Time to Man Up: 5 Philly Fitness Classes Guys Will Love


Les Mills Grit will keep your heart pounding — and muscles screaming — for 30 minutes straight.

Les Mills Grit will keep your heart pounding — and muscles screaming — for 30 minutes straight. | Photo courtesy Les Mills

A funny thing has been happening at my boot camp classes lately: There are men, like, everywhere. Suddenly, the guys who used to go it alone in the weight room are filling their schedules with group-fitness classes, sweating, grunting and panting alongside me.

It’s about time, men: The days of Jazzercise and shiny spandex are long over. Many classes today are tough enough to challenge even the manliest meathead.

Don’t believe me? These five local classes will put your body to the test. Grunting encouraged.

For the CrossFit Curious
Try: Boot Camp at CrossFit PHL
It’s the just-right intro to CrossFit: You’ll learn some of the moves, and maybe the lingo, in a welcoming yet gamely competitive environment. Most classes include cardio and conditioning for a well-balanced—and totally exhausting—head-to-toe workout. 1414 Darien Street, Passyunk Square.

For the Amphibious
Try: Platoon Swim with Platoon Fitness
When’s the last time you hopped in the pool for a workout? Thought so. This class, held at a 25-meter pool at the Haverford School, aims to improve speed, endurance and swimming technique. Some workouts are done both in and out of the water. Class held at 450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford; sign up by calling 610-581-6161.

For a Serious Test of Strength
Try: Kettlebell Strength and Conditioning at RISE Gym
This year’s Best of Philly-winning personal trainer, Marshall Roy, hosts small group-training classes that leverage tried-and-true kettlebell workouts. You’ll increase strength and burn fat quickly and efficiently. 485 South Henderson Road, King of Prussia.

For the Ride of Your Life
Try: Ride/Run at Body Cycle Studio
Led by accomplished triathlete Barry Lewis, this in-the-saddle, out-of-the-saddle class features a 60-minute indoor ride followed by an outdoor group run. While you’re there, be sure to pick Lewis’s brain for pro race-day tips. 1923 Chestnut Street, second floor, Rittenhouse.

For an Intensity Boost
Try: Les Mills Grit at Fit Fire Studios
There are three kinds of Grit classes: plyometrics (think explosive, powerful jumps), strength (weights, a bench, and body-weight moves) and cardio (you know what cardio is, right?). Whatever the format, expect one of the sweatiest, can’t-catch-your-breath workouts of your life. Silver lining? It’s over in just 30 minutes. 300 West Lancaster Avenue, Devon.

This article first appeared in the October issue of Philadelphia magazine.

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