Archive for the ‘Local Classes’ Category

I TRIED IT: TRAPEZE WORKSHOP AT PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS

Because who doesn't want to feel like a circus acrobat every once in a while?

Posted by Lindsey Murray on 2/21/2013 at 11:45AM | No Comments

Coordination has, um, never been my thing. I can hardly make it through the day without tripping at least once, so I don’t know what I was thinking when I asked the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts if I could tag along for their “Intro to Aerials” workshop last Sunday.

Maybe it was the beginner-friendly description on the website or the fantastic reviews that I found online, but as I hoped on the 23 bus en route to Mount Airy, I was actually feeling more excited than nervous.

I checked in with the receptionist and was guided up into a watching room located above the main gym to wait for my instructor. That’s when, while watching the instructors below effortlessly climb the ropes while twisting their bodies in every direction, I realized something important: This was going to require a good deal of upper-body strength, something I don’t exactly have in spades, to put it nicely. I suddenly had flashbacks of failing the pull-up test in high school P.E., and couldn’t remember the last time I banged out 10 push-ups in a row—much less, 10 push-ups ever.

Hmm. This would be … interesting.

READ MORE

  • Share/Bookmark

TO DO: ARM BALANCES YOGA WORKSHOP AT MAMA’S WELLNESS JOINT

Not your typical yoga class.

Posted by Lindsey Murray on 2/12/2013 at 3:20PM | No Comments

Don’t get me wrong, I love yoga as much as the next person, but you just need to mix it up. Mama’s Wellness Joint is taking yoga outside the box this weekend with its Taking Flight! Arm Balancing workshop with Noelle Connolly.

The class, which takes place on Saturday, offers instruction on how to incorporate challenging, yet fun arm balances into your practice. The instructor will break down the mechanics and leverage of these arm asanas so you can practice them safely. All levels are welcome and are encouraged to bring their questions for Noelle to answer. Register and find out more here.

$35, February 16th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mama’s Wellness Joint, 1100 Pine Street, Philadelphia

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

  • Share/Bookmark

9 MOST UNIQUE FITNESS CLASSES IN PHILLY

From Bollywood dance to aerial training, here are some of Philly's most out-of-the-box ways to sweat.

Posted by Lindsey Murray on 1/25/2013 at 3:30PM | No Comments

Classes at Ploome in Northern Liberties are all about having fun.

Going Gaga
Ploome, 1040 North American Street #1001, Philadelphia.

Each month, you’ll learn a new routine to the songs of music’s it-girls, including Beyonce, Madonna, and, of course, Lady Gaga. Take your workout up a level by strapping on ankle weights during each session. The best part of all? At your fourth class, you’ll shoot a music video that will give you complete Hollywood status.

Urban Rebounding
Sweat Fitness, multiple locations

This class will take you back to the playground days with a low-impact cardiovascular routine on mini trampolines. The basic, yet effective, aerobic conditioning and sport-specific moves make this the perfect work out for all ages and levels.

READ MORE

  • Share/Bookmark

GET FREE (YES, FREE) GAP WORKOUT CLOTHES AT BODY CYCLE STUDIO NEXT WEEK

GapFit is taking over the Center City studio next week, offering free classes and clothes to everyone who comes in.

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/17/2013 at 1:14PM | No Comments

GapFit gFast Ombre Leggings

Holy free stuff, Batman. On January 22nd and 23rd—that’s next Tuesday and Wednesday, if you don’t have a calendar in front of you—The Gap is taking over Body Cycle Studio, the fab indoor cycling studio in Center City, and offering free classes and free workout clothes to everyone who comes. (Ladies only—sorry, guys.) The event is part of Gap’s latest promotion for its GapFit fitness clothing line.

Here’s how it works: Sign up for one of the free 45-minute indoor-cycling classes (there are nine to choose from between the two days), then, when you show up, you’ll be given a pair of GapFit pants to try during the class. If you like ‘em, they’re yours to keep afterwards. Sounds like a win-win, eh? Refreshments and snacks will follow.

Learn more and sign up here. (If the classes are full, you can add your name to a wait list.)

Body Cycle Studio, 1923 Chestnut Street, second floor, Philadelphia, 215-563-3663.

  • Share/Bookmark

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: WHERE TO FIND DANCE-FITNESS CLASSES IN PHILLY

From Zumba to Bokwa to hip-hop and more, dance classes are taking the Philly fitness scene by storm.

Posted by Dana Ricci on 1/11/2013 at 10:30AM | 2 Comments


If you want to get a great workout, you can always hit the pavement for a 10-mile run, log time in the weight room, or roll out a yoga mat. But I’ve got a better idea: Why not dance your way skinny?

Say hello to dance-fitness, classes where you’re less likely to haul out weights and more likely to concentrate on eight-counts. What was once reserved for professional ballerinas and MTV backup dancers is now not only doable, but enjoyable for almost anyone. And these classes are among the hottest fitness trends happening right now.

“It’s so popular because people were born to dance. People are happy when they’re dancing,” says Deborah Hirsch, owner of Philly Dance Fitness. Dance-fitness classes infuse an element of fun that you may not find in a regular ol’ Spin class. It’s also a unique social experience to be bopping around to great music in a room full of people. “It makes you forget you’re working out,” Hirsch says.

What’s more, fitness professionals are realizing that dance can actually be used as a type of cross-training. “Dance training is beneficial to female athletes of all sorts—runners, yogis,” says Jillian Dreusike, owner and founder of bodyLOGIC. Besides, the classes provide a good mental break from the fitness monotony that comes with, say, training for a marathon.

If you’re ready to hit the dance floor, keep reading. We rounded up eight of the hottest dance trends and offered suggestions for where to try ‘em out in Philly.

READ MORE

  • Share/Bookmark

TO DO: WINE, CHEESE AND SPIN AT THE WALL CYCLING STUDIO

In the Manayunk studio's new Spin and Sip class, wine and cheese are paired with a good ol' fashioned sweat session.

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/9/2013 at 10:30AM | No Comments

Because you shouldn’t have to choose between happy hour and working out (am I right?), the Wall Cycling Studio brings us both. The studio announced this week a new class, Spin and Sip, which includes a 45-minute indoor-cycling workout followed by a wine, beer and cheese tasting. The class is $20 and covers the workout and food and drink. The first Spin and Sip is this Friday at 6 p.m. Sign up here.

$20, January 11th at 6 p.m., The Wall Cycling Studio, 100 Levering Street, Manayunk.

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

  • Share/Bookmark

NEW CLASS ALERT: FIT4BABY PRENATAL-FITNESS PROGRAM COMES TO PHILLY

Stroller Strides team is rolling out a new program for moms-to-be in Philly.

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/7/2013 at 4:34PM | No Comments

Heads up, mamas-to-be: Stroller Strides Philadelphia just announced a brand-new prenatal fitness program called Fit4Baby, designed to help women sweat safely during pregnancy. The mom-only classes include a mix of strength training, cardio, balance and stretching, and are suitable for moms at any stage of pregnancy. Participants are required to have a consent form from their doctors before joining in; they should also bring water and a yoga mat.

The kick-off class (a freebie with giveaways!) is January 15th at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Church at 22nd and Chestnut. After that, classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:15 at the same location. Five- ($60) and 10-class packages ($110) are available; single classes are $15. Learn more here.

  • Share/Bookmark

NO-QUIT FITNESS: FUN GROUP CLASSES YOU’LL ACTUALLY STICK WITH

Fact: You’ll never stick with a gym routine if it’s boring. Here, seven classes so fun, you’ll forget you’re working out in the first place. (Really, it’s possible.)

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/7/2013 at 2:45PM | 1 Comment

Get a hard-core workout—without having to brave frigid temps—at Body Cycle Studio.

If you have exercise ADD … try: FF Fusion at Focus Fitness Main Line
You’ll get strength training, Pilates, cardio, barre and plyometrics, all in 75 minutes. Think of this as a calorie-torching smorgasbord for the little-bit-of-everything gym-goer.  $18 per class, 1111 East Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, 610-525-5515.

If you’re in a yoga rut … try: TRX Jai! Style at Jai Yoga
Pair up with a partner (hello, motivation!) and alternate between conditioning exercises on the TRX suspension trainers and yoga moves on the floor at this speedy one-hour class. $20 per class, 385 West Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, 610-642-2000.

If you’re curious about CrossFit …  try: Intensive Elements at CrossFit Center City
Learn all the basics, including CrossFit argot, at this one-week intro series. The four hour-long sessions max out at six students per coach, which means individualized attention is a given. $75 for the series, 1229 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 267-909-8210.

If you’re a budding Beyoncé …  try: Hip Hop at Koresh School of Dance
For those who feel more comfortable at the club than the gym, there’s this: a class where you can pop, lock and break-dance your way to skinny jeans. $17 per class, 2020 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-751-0959.

If you’re a clock watcher … try: Body Cycle Studio
An awesome soundtrack makes time fly here, but if you’re dying for something to look at, the smooth-cruising Keiser M3 bikes are equipped with computers that register your distance, cadence, resistance and more. $20 per class, 1923 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-563-3663.

If you’re on a get-fit deadline … try: UXF at Philadelphia Sports Clubs
These boot-camp-style classes are intense—eight exercises followed by two minutes of cardio, rinse, repeat—but with good payoff: They’re said to burn up to 600 calories. The UXF Burn classes are free for members, but the four-week UXF Ripped program (twice-a-week small-group training, plus an interactive online nutrition guide) is $199 for members and $259 for non-members. Locations in Center City, Fairmount/Art Museum, Society Hill, Ardmore, Radnor and Chalfont.

If you’re trying to lose the baby weight … try: Stroller Strides
Kids come along for this indoor/outdoor workout that turns a stroller into fitness equipment. Classes mix power-walking with strength and toning intervals, with mommy-and-baby (and mommy-and-mommy) bonding as a bonus. $15 per class; multiple locations.

>> What are your favorite group classes in Philly? Share in the comments!

  • Share/Bookmark

TO DO: BODY CYCLE STUDIO’S 2013 COMMITMENT RIDE

Kick off the new year with a bike ride and bubbly at Body Cycle Studio.

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/7/2013 at 12:31PM | No Comments

Okay, we’re officially seven days into the new year. How are those get-fit New Year’s resolutions going? If you need a little motivation, make a date with Body Cycle Studio on January 18th for the studio’s first ever commitment ride, appropriately dubbed “Kickin’ It to 2013.” The Friday night class will include a one-hour ride set to awesome tunes, followed by snacks and champagne to celebrate the new year. Riders are encouraged to don their sparkliest ensembles (hey, this is a belated New Year’s celebration) and come ready to sweat. Learn more and register here (click the Events tab).

$20 (first ride is free!), January 18th at 7:45, Body Cycle Studio, 1923 Chestnut Street., second floor, Philadelphia.

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

  • Share/Bookmark

TO DO: FREE YOGA AND FITNESS CLASSES ON SATURDAY IN QUEEN VILLAGE

Neighbors DIG Yoga and Zakti Fitness are hosting an all-day open house with free classes.

Posted by Emily Leaman on 1/4/2013 at 10:30AM | No Comments

Attention New Year’s gym-goers: If you’re already getting bored of ho-hum treadmill workouts, here’s an opportunity to try something new. Two Queen Village studios are hosting open houses this weekend, where you can try new classes all day long. The neighboring studios DIG Yoga and Zakti Fitness, which both opened their doors in September, will run sessions from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. They’ll also be offering discounted yoga and fitness classes in case you’re jonesing to come back. Check out the schedule of the day’s events below.

DIG Yoga schedule:
9:00-10:15 ~ BASICS
10:30-12:00 ~ MIXED LEVEL
1:00-2:00 ~ KIDS YOGA
2:30-3:30 ~ DIG HOUR
3:45-4:45 ~ BEGINNER
5:00-6:15 ~ VINYASA

READ MORE

  • Share/Bookmark