10 Coolest Fitness and Foodie Events in Philly This Month: January 2016

Yoga at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | Photo by Casey Kallen Photography

Resolution season is upon us, friends. If you’ve got a list of goals a mile long, we’re here to help, with a slew of fitness and healthy foodie happenings to keep you busy (and on track!) all month long. From chilly runs to brunch-fueled yoga classes, we’ve got plenty of resolution-savers on our calendar. Who’s in?

1. Resolution Run
When: Sunday, January 3rd at 10 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Runner, 1601 Sansom Street, Center City.

Philadelphia Runner and the ODDyssey Half Marathon are teaming up for a for-fun group run to jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions. The run will be around three miles long, then it’s back to the store for some resolution-making, raffle giveaways, and treats (healthy, of course). It’s free and open to all levels.

2. Yoga and Brunch at Hydro+Pose Studio
When: Sunday, January 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Where: 1903 South Broad Street, South Philly.

Instructor Katie Gould will lead this popular monthly class, which features a yoga session followed by an in-studio brunch. If you haven’t yet made it down to Hydro+Pose Studio, which is a class space that doubles as an indoor garden, this is the perfect excuse. It’s $15 to participate.

3. Chilly Cheeks 11K Trail Run
When: Sunday, January 24th at 11 a.m.
Where: Reading.

This annual trail run for people who don’t mind frigid temps celebrates its 10th birthday this year. You’ll tackle hills, obstacles and winding trails, all in pursuit of a well-deserved hot breakfast at the end. It’s $34 to register and you’ll get a long-sleeved shirt to commemorate the day.

4. Winter Yoga at the Horticulture Center
When: January 17th from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 100 North Horticultural Drive, West Fairmount Park.

This yoga class, led by one of our favorite Philly yoga instructors, Emile Sorger, is part of the Fairmount Park Conservancy’s winter yoga series taking place at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. You’ll get your asana on inside the Center for a flower-and-shrub-surrounded practice like no other. The theme for this session is Beat the Winter Blues, so expect to tackle poses that ignite your inner fire (read: you’ll be sweaty). It’s $10 for non-Conservancy members and free for members. Be sure to bring your own mat and water.

5. Yoga Workshop: Hand-balancing Fundamentals
When: Saturday, January 16th from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Mama’s Wellness Joint, 11oo Pine Street, Midtown Village.

Oh, hey look! Another event with the one and only Emile Sorger. This one is a primer on hand-balancing moves, to help you improve your alignment, balance and confidence for the balance-iest poses — including ones that turn you upside-down. It’s $25 before January 11th and $30 after.

6. Snow or Shine Hike
When: January 10th and January 31st, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Valley Park.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy is organizing two all-levels, all-weather hikes to showcase the wintertime beauty of the Wissahickon. The first one, on the 10th, is a “greatest hits” hike with Hidden City’s Bradley Maule, who’ll take you to some of the most beloved spots in the park (think Cresheim Valley, Devil’s Pool, Fingerspan). The hike on the 31st, also led by Maule, brings together, according to the description, “geography, industrial history, mystic monks, Norman Rockwell, and a park that doesn’t exist yet with the same thread.” Intrigued? Us, too. The hikes are $10 for non-Conservancy members and free for members.

7. The One-One Run
When: Friday, January 1st at noon.
Where: Irish Mile, 350 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township.

Perhaps this will be your first run of 2016. You’ll countdown until noon, then head off in various pace and distance groups as an oh-so-runnerly way to ring in the New Year. Think of it as an opportunity to do some goal-setting among friends. After the run, you can hang out at the Irish Mile for giveaways, raffles and door prizes. Proceeds from the run (it costs $11) go to the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County.

8. Back Flexibility Workshop
When: Sunday, January 17th from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Purenergy Studio, 21 Plank Avenue, Paoli.

Spend two hours doing nothing but focusing on your back — specifically, how to promote pain-free comfort, flexibility and vitality. The workshop is done on the floor or in a chair, whichever is more comfortable for you, and is suited for all levels. It’s $30 to participate.

9. Mayor’s Icicle 10-Miler
When: Sunday, January 10th at 9 a.m.
Where: Central Branch YMCA, 11th and Washington streets, Wilmington.

Yes, we’re sending you to Delaware for this one, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a long-ish distance run to start your New Year. This 40th annual race takes you all around town — Note: there are hills! — with a post-race party with free beer and food specials for runners. It’s $40 to pre-register and $45 day-of.

10. Healthy Cooking for the New Year
When: Saturday, January 2nd from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Sur La Table, King of Prussia Mall.

This hands-on cooking class will give you the tools to make your eat-less-takeout resolution finally stick this year. The menu includes roasted chicken with apricot-ginger chutney; kale salad with winter squash, lemon and feta; and Moroccan chickpea and vegetable stew with quinoa. You’ll get servings of each dish as you go along. It’s $69 to participate.

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