6 Philadelphians on the Virtual Tools They’re Using to Stay Centered and Healthy in 2020
From workout apps to Zoom classes, here's what they're relying on for wellness throughout the pandemic.
Online workouts like Nike Training Club are one way Philadelphians are getting exercise at home. Photograph courtesy Nike Training Club
Six fit Philadelphians share the virtual tools they’re using to stay centered and healthy during the pandemic.
Valerie Gay. Photograph by Michael Perez/The Barnes Foundation
Valerie Gay
Deputy director of audience engagement and chief experience officer at the Barnes Foundation
“The Sworkit app offers a variety of exercises, from Pilates to high-intensity cardio. And it allows you to set goals and gives you badges — for those of us who like to win or accomplish things.”
Dito van Reigersberg
Actor, artistic director, and drag performer Martha Graham Cracker
“My Gyrotonic teacher, Jennifer Johnson of BodyPathways in Queen Village, does a Zoom class that I did during the quarantine. It was very good for my sanity. I take virtual classes with Ellen Greenberg at Practice Yoga Studio on 4th Street or will join in my friend Justin Rose’s regular group stretch, which he hosts on Instagram, @jprescottrose.”
Yehuda Sichel
Yehuda Sichel. Photograph by Julian Gottfried
Owner of fast-casual eatery Huda
“I’ve been doing Renaissance Periodization workouts since even before the quarantine. I was able to modify them so they fit into my daily routine. I can even do them in the basement of Huda!”
Brian Anderson
Owner and creative head, the Perception
Brian Anderson. Photography Robert Carter
“When the pandemic first hit, I found that the Calm app was extremely helpful. It has features to help you meditate, focus and sleep. I use the Nike Training Club app, which is great for targeted workouts in any time frame. I also do the live kettlebell workouts on Onnit [@onnit] on Instagram.”
Jiana Murdic
Founder and director of Get Fresh Daily
“I’m using the 10K Runner app, which is guiding me back to running after an injury. I’m loving Les Mills on Demand; there are a variety of classes offered. And Philly-based teacher Adriana Adelé offers a virtual yoga class called Breathe & Rest, specifically for black folk, that is beautiful and tremendously healing.”
Heidi Cannon
Optician at InnerVision; hand-embroidery artist, @americanwastoid
Heidi Cannon. Photograph by Phobymo
“I bounce back and forth from YouTube yoga — Arianna Elizabeth and Yoga with Adriene — to Chloe Ting’s workout plans — also via YouTube — to online classes from local studio Unite Fitness.”
Published as “Home Bodies” in the November 2020 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
