Guides

New Fitness and Wellness Businesses That Somehow Launched During the Pandemic

Philly’s health and wellness community is finding new ways to evolve, and in some cases, starting fresh.


new fitness businesses

Strength Haus, one of Philly’s new fitness businesses to launch during the pandemic, hosts an outdoor class in Queen Village. | Photo courtesy Strength Haus Instagram.

With all of the change and challenge of this year for the fitness and wellness industry, it’s a marvel to see new fitness initiatives opening up. But, we shouldn’t be surprised. The Philly area is chock full of determined and passionate trainers and leaders who are creating their own paths, whether IRL and socially distanced, or entirely online. (Shout out to all the virtual races that happened this year, too.) Here are just some of the new digital and in-person offerings that have cropped up in the Philly area since March.

Strength Haus 

These new workout classes (which kicked off during the most recent city shutdown) typically take place on Sundays outdoors and socially distanced in different locations around Philly. Check their Instagram for information and to get on a mailing list for workout updates.

Leavell Up Fitness

Leavell Up Fitness is a “body-positive and inclusive fitness network” that seeks to make exercise accessible and joyful. It was launched this year by Lauren Leavell, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor. Check the website for membership options.

Formation Sauna + Wellness

The stylish new Nordic-inspired space in Nolibs opened this year and offers sauna sessions, massages, and limited contact private booking. Read more about their opening and their offerings here.

The Well Studio 

Yoga teacher Marissa Nash launched the Well Studio in October, a virtual studio focusing on “movement, breath work, community, and meditation.” Members get access to a weekly movement and meditation sessions and a monthly wellness guest expert talk. Check out all the information on their website.

Align Your Asana 2.0

Yoga instructor Lisa O’Rear launched Align Your Asana 2.0, a group coaching course centered around yoga this fall. Check her website and Instagram for the latest updates and future offerings. 

The Fitness Curriculum

Fit pro Jayel Lewis pivoted to launch her Fitness Curriculum, a program which teaches fitness professionals how to build their online platforms and businesses, and create additional revenue streams, in July. She’ll be offering more sessions in the coming year, too. Find out more on the website.

OMM Yoga Studio

OMM Yoga Studio, which stands for Organic Mindful Movement, was founded by Anne Ledyard, Jacki Silva Steuer, and Melissa Green Henkin. They created it after being laid off from CorePower Yoga amid the coronavirus pandemic. Check out their full list of offerings on their website.

Women’s World Gym

This brand new gym from Whitney Blaylock opened this September on East Allegheny Avenue. It was designed to be a “space where women can confidently reach their fitness goals” — the space features painted walls by fashion designer Iris Barbee Bonner. Check their Instagram and website for their latest updates.

 

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A post shared by Womens Gym (@womens_gym_)

AMFit

This program from fitness coach Angelena Minniti includes a “12-week group coaching course that will come with a progressive strength training program, live workouts, a nutritionist and a community of like-minded individuals.” Check her Instagram and website for more information.

Spirits Up!

Spirits Up! launched in June, and has since continued expanding their initiatives to include socially distanced group workouts like running, yoga, and meditation, as well as plenty of virtual health and wellness events. They’re working towards a goal of opening a brick-and-mortar location, too. Check out the latest updates on the website and Instagram.

YogaJung

Yoga instructor Jung Kim kicked off her virtual yoga program, YogaJung, this year, partnering with various other local organizations in the process. Check her website for the latest updates and schedule.

The Program

Fitness coach and entrepreneur Jackie Dragone’s latest offering is “The Program,” a 90-day small group training for busy women that want to build sustainable healthy habits. Find out more information here

Practice in the Park

Launched during the pandemic by Latifah McMullin and Jimmy Kirby, the Practice in the Park yoga series takes place outdoors and socially distanced in Malcolm X Park on select dates. Check Instagram for the latest updates and information about upcoming classes.

 

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A post shared by Latifah (@phillylala)

Joy Moves by Haley

The movement and meditation classes from Joy Moves are available by membership subscription or drop-in. Find more information and the latest scheduling information online.

Flow Fit Studio

Launched in September 2020, this new studio from instructors Alyssa Beerger and Michele Dolaway offers pilates, barre, and yoga virtually as well as in outdoor locations in Ambler. Check their website or Instagram for the latest updates.

The Refresh

The Refresh is a Be Well with Beth fitness and nutrition online program created for busy parents. It provides “weekly action prompts, online resources, Zoom chats and other tools” to help parents feel energized and in control of their health and wellness. Find out more information on the website.

Konect

Konect offers recovery compression therapy, chiropractor services, IV therapy, and chryotherapy in NoLibs, and opened this past summer. Check their website for the latest information on pricing and availability of services.

Nirvana Health and Beauty

Another NoLibs newcomer, Nirvana medical wellness spa was founded by a former Rescue Spa esthetician, and includes a staff largely drawn from other former Rescue spa workers. Learn more about them here.

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