9 Philly Fitness Trainers to Keep an Eye on in 2019
The Philly fitness-scene movers and shakers you need to know.
Here are some of the best trainers changing the fitness game in Philadelphia. Photograph by Adam Jones.
There are tons of amazing fitness trainers in Philadelphia, but these are the movers and shakers that are changing up what fitness looks like here. Read on to get to know some of the best trainers in the city — then keep an eye out for their names in 2019.
The Every Body Advocate
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Adriana Adelé, yoga instructor, Three Queens Yoga and Maha Yoga Studio
It’s no surprise you’ll see her name on the roster at top yoga studios all around the city: Her down-to-earth, chill teaching style puts us at ease almost as much as the yoga flow itself. But even more impressive is her drive to make health and wellness accessible to all. The field of wellness has some documented diversity issues, and Adelé is seeking to improve access to wellness across all racial and socioeconomic strata in Philly, whether by chairing a minority-filled health panel discussion or by leading a yoga camp for girls.
The Start-Up Star
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Shoshana Katz, owner, BPM Fitness
Opening a new gym is no easy task, especially when you’re also inventing a new workout to go with it. Katz’s smart entrepreneurial spirit has ensured that her concept, BPM Fitness, isn’t just a success; it’s one of the best sweats you’ll get in the city. But just because she’s full-in on her own business doesn’t mean she isn’t also down to collaborate on cool only-in-Philly experiences like City Fitness’s silent deejay workout concert or a shared-class package with a neighboring studio. While there’s no saying what she’ll cook up next, one thing’s for sure: If she’s involved, we want to be, too.
The Human Connector
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Rob Li, Acroyoga instructor and cheer coach
You may think you have a lot of friends, but we’ll bet you Li has more. On a mission to spread his love of Acroyoga to all, this instructor — you can find him at Torc Yoga and a whole host of other Philly studios — is well on his way to hitting his goal of meeting and Acroyoga- lifting 10,000 people. And while this is a cool stunt for Instagram — you can see how cool at the hashtag #ridetherob — the best part is the newfound confidence and joy on the faces of everyone who crosses his path.
The Plant-Powered Powerhouse
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Amandah Povilitus, fitness trainer and health coach
Flywheel and Solidcore are without question two of the city’s toughest workouts, which makes it all the more impressive that Povilitus leads these classes with a smile. But when she’s not kicking your butt on a fitness machine, this vegan of more than 20 years is helping to educate her health-coaching clients at The Shift Wellness on the benefits of plant-based diets. While the fact we now have a Vegan Restaurant Week in Philly is evidence that dairy-free and meat-free lifestyles are becoming more mainstream, Povilitus is living proof to the fitness community that you don’t need animal protein to be strong, healthy and highly active.
The Team Captain
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Osayi Osunde, owner, Fit Academy
His boot camps may be tough, but the good news is, this NFL alum is always looking for new ways to make squats, burpees and push-ups more fun. His silent boot camps have taken over the rooftops of buildings and outdoor parks, and he’s brought free sweat sessions to the heart of Center City. If the secret to getting more people to work out is to make fitness feel like a party, Osunde is the emcee we want at all future soirees.
The Empowerment Queen
Photograph by Adam Jones.
Alexis Rose, owner and founder, Alexis Rose Xperience
Looking at her now — star SoulCycle instructor and founder of her own fitness company, Alexis Rose Xperience — you’d never guess she spent time homeless, overweight and alone. But that’s just part of why Rose is so inspiring. She uses every hour of her dance fitness classes to preach the self-confidence and self-love that helped her get where she is today — all as she keeps you shaking to Beyoncé. While her high-energy workouts and choreography have attracted celebrities, we’re lucky that she’s just as happy spreading her good vibes to a bunch of first-time dancers.
The Community Builders
Photograph by Adam Jones.
John Combs, Vinny Carrano and Kate Whittington, co-leaders, November Project Philadelphia
It takes a lot to get anyone out of bed at 6:25 a.m., so we can only imagine what it takes for these three November Project Philadelphia leaders to get hundreds of folks outdoors in all seasons for their free morning workouts every Wednesday and Friday. How do they do it? Their charisma and creativity make exercise interesting. But more importantly, they’ve built a community of workout buddies who care enough to keep showing up for one another.
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