Field Guide: Our Favorite Fitness Classes at the Art Museum Right Now
Fitness fanatics swarm the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art | Photograph by Gene Smirnov
Rocky’s iconic ascent up the Art Museum steps would look far different now than it did back in 1979. For starters, he’d have to bob and weave his way up to avoid bumping into the countless Lululemon-clad fitness junkies for whom the steps serve as a year-round outdoor gym. If you haven’t embraced the steps yet, you should — if not for muscle tone, then at least for the unparalleled views. Here are the season’s top fitness classes at the iconic spot, perfect for Art Museum addicts and wannabe stair masters alike.
For a Healthier Happy Hour: Fit Academy
Replace those margarita happy hours with these post-work boot camps, which pair entertaining trainers with playful activities. (When was the last time you went all-out to win a one-legged hopping relay race?) As a bonus, the group occasionally heads to a real happy hour — with alcohol — after class. $20; Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
For a Creative Workout: CoreFitness
Trainers lead Art Museum boot camps most days of the week, but the standouts are their occasional “BYO” workouts where you bring your own props. We love the BYO-candle candlelight yoga classes; your flame provides the ambience. $14 and up; days and times vary.
For Yoga With a Side of Culture: Yoga at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Every Wednesday evening, Dhyana Yoga hosts two all-levels yoga classes in different galleries inside the Museum, where you’ll be rewarded with upward-facing-dog views that beat the blank walls of a studio. Pay what you wish; Wednesdays at 6 and 7 p.m.
For Pet- and Kid-Friendly Classes: The November Project
It’s not just adults who join in on this grassroots fitness group’s classes every Wednesday morning. You’ll find babies — in carriers, of course — and even a few dogs. The all-are-welcome motto makes this feel like one big fitness family. And the workout? It’s totally butt-kicking. Free; Wednesdays at 6:25 a.m.
For Uninterrupted Girl Time: City Fit Girls
At these ladies-only pop-up boot camps, you get 45 minutes of quality girl time along with a killer bodyweight workout. Show up at the Art Museum with a yoga mat and water bottle to sweat with trainers from around the city — and to talk about sports bras without lowering your voice. $15; days and times vary.
Published as “Step It Up” in the June issue of Philadelphia magazine.
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