Work Out, Outdoors

Five great new al fresco fitness classes take exercise up a notch — and outside the gym

Photography by Shea Roggio

If you’re … too smart for Shape-Ups
Try … Walk-Star. One-pound wrist and ankle weights add extra whittling oomph to this fast-paced, 4.5-mile city or suburban walk. As for what to do with that treadmill: Clothing rack? Room divider? Impromptu jungle gym? $20 at Lithe Method, multiple locations; lithemethod.com.

If you’re … stuck on a fitness plateau
Try … SGT classes. TRX, kettlebells and martial arts. All together. All outside. Beneath the trees. How’s that for a change? $25 at Club La Maison, 215 Sugartown Road, Wayne, 610-964-8800, clublamaison.com.

If you’re … jealous of Federer’s forehand—and abs
Try … Cardio-Tennis. Torch calories for 60 minutes straight with ladder drills, footwork, and returning serves as you run from station to station. You’ll look so good you might be tempted to serve shirtless. (But let’s leave that to Roger.) From $13 at Picket Post Swim and Tennis Club, 355 Chase Road, Chesterbrook, 610-644-4646, picketpost.org.

If you’re … a fearless thrill-seeker
Try … Flying trapeze (pictured). It’s fun, it’s freeing, and it guarantees you’ll have the hottest body under the big top. $55 at Camp Kirby, 1735 Narrows Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, flyschoolcircusarts.com.

If you’re … a crew-team wannabe
Try … All-levels rowing. Ever wonder what it feels like to be one of those super-fit dudes slicing through the Schuylkill? This six-week course will firm up your abs, increase your flexibility—and make other Kelly Drive-ers rubberneck. Classes held at Boat House Row #4; $185 through Mount Airy Learning Tree, 6601 Greene Street, 215-843-6333, mtairylearningtree.org.

Originally published in the June 2011 issue of Philadelphia magazine.