Where to Train Like an Olympian in Philly
From fencing to badminton, turn that Olympic inspiration into perspiration at these Philly spots.
Here’s where to learn Olympic sports, like fencing, around town. / Photograph by Tima Miroshnichenko; illustrations via Getty Images
Inspired by the Summer Olympics? Go for the gold around town with our picks.
Fencing
The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia has been instructing would-be sword-rattlers for 35 years. The school, with locations in both University City and the suburbs, has trained three world champions, a slew of NCAA All-Americans, and even regular swashbucklers just like you.
Badminton
The coaches at Philadelphia Badminton will help ensure that you dominate any backyard badminton match. The club is building a facility in Plymouth Meeting, so right now, games take place in Bryn Mawr, Phoenixville and other ’burbs. Head to King of Prussia on Friday nights for one-on-one coaching.
Rowing on the Schuylkill / Photograph by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Rowing
No city in America is more closely associated with rowing than Philly — take that, Boston! — but the sport can seem out of reach. It doesn’t have to be. Clubs along Boathouse Row offer lessons, though the program at Penn AC is the most comprehensive. It hosts six-week workshops in spring and summer.
Breaking
Breakdancing is making its Olympic debut at the Paris Games. If you’ve long wondered how to pop, lock, then spin on your head, try Urban Movement Arts, in Rittenhouse. UMA’s classes are rooted in Black and Latin American folkloric dance ranging from breaking to Afro-Cuban orisha.
>> Click here to return to The Philadelphian’s Guide to the Paris Olympics
Published as “Train Like an Olympian” in the July 2024 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
