10 Philly Fitness Activities You Have to Try Before Summer Ends


race st pier

Yoga at Race Street Pier

I’m sorry to burst your summer-lovin’ bubble, but sadly we’ve only got about a month left of this wonderful warm weather and all the good stuff that comes along with it: beach trips, hot summer runs, ice cream trucks everywhere you look.

If you’ve spent the majority of your summer swinging on a hammock, eating water ice and enjoying the weather, that is completely acceptable (and I am totally green with envy), but it’s officially time to abandon the hammock and get moving: We’ve got 10 outdoor activities best enjoyed in warmer weather that we think you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Happy sweating, folks!

1. Free yoga at Race Street Pier
With a free yoga class led by the instructors of Dhyana Yoga happening nearly every single day of the week (every day except Wednesday), you’ve really got no excuse to miss out on this awesome summer series. Bonus: Morgan’s Pier, another one of Philly’s summer staples, is right down the road for some post-stretch refreshments.

2. Free outdoor Zumba in Manayunk
The folks from SWEAT Fitness will be hosting this free Zumba class, complete with a live DJ, at Canal View Park through the end of the summer. It’s basically a free after-work dance party in the park. I mean, can you say jackpot?

3. Run along the Jersey Shore
While the Jersey Shore might not be in Philadelphia, going “down the Shore” is a very Philly thing to do. Next time you head to Jersey to soak up some sun, make sure to squeeze in one of these scenic runs—you’ll get a great workout and see some totally Instagram-worthy views.

4. SUP Yoga with Aqua Vida at Spruce Street Harbor Park
It’s official: Spruce Street Harbor Park just got even more awesome. Last week, Aqua Vida began teaching stand-up paddle board yoga classes at the pop-up park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The bad news is, the classes will only run through the end of August. The good news? You’ve still got a few weeks to join in on the fun.

5. Sweat and drink with the Fishtown Beer Runners
Technically, you can get your sweat on with this Fishtown-based running group year-round, but sipping on an ice-cold beer post-run is just way more satisfying in the summer. Am I right? Runners leave from Fishtown at 7 p.m. every Thursday and head to a local watering hole. Tonight’s destination: Lllama Tooth on Spring Garden Street.

6. The Philly Naked Bike Ride
Funny story: Last summer, my boyfriend and I were biking down Spring Garden Street when we suddenly realized that we were surrounded on all sides by NAKED cyclists. It took us a minute to figure it out, but we soon realized we were trapped in the middle of the Philly Naked Bike Ride. It was probably the most awkward and awesome five minutes of my life. This year’s ride is on September 6th, and whether you’re riding commando, or just cheering ‘em on, you really can’t miss this classic Philly event.

7. $10 Concert-Themed Spin Classes at Sweat Fitness
If you couldn’t make it to the Beyoncé and Jay Z concert, who cares? These concert-themed Spin classes happening through the end of August, with tunes from Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, MIA and more, totally make up for it.

8. Urban Yoga Philly’s Free Class at Oxford Mills
This free weekly Saturday morning yoga class, courtesy of Urban Yoga Philly, is seriously awesome: great atmosphere, great instructors and a not-too-huge crowd. Plus, if you’re lucky, the class might even be taught to the tune of live music. Can you think of a better way to start your weekend?

9. Work out with the November Project at the Art Museum steps
You can squeeze in a free workout with the November Project at the Art Museum Steps every Wednesday morning at 6:25, year-round. But let’s be honest: Waking up that early to sweat your butt off Rocky-style is just so much more fun when you don’t have to wear a puffy coat and gloves.

10. Get a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream
Okay fine, this isn’t a fitness activity. But after all that working out, you’re going to need to cool off, and a heaping scoop of delicious vegan ice cream should do just the trick! We rounded up seven spots around Philly where you can grab a scoop. (Feel free to thank us later.)

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