My Top 5: Philly Fitness Gems Every Fitness Lover Should Know About

Image via Roots Athletics.

When you think of fitness in this city (or any city, really), it’s likely that Lululemon Athletica comes to mind. We all need leggings with perfectly positioned mesh cut-outs, right? Plus, with their new The Fishtown Local, Lululemon is making their mark on the city as a destination for the fitness community — not just fitness clothes.

So for this edition of My Top 5, we caught up with Sierra Asplundh, Philly fitness connoisseur and Facebook City Editor at Lululemon, in charge of capturing #thesweatlife locally, to get the skinny on what she would call her top five hidden fitness gems in Philly. Because if anyone’s in-the-know, it’s Sierra. Check out her favorite health-conscious hot spots, from free workouts that go down before most people have rolled out of bed to bomb lunches, then try not to copycat her fitness routine — we dare you. 

Good Karma Cafe
Multiple locations. 
“My morning bites vary depending on whether I’m dining with a crew or by myself. If alone, I prefer to ease into my day at Good Karma Cafe. This easygoing cafe has multiple locations in Center City with breakfast served all day. (What could be better?) The organic food is easily good for you post-workout, and the price point is easy to digest as well. (And yes, there is wi-fi).”

Roots Athletics
2101 Brandywine Street, Fairmount. 
“One of my weekly routines resides in Fairmount, an inviting, clean space by the name of Roots Athletics Philadelphia. They offer three styles of fitness to test your limits: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (gi or no gi), Muay Thai, and my personal guilty pleasure, the FIT class — functional interval training. Owner Levi LaLonde is beyond well-versed in strategically laying out classes and movements to build throughout the week to apply learnings every time you come to the mat. If you’re looking to break out of your fitness comfort zone, look no further.”

Double Knot
120 South 13th Street, Midtown Village. 
“One of Center City’s hidden gems for healthy food, drink, and social would be Double Knot Cafe. The lunch special, which consists of your choice of protein, rice or noodles, with veggies, egg on top, and a special fish sauce to round it out, is $7. The deal is unbeatable and the portion size is perfect for the athlete on the go. Almost forgot to mention the coffee — it’s a one-stop fueling station is to meet all your midday pick-me-up needs.”

November Project
Multiple meeting locations. 
“The most consistent workout I’ve participated in the city is November Project Philadelphia. The tribe meets twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:25 AM. (#justshowup). They promote free fitness, positivity, accountability, and some serious community, blending many runners from all across the city to wake up the sun with some hugs on the side.”

Yoga Habit
1640 Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount. 
“Last, and most certainly not least, where I go to escape the hustle and bustle to reset my mind, body, and soul is Yoga Habit. This power yoga studio is also based in Fairmount, with that coming-home feel as soon as you walk through the door. Jen and Nick Wendowski opened one of those studios you never want to leave, and they may even invite you to join them for a drink around the corner post class. They promote community and acceptance from the get-go, and offer beginner programs to find out if this style of practice is one that speaks to you.”