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

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Summer, in all its sweat-inducing glory, is here, folks! And we know: That spot on your couch that gets the perfect not-too-aggressive breeze from your AC is calling your name. That’s where this list comes in — here, 15 sweet outdoor activities around Philly worth getting sweaty for this summer, so you don’t find yourself embracing fall with nothing to show for yourself but a deeper couch imprint. Print this list, paste it to your fridge, and get to crossing items off, friends!

BIKE TO THE SHORE

Yes, ALL the way to Jersey Shore. Because anything — including an uncontested calf-burning bike ride — beats that traffic. This handy pointers sheet will get your from Philly to Ocean City.

LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE THE WISSAHICKON

If the beautiful 1800-acre Wissahickon Valley Park has yet to become a go-to running spot for you, we’ve just got one question: WTF? The city park offers up a variety of trails — from flat and wide-open, like the Forbidden Trail path, to wooded and OMG-my-glutes-might-actually-be-on-fire-no-literally steep — and greenery for days. Start with these five Wissahickon runnings routes to get your footing.

GET OFF THE GRID

For when you need a break from steaming city dumpsters and strangers dripping sweat onto you on cramped SEPTA trains (so, in my case, soon), pitch a tent at one of these awesome camping spots around Philly. Whether waves (hey, Cape Henlopen) or deep woods (hey, Glen Onoko Falls) are calling your name, there’s a nearby spot for you to escape the hustle, bustle, sweat and funky odors of city living.

SWEAT WITH US

For days when you ARE game for getting sweaty with strangers (hey, there’s a time and place for everything), there’s our Be Well Philly Summer Yoga Flow series. (Eeeeeeeee!) Every Tuesday throughout summer, starting July 11th, we’ll be hosting a free after-work downward-dog session with Three Queens Yoga and DJ SYLO at Dilworth Park. So pencil that into your calendars, folks!

GET IN AS MANY SUN-SOAKED SAVASANAS AS YOU CAN

And speaking of outdoor yoga, it’s not just our yoga series you have to choose from. There are TONS of outdoor yoga options to take your pick of — as in over 30 regularly scheduled outdoor yoga sessions around town, from rooftops to farmers’ market to bridge yoga, throughout the warmer months. Who needs an indoor yoga session, anyway? (Well, until winter, of course.) Find our exhaustive rundown of the season’s outdoor yoga classes in Philadelphia here.

BECOME A PICNIC PRO

Is there anything more joyous than eating a cheese plate on a picnic blanket, with your dog posted up next to you and great views out ahead of you? (And maybe a red solo cup of wine in the mix, too?) The answer: No. Here, 10 picnic spots you’ll want to laze around at all day. (Because sometimes, simply being lazy somewhe

EMBRACE MLK DRIVE

It’s not every day you get to ride your bike along a city street without the slightest fear of cars, which it exactly what makes the seasonal MLK Drive closures (the road closes to traffic on weekends from April through October) so DARN glorious. Bonus: A simple turn will take your straight to Belmont Plateau, one of the sweet picnic spots mentioned above.

DANCE YOUR ASS OFF

Philadelphia Dance Day, July 29th, is the one day you have an excuse to literally do nothing but dance your ass off all damn day. There are free workshops at a number of studios around Philly throughout the day, then a blowout dance party at night.

CONQUER YOUR FEAR OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

Sure, the thought of falling into the Delaware is … frightening. But the workout you get from Aqua Vida’s paddleboard fitness classes — from yoga to boot camp to Pilates-inspired sweat sessions, all done on the water — is worth conquering your fear of whatever is lurking in that muddy-looking river for. Promise. Find out all about their 2017 schedule (and brand-spankin’-new floating shop) here.

TREK TO A WATERFALL

You know what will get you through a thigh-burning, miles-long hike on a hot summer day? The promise of a waterfall (and the totally deserved selfie) at the top of whatever hill you’re climbing. These Philly-area hikes offer just that, plus great views.

SPIN AND SWIM

Body Cycle Studio is dragging their bikes all the way down the Shore select weekends this summer for spin classes held right off of the sand of Margate. Post-sweat swims are encouraged. Amazing, right?

GO FOR THE ULTIMATE SATURDAY BIKE RIDE

You’ve probably biked the crowded city stretches of the Schuylkill River Trail, but have you ever made it out to Phoenixville? For one, the traffic eases up quite a bit once you pass Manayunk, which means you can actually can a much-needed breeze on your bike. Plus, there are tons of fun eateries and breweries to rest and refuel at along the 52-mile ride. You can find a handy biking route to get you from the Art Museum to Phoenixville — recommended pit stops included — here.

GET TO KNOW THE FOLKS WHO GROW YOUR FOOD

Philly is chock-FULL of farmers’ markets come summertime, so abandon your indoor weekly jaunts to the market for outdoor excursions, complete with impassioned debates on whether to refrigerate or not to refrigerate your tomatoes with the farmer who grew them. (Er, well, actually, you probably shouldn’t debate them, since they surely know better than you.) Here, our giant guide to over 70 farmers’ markets in Philly and the ‘burbs. Take your pick!

GO FOR A SUNRISE BEACH RUN

We get it: Hangovers happen — especially down the Shore. But we say you try and cross this item off at least once this summer. We’ve got five Shore running routes for you to start with here.

GET YOUR HANDS ON LA COLOMBE’S CHAI DRAFT LATTE

Because, with all the movement you’ll be doing this summer, you’re going to need an icy-cold and refreshing go-to drink. La Colombe recently unveiled their new draft chai latte and it is the bomb dot com, not too heavy for a summer’s day, and caffeinated. Hey, you’ve got a lot on your to-do list!

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