Check Out These Healthy and Fit Best of Philly Winners!

Philly Mag's 40th anniversary Best Of issue is out now. Here are some of the healthy peeps who made the cut.

I always love working on Philly Mag’s Best of Philly issue, and this year was no different. Staffers spend months researching, vetting, sampling, testing and vetting again all of the people, places and things that make Philly an awesome place to live.

Our 40th annual Best of Philly issue just hit newsstands this week (yes, we’ve been doing this for 40 whole years), and I’m so super psyched to share a few of the winners here. We’ll be celebrating all our winners for the next month at various pop-up events around town, with our big Best of Philly Bash on August 20th. You’re welcome to join us for any and all of these terrific events. Check them out here, and get your tickets while you still can.

Without further ado, here are five of the 286 winners (!!) honored in the Best of Philly 2013.

Best Running Club
Winner: Fishtown Beer Runners

Intimidated by the pace-obsessed, spandex-clad enthusiasts who populate some running clubs? This once a week group (Thursdays at 7 p.m.) is for you. The runs are short (usually three to five miles), the atmosphere is welcoming (all levels attend), and the post-workout refreshments (enjoyed at a different bar each week) are more than motivating.

Nutritionist
Winner: Family Food

One of Philadelphia registered dietician Krista Yoder-Latortue’s staff of 25 registered dieticians will meet with you (or the whole fam) at your home to tackle your health objectives, whether they include weight loss, blood-pressure regulation or cancer prevention. From the foods you need to eat to a customized phone app to help you track your goals, they’ll have you thinking about food in a whole new way.

Fun Fitness Class
Winner: Philly Dance Fitness

Chuck the boring gym routine for a stint as a would-be contestant on So You Think You Can Dance. A rotation of styles (Zumba, hip-hop, jazz), taught at studios in Fairmount, Center City and South Philly, will leave your blood pumping and your body drenched. It’s also a great deal: just $15 for a drop-in or $40 for a five-class card.

Personal Trainer
Winner: Brian Maher

Whether in his personal training studio in Center City or the privacy of your own home, Maher—a certified strength and conditioning specialist—provides a custom exercise program, sensible nutrition advice, and, most importantly, the firm but friendly voice you need to drown out your inner “I’ll just skip today” monologue.

Return Policy
Winner: Athleta

They’re not kidding when they say you can return items anytime, for any reason. On one recent visit, the staff happily swapped out an ill-fitting pair of yoga pants that had seen mana a shavasana for something better—no questions asked.