The Philly Fitness Lover’s Summer Bucket List: 15 Things You Have to Do

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First we brought you guys the Ultimate Philly Fitness Bucket List and now, a bucket list made just for summertime. The 15 things we think every Philly fitness lover needs to experience — and don’t worry, you don’t have to cross ’em all off this summer. But if you do, you’ll totally earn bragging rights.

Have your own bucket list items to add? List ‘em off in the comments! 

1. RING SUMMER IN RIGHT

First things first, you’ve got to ring the season in right by getting your 108 sun salutations on at one of the many Summer Solstice celebrations that happen around town. Our pick? Yoga Mala hosted by the Fairmount Park Conservancy at Lemon Hill. (By climbing that giant hill, you’ll also be crossing an item off of our Ultimate Philly Fitness Bucket List. #Winning) Plan it: June 21st.

2. RUN ALONG THE SCHUYLKILL AT MIDNIGHT

If you’ve never gone for a midnight run because, well, you’ve watched your fair share of Law & Order and you’re not looking to get murdered (totally reasonable, by the way), here’s your chance to do it with a crowd. Back on my Feet’s in24 Midnight Madness race takes runners decked out in glow-in-the-dark gear on an 8.4-mile loop around the Schuylkill river at midnight. Plan it: Evening of July 18th.

3. BIKE TO THE BEACH

No, biking all the way down the Jersey Shore will not be easy. But just think: You’ll totally have earned a strawberry daiquiri once you reach the finish line. Plan it: Whenever you want; check out this guide for route pointers.

4. BECOME A PICNIC PRO

We have no shortage of great picnicking parks around these parts: There’s the obvious choice of Rittenhouse, the roomy Clark Park, the under-appreciated Penn Treaty Park and about a bazillion other places to park a picnic blanket and hang out with your dog, your friends and a frisbee. So this summer, put becoming a picnic pro on your to-do list, because why not? Plan it: Whenever you want.

5. GET YOUR SAVASANA ON UNDERNEATH THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE

Whether you make Yoga on the Pier a weekly (or even daily!) thing or just swing by the pier for a single class, getting your downward dog on at this warm-weather yoga series is definitely something you need to cross off of your bucket list at least once this summer. The free classes, helmed by local yogi Malik Wilson, are held over the water of the Delaware River and right underneath the Ben Franklin Bridge, and it’s simply impossible not to peek during savasana because the views are just so amazing. If nothing else, do it for the Instagram photo. Plan it: Classes held every day; check out the schedule here.

6. DANCE. DANCE. DANCE.

When was the last time you shook your groove thang all day long? At Philadelphia Dance Day, held in late July, you’ll get to try your hand at everything from hip-hop to ballroom and more during a long lineup of free workshops held throughout the day. Once you’ve worn yourself out, you can plop down to watch the pros at work during live performances. Then, the day ends with a blow-out dance party for all ages. Best day ever, right? Plan it: July 25th.

7. PITCH A TENT

Whether you’re looking to mountain bike, canoe, surf, fish or just chill out, there’s a camping spot not too far from Philly for you to escape to. Check out a few of our top picks here. And if you don’t have a tent to pitch, no worries: Fitler Square’s Fireside Camp Supply will rent you one, along with everything else you need for your camping excursion. Plan it: Whenever you want.

8. POUND THE PAVEMENT THROUGH PHILLY NEIGHBORHOODS

The Philly 10K, which takes runners through city neighborhoods (you won’t spend a single second on MLK Drive, we promise) is a comin’ for it’s second year and it is bound to be a seriously great time, whether you snagged a bib or are just spectating. Last year, Mummers even made it out to the festivities! So whether you’re sweating it out or just screaming “Go! Go! Go!” you’re not going to want to miss this one. And psst: We’re hosting training runs for the race to beer gardens around Philly all summer long. Plan it: August 30th.

9. DOWNWARD DOG ON THE DELAWARE

Yes, downward dog on the Delaware River. The ladies of Aqua Vida teach SUP yoga right on the Delaware River every week at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Just try not to fall in! Plan it: Wednesdays and Saturdays; check out the schedule here.

10. GET TO KNOW THE TRAILS

One of the great things about living in Philly is that there are about a million and one secluded trails just a hop, skip and a throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. So this summer, when they aren’t covered with ice, get to know them! Chasing Trail running group explores the trails of the Wissahickon every Sunday and the Fairmount Park Conservancy hosts runs through the Belmont Plateau trails all summer long. And if you’re more into walking, Philadelphia Distance Walkers is a community where folks who like to walk on both Philly streets and trails can exchange useful info. Plan it: Whenever you want.

11. SPIN ON A ROOF

Throughout the summer months, The Wall Cycling Studio is hosting rooftop spin on top of Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting’s rooftop. And we think spin with a view that isn’t just another sweaty spinner’s face is something we all need to cross off our bucket lists. Plan it: June 28th, July 19th and August 16th.

12. GO FOR A BEACH RUN

Drinking margaritas and reading trashy novels are great and all, but another thing the beach is good for is super-killer (and Instagram-worthy) runs. We suggest crossing this one off your bucket list over and over again by trying out these sweet Shore-town running routes (complete with maps!). Plan it: Whenever you want.

13. CONQUER THE BIKE RIDE TO PHOENIXVILLE

A beer will never have tasted so sweet as when you reach the end of the 52-mile journey out to Phoenixville. Plan it: Whenever you want.

14. CROSS AS MANY OF THESE OUTDOOR YOGA CLASSES OFF AS YOU CAN

We mentioned a few sweet outdoor yoga classes above, but there are so many more throughout Philly, Jersey and the ‘Burbs! And a good chunk of them are free or pay-what-you-wish, so why not try as many of them as you can? Plan it: Classes every day of the week, check out our full lineup of outdoor yoga classes around Philly here.

15. TREAT YO SELF TO SOME VEGAN ICE CREAM

Because with all the working out you’re going to be doing, you’re going to need to squeeze in a few treat-yo-self days, and a pit-stop at Fishtown’s Little Baby’s, which boasts a slew of delicious vegan ice creams made with coconut cream (vegan Thai iced tea is a winner), should definitely be on your list. Plan it: Whenever you want.

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