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TO DO: YOGA ON THE STEPS AT THE ART MUSEUM

Support the fight against breast cancer at this popular yoga event

Posted by Julianne Mele on 4/13/2012 at 3:17PM | No Comments

On May 20th, join hundreds of yogis at one of Philly’s most iconic locations: the steps of the Museum of Art. Yoga on the Steps, benefitting the organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer, provides a way for communities to stand in solidarity with women affected by breast cancer while getting in a great yoga session. After the class, participants and supporters can enjoy a light breakfast of organic foods and browse through a Healthy Living Expo featuring health and nutrition experts, event sponsors and yoga and fitness studios. Learn more and register here.

Suggested $50 donation, May 20th, 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.

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CELEBRITIES, KEEP YOUR DIET TWEETS TO YOURSELVES

When celebs talk about their eating habits on Twitter, it almost always lead to controversy.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 4/13/2012 at 12:39PM | 2 Comments

Twitter makes miscommunication pretty easy: We can’t see people’s facial expressions or body language, we can’t hear the tone of their voices, and we can’t receive immediate clarification about something confusing. Lady Gaga was Twitter’s latest victim when she tweeted on Tuesday, “Just killed back to back spin classes. Eating a salad dreaming of a cheeseburger #PopSingersDontEat #IWasBornThisWay.”

While Gaga probably thought this was a funny and innocent remark, it has not been received that way. Many fans responded negatively to the post, and the National Eating Disorder Association even weighed in, tweeting back, “Huh? This is the same person who recently implored girls to stop dieting?”

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RUN FUN: RUNNING CLUBS IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA

Want some running buddies? Look no further! Check out our guide to running clubs in Philadelphia, the Main Line, New Jersey and more.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 4/11/2012 at 1:55PM | 1 Comment

Running Clubs in Philly

Fishtown Beer Runners
When: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Where: 2346 E. Susquehanna Ave, Fishtown
Typical Run: Between 3 and 5 miles, ending with a beer or two at a pub
Membership Fee: None

Lululemon Run Club
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Where: The Lululemon store at 1527 Walnut Street
Typical Run: 3 to 4 miles
Membership Fee: None

Philadelphia Frontrunners
When: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row
Typical Run: Around 5 miles
Membership Fee: None

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TO DO: OLD SKOOL HIP-HOP WORKSHOP

For anyone missing beats from the '90s.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 4/6/2012 at 1:31PM | No Comments

Ever catch yourself over-enthusiastically bobbing your head to your favorite ’90s jams on the radio? Well, Philly Dance Fitness decided it’s time to provide you an outlet through the Old Skool Hip-Hop Workshop. You will be taught several easy-to-follow routines as you listen to the best hip-hop tunes of the ’90s. No prior dance or hip-hop experience necessary. Hurry and register here.

$15, April 22nd, 3 to 4 p.m., The Arts Parlor, 1170 South Broad Street.

>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.

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I TRIED IT: POLE DANCING AT PHILLY PREMIER POLE DANCE

This workout takes skill, strength—and a high pain threshold.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 4/6/2012 at 11:43AM | 1 Comment

Um, yeah. This was soooo not happening.

Back in January, my friend Claire forwarded me a Groupon deal: five pole-dancing lessons at Philly Premier Pole Dance for 25 bucks, tagged with the message, “Do this with me!!!” With my passion for fitness, my appreciation for good deals, and a willingness to try almost anything once, I wrote back that of course I would.

We waited until practically the last minute—more specifically, the week before the Groupon deal expired—to haul ourselves down to Center City to give the class a whirl. In our defense, who wants to start pole dancing in winter anyways? If I’m going to have to stare at myself attempting to spin seductively around a pole in a floor-to-ceiling mirror, I’d rather not add pale skin and extra winter pounds into the mix, thankyouverymuch.

Anyone who’s ever experimented with fitness classes knows there’s quite a broad range in difficulty. I’ve walked out of some without breaking a sweat while others have left me sore in places I didn’t know existed. I’ll admit I didn’t expect pole dancing to be much of a workout, so I went for a run beforehand to ensure I got in my cardio for the day.

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Q&A: DO ADULTS REALLY NEED VACCINES?

Unlike Trix, vaccines aren't just for kids. A local doc gave us the lowdown on adult vaccination.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 3/30/2012 at 2:09PM | 2 Comments

If your last vaccination ended with a nurse slapping a Barney Band-Aid on your arm and telling you “Great job, kiddo!,” you’re probably way overdue for some shots. Vaccines can be easy to forget about once you grow old enough to escape school requirements, but your body doesn’t suddenly become invincible with age. I chatted with Mario Maffei, residency program director and lead physician at Virtua Family Medicine Residency in South Jersey, to get the skinny on adult vaccination—why it’s important to stay up to date, which vaccines you should get, how often you should get them and more.

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BROAD STREET TRAINING: THE BEST PRE-RUN FOODS

Want to maximize your performance? Here's how to fuel up before a race or workout.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 3/28/2012 at 1:57PM | 1 Comment

As a runner, you probably already know the healthy foods you’re supposed to be eating on a regular basis: lean sources of protein, veggies, fruits and whole grains. But do you know what you’re supposed to eat right before a workout?

Sharon Collison, a board-certified sports dietician in Newark, says that choosing the right snack can do a world of good. “If you make the right choice, eating before a run can help prevent gastrointestinal distress and discomfort, stabilize blood sugar, top off glycogen stores, and help with adequate hydration,” she says.

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TO DO: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS YOGA AT HOTBOX

Turn up the heat on your workout.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 3/23/2012 at 10:15AM | No Comments

Calling all Red Hot Chili Peppers fans! You won’t want to miss this 90-minute all-levels Vinyasa flow set to your favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers tracks. The room is warmed to 90 to 95 degrees, so make sure to bring a towel and get ready to sweat. Register here.

$14, $11 for students, April 15th, 5 to 6:30 p.m., HotBox Yoga, 4163 Main Street, Philadelphia.

>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.

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TO DO: ST. LAURUNTIUS 5K IN FISHTOWN

A fun race with beer at the finish—need we say more?

Posted by Julianne Mele on 3/21/2012 at 12:07PM | No Comments

Celebrate the spring weather by racing through the streets of Fishtown in the St. LauRUNtius 5K. All registrants receive a free t-shirt and there will be a finish line festival following the race. Food, beer, games and music are a given. Hurry and register here. Find more info on the race’s Facebook page.

$30, $40 includes admission to Beverage Garden, April 21, 10:30 a.m., St. Laurentius School, 1612 E. Berks Street, Philadelphia.

>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.

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FARM FRESH: COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS IN PHILADELPHIA

Sign up for one of these community supported agriculture programs to get from-the-farm produce all season long.

Posted by Julianne Mele on 3/21/2012 at 10:32AM | No Comments

Sick of the wilted, overripe veggies at the grocery store? Us, too. Say hello to community supported agriculture, or CSAs.

Just what is a CSA? An excellent way to enjoy delicious, locally grown produce—that’s what. Here’s how a CSA works: Customers purchase a “share” of a particular farm’s harvest, and they receive a weekly or bi-weekly supply of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit throughout the spring, summer and fall. You can pick up your produce directly at the farm or at designated pick-up points.

Here are the best CSAs to join in the Philly area. But hurry and reserve your spot now—space is limited.

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