8 Philly Exercises that are More Fun than the Gym

Every summer, I tell myself that I’ll use free time to start exercising.

This summer was no exception.

I even went the extra step and bought a gym membership to keep the promise to myself. I proudly stuck with it every other day for a month, but then I lost motivation and never went again.

So why is it such a hard time to commit to the gym regularly? Personally, I get bored using the same machines at the same place every day! Instead, I hunted for fun ways to exercise in Philly to get back in the swing of things for the fall.

Here are 8 fun & unique Philly exercises for beginners to experts:

 

Photo: Creative Commons

1. Hoop Dancing – Taught at Studio 34 in West Philly, Hoop Dancing takes the hula-hooping you did as a kid to a whole new fun level. Discover how to spin the hoop around all different parts of your body, pull off-body moves and more. Hoop Dancing strengthens your body (especially your core), improves balance and coordination, and burns a ton of calories. 4522 Baltimore Ave.

2. Skyrobics – Burn up to 1,000 calories an hour at Sky Zone with their low-impact exercise of Skyrobics. Taught on their wall-to-wall trampolines, Skyrobics is great for strength building for people of any fitness level. 122 Mill Road, Oaks, PA.

3. Cardio Barre – Looking to hone your coordination and flexibility? Ploome offers fantastic cardio barre classes, a fusion of high intensity interval training and ballet. With a wide range of class styles, you’ll find something interesting. 1040 North American Street

Photo: Creative Commons

4. Piloxing – If you’re looking for high-energy, try Piloxing. Offered at Philly Dance Fitness, Piloxing combines boxing, Pilates, and dance for a workout that’s sure to burn calories. 1170 South Broad Street.

5. Aerial Yoga – If you’ve conquered traditional yoga or desire more challenges, head on down to Kaya Aerial Yoga. Using an aerial hammock (think: soft, low hanging trapeze), students can practice traditional yoga postures without putting pressure on joints. Lengthens and strengthens your body with in-air inversions! 225 Quarry Street.

6. Splash & Burn – A step above swimming laps in the pool, Splash & Burn is a unique intermediate water aerobics class with cardio intervals and kickboard work to get your heart pumping. Sweat Fitness only requires an ability to swim! Locations all around Philly

Photo: Creative Commons

7. SUP Yoga – Step out of your comfort zone & strengthen your core with yoga on a stand up paddleboard. Don’t fret, beginners: Aqua Vida doesn’t require previous yoga experience. Summer sessions were at Spruce Street Harbor Park, check their website for Fall locations.

8. Belly Dancing – Interested in dance? Studio 1831 has a range of Belly Dancing classes, so all fitness levels are welcome! 1831 Brandywine Street.

 

Craving more options? Check out our list of Philly’s low cost exercise options.