8 Philly-Area Wellness Events That’ll Help You Kick Off the New Year
Whether you want to create your own vision board or learn self-defense skills, you have plenty of self-care opportunities this January.
Check out these fun, Philly-area fitness and wellness events happening in January. / Photographs courtesy of Monarch Yoga (left) and Jake Panasevich
Happy New Year, friends! Whatever your plans are for January (and 2024 in general), we hope you spend some time resetting and focusing on what makes you feel good from the inside out. That’s why we’ve rounded up eight health-focused activities to get you started in the Philly area. Find the full list below.
Beginner Yoga • When it comes to trying something new, all of us start somewhere. And the folks at Maha Yoga believe that doing so is less intimidating when you’re in community with others who are also starting out! That’s why the Rittenhouse studio is hosting a four-week beginners yoga series. Classes will take place from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on January 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. $125 for all four classes, sign up here; 2030 Sansom Street, third floor.
Self-Discovery Workshop • If you’re thinking about resolutions or areas in life you want to improve or change, holistic health coach Sam Ciccone is running two workshops focused on creating sustainable habits. The first is happening on January 9th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Formation Sauna + Wellness, and the second on January 13th from 1 to 2:30 p.m at MVMNT Center. In 90 minutes, you’ll learn six practical tools for creating your dream life, and you’ll jot down all your thoughts in an interactive workbook so that you go home with a concrete action plan. January 9th: $35, sign up here, 305 Brown Street; January 13th: $40, sign up here, 609 East Passyunk Avenue.
Learn to Manage Stress • … because we could all benefit from that, right?! Join Alexandra Janelli, owner of Modrn Sanctuary, at her Center City wellness space for “Stress & Your 7 Energy Levels.” The 75-minute workshop — which will take place at 6:15 p.m. on January 10th — will teach you all about the seven energies and how you can better manage their shifting nature to mitigate stress. $20, RSVP here; 1420 Walnut Street, suite 1218.
Vision Board Event • Creating a personalized vision board — a collage of images and phrases meant to inspire, motivate, and aid in manifesting your goals — is a popular activity this time of year. On the evening of January 12th, Jenna Dreams is hosting an event at Mystic Ginger that’ll see you putting together your own vision board, as well as enjoying a soothing sound bath and connecting with others. Light bites and tea will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring a few magazines to pull vision-board inspo from. $44, sign up here; 36 South Black Horse Pike, second floor.
Alcohol-Free Fun • Whether you’re participating in Dry January, are sober, or just want to have a good time sans spirits, sign up for Dry Vibes, an all-day event celebrating zero-proof living. There’ll be informative panels, inspiring speakers, a tasting lounge, a pop-up bottle shop, a vendor marketplace, and a N/A after-party. It’s all going down on January 20th at Location 215. $37-$73, buy your ticket here; 990 Spring Garden Street.
Journaling and Sound-Bath Meditation • The start of a new year often encourages us to reflect on where we’ve been and where we hope to go. Join Monarch Yoga and Riot Alliance for an afternoon doing just that! On January 2oth from 1 to 3 p.m., you’ll be guided through gentle yoga, meditation, journaling prompts, and discussion before enjoying a 30-minute sound bath. BYO mat, journal, and writing instrument. $30, sign up here; 171 West Berks Street.
Self-Defense Workshop • On January 21st, head to Lumos Yoga & Barre (Green Street) for a 90-minute self-defense workshop taught by Landon Godsey. You’ll learn how to recognize when another person is in your personal space, what to do in “don’t touch me” situations, and how to manage distance and move unwanted contact away. $30, sign up here; 2001 Green Street.
Yoga for Dudes • Yoga teacher Jake Panasevich has been hosting his signature Bro-Yoga — a practice specifically designed for men — for some time now, and this month, he’s hosting it at 6 p.m. on January 29th. The 60-minute beginner-friendly yoga class will see you moving in beloved NoLibs venue Jerry’s Bar. $20, reserve your spot by DM’ing @yogawithjake on Instagram or emailing jpanasevich@gmail.com; 129 West Laurel Street.
