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7 places you can train like an Olympian in Philly

Tonight marks the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics, hosted by Rio de Janeiro. For those of us who didn't quite qualify to swim alongside Michael Phelps but still want to stay active, here are a few local ways to try out Olympic sports while tuning into the Games.

Inspired by the Games in Rio? Participate in the Greater Philadelphia Water Polo club at Villanova University.
Inspired by the Games in Rio? Participate in the Greater Philadelphia Water Polo club at Villanova University.Read more

Tonight marks the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics, hosted by Rio de Janeiro. For those of us who didn't quite qualify to swim alongside Michael Phelps but still want to stay active, here are a few local ways to try out Olympic sports while tuning into the Games.

» READ MORE: B&A Archery

B&A Archery, 7169 State Rd., Beginner's lessons: $35, 215-333-3520.

"Archery is addictive," said Bill Arrow, owner of Tacony's B&A Archery. "When you shoot a bow, you want to do it more, you want to get better, and you want to do what other people can't." Arrow sees people swinging by for singles hangouts or girls' get-togethers. He trains everyone from 6-year-olds to adults, teaching shooting essentials. B&A offers private and group lessons. To schedule a session, call B&A and ask for instructor Herb Stone on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday after 6 p.m.

» READ MORE: Greater Philadelphia Water Polo

Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave., First practice is free, 610-277-6787.

This sport isn't for the faint of heart. Everyone, including beginners, is welcome to join practices for Greater Philadelphia Water Polo at Villanova University's swim complex. But the population's pretty self-selecting: It's essentially underwater soccer. American Water Polo's Damon Newman says that being able to swim is usually a prerequisite. "It is a pretty rigorous sport, so some people can't handle it physically," he said. "They just won't come back." Still, he noted, when people see water polo on TV, they want to try it. For those who succumb to Olympics fever, the new season for Greater Philadelphia Water Polo starts in September.

» READ MORE: Fencing Academy of Philadelphia

Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, 3851 Warren St., $265 for two-month beginner session, 215-382-0293.

With classes for ages 8 to 80, the academy gives everyone an opportunity to look silly in that funky fencing mask. Its website brags, "You can't hit what you can't catch!" The next beginner session starts just after Labor Day, and registration is now open.

» READ MORE: Philly InMovement

Philly InMovement, 500 Kenilworth St., $15, 267-239-0844.

Sara Trindade's gymnastics school hosts a weekly adult class on Thursday nights, where students learn to tumble and, occasionally, play around on the balance beam, bars, or rings. On Mondays, a boot camp taps into gymnast techniques for chiseled muscles like Nastia Liukin's. "It's so thrilling and such a confidence boost as an adult to be able to do" gymnastics, Trindade says, "and it's definitely a full-body" workout.

» READ MORE: Northwestern Stables

Northwestern Stables, 120 W. Northwestern Ave., $350-$400 per session, $195 for three semiprivate sessions, or $210 for three private lessons, 215-242-8892.

Dana Epps, an instructor at Northwestern Stables, teaches people ages 18 to 60 how to ride, whether they're beginners picking up a new hobby or horse owners interested in participating in shows. Northwestern has group, semiprivate, and private lessons. (Group lessons are available only for full sessions, which consist of a seven- or eight-week course.) While she didn't think the Olympics really fueled interest in equestrian, Epps championed the sport. "You work a lot on your muscles," she said. "It gives you a really good sense of balance. And I think the bond between a horse and its rider is pretty amazing."

» READ MORE: Focus Karate

Focus Karate, 14230 Bustleton Ave., $99 per month, 215-330-1730.

The martial arts school teaches Tang Soo Do, a Korean technique that evolved into tae kwon do. Watch as South Korea dominates everyone else in Rio, then try a few ninja kicks yourself. "Besides the self-defense aspect, it's great for giving people self-confidence, giving people self-discipline," said Rich Sadowsky, owner of Focus Karate. Adult classes are at 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Sadowsky's son, a fifth-degree black belt, leads the school as its chief instructor. His dad prefers staying behind the scenes. "I sit around," Sadowsky said, "and try not to get in trouble."

» READ MORE: Trolley Car Table Tennis Club

Trolley Car Table Tennis Club, 3300 Henry Ave. Daily: $5 (adults), $3 (18 and under); monthly: $40 (adults), $20 (18 and under); annual: $360 (adults), $180 (youths), 267-335-2743.

Ken Weinstein, founder of Trolley Car Table Tennis Club, is "hoping to encourage some future Olympians to join us" for a match.

His club is the only one of its kind in the Philadelphia region that's full time. It's equipped with 11 courts and free balls and rackets. There are options for daily, monthly, or yearlong membership that include a key to the facility for off-hours access.

"It is the most diverse group of people I've ever seen," Weinstein said. "We get everyone from couples on dates, to college students, to semiprofessional players who train seven days a week."