About this time each year, regular gym-goers complain about “Resolutioners.” These fair-weather friends of the fitness center start off the year with good intentions, resolving to finally lose weight or get buff. They regularly exercise or attend classes at first, only to fall off the wagon mere weeks later.
It’s easy to get lazy about working out when you’re faced with intimidating, crowded gyms and cold weather. Rather than give up your dream of a healthy physique, opt for one of Philadelphia’s many distinctive workouts, workshops and clubs. You’ll meet new people, learn a new hobby and maybe even find yourself committed to a new routine.
Fishtown Beer Runners
Each week, this group of runners gets together for a 3-to-5-mile run, then ends the night at a pub for a couple quality beers. The destination changes weekly, so you’re always trying something new. This week they head to Johnny Brenda's. Sure, a beer may not exactly be healthy, but that’s what the running is for. New runners are always welcome.
Thursday, January 8
7 p.m. | Free to run, beer is pay as you go
2346 E. Susquehanna Ave.
Ages 21 and up
SkyFitness
Train your core, build muscle and squeeze in some cardio during this calorie-burning bouncy workout. Spending an hour in a wall-to-wall trampoline center is a great way to trick your brain into having fun while exercising. The low-impact nature of the trampoline makes this workout great for all body types.
Thursday, January 8
6:45-7:45 p.m. | $15
Sky Zone Moorestown
2834 Route 73 North, Maple Shade, Nj.
(856) 235-4411
Ages 16 and up
Intro to Aerials
Have you ever wanted to run off and join the circus? Well, now is your chance. Check out an adult introductory workshop in aerials, the art of performing acrobatics while suspended in the air by fabric, rope and trapeze. Celebrities like Pink and Vanessa Hudgens swear by this circus act to keep them toned.
Friday, January 9
6:30-7:45 p.m. | $25
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
5900A Greene St.
(215) 849-1991
Ages 18 and up
Happy Hour Barre Blast
Start off your weekend right by doing a barre power session. This ballet exercise technique lengthens limbs, tones and builds strength without the bulk. The condensed routine will have you toned in all the right places in just 45 minutes, no tutu required.
Friday, January 9
5:15-6 p.m. | $18
Barre Focus Fitness
367 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford, Pa.
(610) 649-3241
Abominable Slowman 5K
Raise funds for the PA Teen Challenge Centers, which help teens with substance abuse recovery, with a wintry 5K. A Kid’s Fun Run will take place just before the main event, and a DJ and food will be on hand for the festivities. At just over 3 miles, you can walk or run this course.
Saturday, January 10
9 a.m. | $35 for adults, $15 for kids
Wilson Farm Park
500 Lee Road, Wayne, Pa.
(610) 308-3993
Taste of Philly Dance Fitness Workshop
It’s OK to dance like nobody is watching at this special-event class. For two hours, instructors will teach 15-minute sample sessions of their dance-based exercise classes. You’ll try out a bit of everything, from Zumba and tap to jazz and ballet.
Sunday, January 11
3:30-5:30 p.m. | $30
Philly Dance Fitness
1170 S. Broad St.
(215) 645-2717
Breakfast Bike Ride
Like to bike? Check out one of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia’s tamer routes, a trip to Quaker Diner in Northeast Philadelphia. You’ll ride through the city on your way to the diner, where you’ll stop for breakfast, and complete a 20-mile loop at about 10 mph. It’s a local tour and a workout all in one.
Sunday, January 11
9 a.m. | Free
Bulldog Statue
25th Street and Pennsylvania Ave.
(215) 990-3207
Flamenco Workshop with Noelia Sabarea
Internationally renowned flamenco dancer Noelia Sabarea will join Pasión y Arte Flamenco for a three-day special event. Sabarea will hold flamenco workshops for both beginners and more advanced dancers, using her more than 20 years of experience to get your heart and your feet racing.
Sunday, January 18 through Tuesday, January 20
Class times vary | All classes $30
954 Dance Movement Collective
954 N. 8th St.
(215) 921-8126
Blue Cross RiverRink
Now that the hordes of holiday visitors have gone, the RiverRink should be nice and quiet for a relaxing skate. Strap on some blades, check out the view and go around and around until your legs are wobbly. It may look easy, but trust us; it’s a workout.
Now through Sunday, March 1
Hours vary | $3 for admission, $10 for rental skates
Delaware River Waterfront
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
(215) 629-3200