Embrace the outdoors: Free sports and exercise classes in Philadelphia
From Yoga to tennis, here are some fun and free ways to move your body.
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Trying to spend more time exercising while it’s still summer?
Keeping a gym membership or attending regular classes can be expensive (and in some cases, inconvenient or inaccessible.) If you’d like to ditch the gym this summer in favor of a more cost-effective, flexible workout, here are some fitness classes in Philly that can help you find a workout community without the price tag.
Aqua Zumba
Zumba’s Latin American rhythms make cardio more fun. But why dance on hard floors when you can practice in water? Aqua Zumba classes give you the same workout benefits as regular Zumba, with the added assistance of being low-impact on your joints. Between June and August, folks over 18 can take free aqua Zumba lessons at two Parks and Recreation locations. Call to register.
- Aqua Zumba fitness: 📅 Wednesday and Friday, July 5 to Aug. 11, ⌚6 to 7 p.m., 📍6757 Chew Ave. (Pleasant Playground Pool), 📞215-685-2230.
- Adult Aqua Zumba: 📅 Tuesday, June 27 to Aug. 15, ⌚6 to 7 p.m., 📍6000 Rising Sun Ave. (Lawncrest Recreation Center Pool), 📞215- 685-0597.
Soccer
You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the health benefits of playing soccer. If you don’t have a team to practice with or are just looking for a new skill to pick up, check your local recreation center or playground to see if they offer free lessons. Register by phone.
- Ac Fairhill soccer: For kids 5 to 12, 📅 Tuesday and Thursday, until Oct. 2, ⌚6 to 8 p.m., 📍2900-30 N. 11th St. (12th & Cambria Playground), 📞215-685-9780.
- Men Soccer Practice: For men 21 to 35, 📅 Sunday, until Sept. 1, ⌚9 to 11 a.m.,📍5800 Chester Ave. (Francis J. Myers Recreation Center), 📞215-685-2698.
Boxing
Live out your own Rocky dream while learning the difference between a left and right hook. Boxing can provide a space to blow off some steam, improve your hand-eye coordination, and help your cardiovascular health, but classes can be pricey. Parks and Recreation offers free lessons throughout the year.
- Parks and Rec. Boxing: For folks 10 to 60, 📅 Monday through Thursday, until Dec. 21, ⌚4:30 to 7 p.m., 📍1100 E. Chelten Ave. (Lonnie Young Recreation Center of East Germantown), 📞215-685-2236. Call to register.
Yoga
Whether you are trying to align your seven chakras or increase your flexibility, yoga can help. Before the summer ends, enjoy free yoga classes and practice your asanas by Race Street Pier or near the Delaware River. Don’t forget to bring your own mat and water.
- Wellness On The Waterfront: 📅 Thursday, July 20 to Aug. 31, ⌚6 to 7 p.m.,📍N. Christopher Columbus Blvd (Race Street Pier). Register at eventbrite.com
- Yoga On The Pier: 📅 Tuesday, July 25 to August 29, ⌚7 to 8 p.m., 📍Delaware Park 7801 State Road (Pennypack on the Delaware). Register at eventbrite.com