactive and education program for parents and caregivers on the importance of play while actually playing with children, using jump ropes, blocks, bubbles and arts and crafts supplies for ages 10 and younger. Participants will be given facts on play, ideas on playing with their children and ways to play without going into debt!
Mommy & Me Yoga, Presented by Molly Crowley, Registered Yoga Teacher
When: Tuesday, July 30th 10am – 11am and 11am – 12pm
Description: For moms and babies (six weeks to pre-crawlers). Enjoy a gentle yoga class designed to relax the body, clear the mind, and bring you and baby closer through yoga, massage and deep breathing techniques. An opportunity to spend time with your baby and meet local moms through yoga and meditation practices. You must be cleared for exercise by your doctor before attending this class. Please bring a yoga mat or towel for yourself and a blanket and toys for your baby.
Food Truck Series, Presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
When: Tuesday, July 30th, 11am – 3pm
Description: Visit during Wellness day for some healthy and kid friendly snacks from Zea May’s Kitchen, Mac Mart Cart, Lil Dans and Little Pop Shop. Come hungry!
Senior Chair Yoga, Presented by Molly Crowley, Registered Yoga Teacher
When: Tuesday, July 30th 1pm – 2pm and 2pm – 3pm
Description: For anyone who has ever hesitated to try yoga because of the challenge of getting down onto the floor or doing standing poses, we adapt yoga poses with the creative use of the chair. Enjoy all of the benefits of yoga while exploring gentle yoga poses, breath work and guided relaxation. Open to all levels of experience. Be sure to wear clothing that allows for ease of movement.
Adult Learn To Ride Bike Class, Presented by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Wheel Fun Rentals
When: Tuesday, July 30th 5:30pm – 8pm
Description: This two-hour class will teach adults how to ride a bicycle. Mature teenagers can also register if accompanied by an adult. Participants do not need to bring a bicycle. $10 registration fee and tax is required, but it entitles you to receive a Wheel Fun Rentals Annual Pass (50% off rentals!) Meeting location is Wheel Fun at the Lloyd Hall Recreation Center and then we walk with the bikes to The Oval for the class. Register here and learn more information.
Hoop Dance Performance and Classes, Presented by The Philly Hoopstarz
When: Sunday, August 4th 12pm – 2pm
Description: Join Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and the Philly Hoopstarz for hooping at the Oval! Jennifer and her Hoop Troupe have been performing throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City and the East Coast, wowing audiences for the past eight years with choreographed hoop dance routines. Whether you are a spectator or choose to join in as Jennifer and her troupe give basic hoop dance instruction and hold hula hoop contest, all will appreciate the beauty and fun of this mesmerizing dance form.
“Play” Station, Presented by the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
When: Tuesday, August 6th, 9:30am – 1pm
Description: “Play” Station is a new interactive and education program for parents and caregivers on the importance of play while actually playing with children, using jump ropes, blocks, bubbles and arts and crafts supplies for ages 10 and younger. Participants will be given facts on play, ideas on playing with their children and ways to play without going into debt!
You Spin Me Right Round: Cardio Hoop Dance Class Hoop, Presented by Philly Hoop Starz
When: Tuesday, August 6th 10am – 12pm
Description: From Burning Man to Cirque du Soleil to neighborhood gyms, hoop dancing is catching on like wildfire. This highly effective cardiovascular workout will have dancers and non dancers alike getting fit while having a blast. AAAI Certified Personal Trainer Jennifer Alvarez will bring her hoop dance class to you. Winner of Philadelphia magazine’s Best of Philly’s “Most Fun Workout” in 2008, and recent performer for Cirque Du Soleil; Jennifer will teach you how to move the hoop from your waist, hips, shoulders, arms and legs. In addition to instruction of vertical hooping, beginner jumps, body stalls, tosses and throws, and other off the body moves.
Food Truck Series, Presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
When: Tuesday, August 6th, 11am – 3pm
Description: Visit during Wellness day for some healthy and kid friendly snacks from Zea May’s Kitchen, Mac Mart Cart, Lil Dans and Little Pop Shop. Come hungry!
Youth Learn To Ride Bike Class, Presented by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Wheel Fun Rentals
When: Tuesday, August 6th 1pm – 3pm
Description: Learn to Ride is a two-hour class for children and teens who are ready to ride! Through a safe, easy, effective method, Learn to Ride students learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bike as well as adjust a helmet for proper fit. All participants must provide their own bicycle and helmet. Class space is limited to 10 youth and is most suitable for children ages 4 -15. All children who participate must have a signed waiver by their parent or guardian. Free.
Adult Learn To Ride Bike Class, Presented by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Wheel Fun Rentals
When: Tuesday, August 6th 5:30pm – 8pm
Description: This two-hour class will teach adults how to ride a bicycle. Mature teenagers can also register if accompanied by an adult. Participants do not need to bring a bicycle. $10 registration fee and tax is required, but it entitles you to receive a Wheel Fun Rentals Annual Pass (50% off rentals!) Meeting location is Wheel Fun at the Lloyd Hall Recreation Center and then we walk with the bikes to The Oval for the class. Register here and learn more information.
Hoop Dance Performance and Classes, Presented by The Philly Hoopstarz
When: Sunday, August 11th 12pm – 2pm
Description: Join Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and the Philly Hoopstarz for hooping at the Oval! Jennifer and her Hoop Troupe have been performing throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City and the East Coast, wowing audiences for the past eight years with choreographed hoop dance routines. Whether you are a spectator or choose to join in as Jennifer and her troupe give basic hoop dance instruction and hold hula hoop contest, all will appreciate the beauty and fun of this mesmerizing dance form.
You Spin Me Right Round: Cardio Hoop Dance Class Hoop, Presented by Philly Hoop Starz
When: Tuesday, August 13th 10am – 12pm
Description: From Burning Man to Cirque du Soleil to neighborhood gyms, hoop dancing is catching on like wildfire. This highly effective cardiovascular workout will have dancers and non dancers alike getting fit while having a blast. AAAI Certified Personal Trainer Jennifer Alvarez will bring her hoop dance class to you. Winner of Philadelphia magazine’s Best of Philly’s “Most Fun Workout” in 2008, and recent performer for Cirque Du Soleil; Jennifer will teach you how to move the hoop from your waist, hips, shoulders, arms and legs. In addition to instruction of vertical hooping, beginner jumps, body stalls, tosses and throws, and other off the body moves.
Food Truck Series, Presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
When: Tuesday, August 13th, 11am – 3pm
Description: Visit during Wellness day for some healthy and kid friendly snacks from Zea May’s Kitchen, Mac Mart Cart, Lil Dans and Little Pop Shop. Come hungry!
Zumba Fitness Party, Presented by Zumba Fitness
When: Tuesday, August 13th 1pm – 2pm and 2pm – 3pm
Description: Zumba fitness blends upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration! This is open to all levels, including seniors, and remember to bring your smile and energy.
Youth Learn To Ride Bike Class, Presented by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Wheel Fun Rentals
When: Tuesday, August 13 5:30pm – 8pm
Description: Learn to Ride is a two-hour class for children and teens who are ready to ride! Through a safe, easy, effective method, Learn to Ride students learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bike as well as adjust a helmet for proper fit. All participants must provide their own bicycle and helmet. Class space is limited to 10 youth and is most suitable for children ages 4 -15. All children who participate must have a signed waiver by their parent or guardian. Free.
Food Truck Series, Presented by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy
When: Wednesday, August 14th, 11am – 9pm
Description: Visit during the day or the evening to see what Lucky Old Souls, Reuben on Rye, Cosmic Catering and Sweet Box Cupcakes have to offer. Come hungry!
Hoop Dance Performance – Finale, Presented by The Philly Hoopstarz
When: Sun, August 18th 12pm – 2pm
Description: Join Jennifer Alvarez aka J-Hoop and the Philly Hoopstarz for hooping at the Oval! Jennifer and her Hoop Troupe have been performing throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City and the East Coast, wowing audiences for the past eight years with choreographed hoop dance routines. Whether you are a spectator or choose to join in as Jennifer and her troupe give basic hoop dance instruction and hold hula hoop contest, all will appreciate the beauty and fun of this mesmerizing dance form.
Photo via Instagram user naeemthedream
