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It’s time to get physical, Philly.
For the first time, workout gurus and anyone who just wants to work up a sweat can take part in the maiden voyage of Philly Fitness Week. Started by the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition (a collective of fitness studios based in Philadelphia), anyone of any training level can take part in the diverse offers that the new event has to offer from June 10th to 20th.
“Philly Fitness Week is kind of like restaurant week, with less butter and more sweat,” says Janine Perez, director of the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition and co-owner of CKO Kickboxing. “Philly’s best boutique studios have come together to offer discounted drop-in prices or other small entry-level packages that will allow Philadelphians to get moving again and experience all that this amazing fitness scene has to offer.”
CKO kickboxing.Provided
The fitness coalition, made up of over 30 local companies, made the event possible after vaccination rates rose and restrictions eased. The group was formed during the pandemic to bring the city’s boutique gyms together during quarantine and beyond.
“At a time when things were so uncertain, we made up our minds to focus on what we could control and did everything we could to stay in the struggle with Philadelphia and actively engage our respective communities in every possible way hold, ”continues Perez. “We have worked together and lobbied the city to support us so that we can continue this endeavor. Now that the city reopens, vaccination rates are increasing [and] the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition is collaborating again on the first ever Philly Fitness Week. “
So what is to be expected? In addition to sweating, those who want to exercise can look for offers. As Perez has described, this specialty event reflects the structure of the restaurant weeks by letting guests choose where to go – and there are many options. Philly loves its food scene, and now the City of Brotherly Love is really going to get into the workout scene at full speed through this new event … and the benefits are many.
“There really is no time like now to focus on our physical fitness, wellbeing and mental health [and] Build immunity, ”says Perez. “After everything we’ve learned from this pandemic about how focusing on our health helps ward off chronic illness and disease, we need to keep focusing and prioritizing that way. Plus, PFW can be seen as an ode to small businesses, much like the Shop Small movement during the holidays. It is a victory story for us at the PFC that we are still operating in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, some Philadelphia gyms have closed their doors permanently. And now we encourage Philadelphians to support local, small businesses while we get together and stick together. “
According to a press release, the participating studios are offering around 25 percent discounts on individual classes or small packages for a variety of workouts. In addition, anyone who signs up to receive emails about this year’s offers will be entered into a raffle to win a free one-month membership in a participating studio of the winner’s choice. Participants can support local small businesses and book direct with any of the gyms that offer high-intensity interval training, yoga, spin, pilates, bootcamp, and more.
Focus on Yago & Barre. Provided
Studios participating in Philly Fitness Week include: Active Mom Fitness, Balance Chestnut Hill, BPM Fitness, CKO Kickboxing, Fit Academy, Focus Barre & Yoga, Lumos Yoga & Barre, Omm Yoga Studio, Open Box Athletics, Ripped PHL, The Wall Fitness, Tula Yoga, Unite Fitness and We / Fit City Fitness.
Gavin McKay, another health-conscious small business owner, sees tremendous potential this week, if only it will help spark motivation among Philadelphians. As the founder of Unite Fitness, McKay is using his resources to lead the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition (PFC) and bring this brand new event to the city.
“Philadelphians have been forced to self-motivate and exercise in less than ideal conditions at home or outdoors for the last 15 months – not to mention the hospitality and service industries have been decimated by the pandemic,” explains Mckay. “With the restrictions finally being lifted, it is an ideal time to get Philadelphians back into fitness routines, to feel the energy of group training again, and also to patronize the local fitness companies that are still struggling to become profitable again.”
Not just for regulars. This is an opportunity for everyone to either start their fitness journey or pick up where they left off. Not only do the muscles need some time to process the stresses of the past year and a half, but our minds too.
“All fitness levels are cordially invited to take part. No experience is required. The nice thing about PFW is that there is literally something for everyone, ”explains Perez. “After such a long isolation it is a nice thing to experience community safely again. People should take the opportunity to get a taste of all that Philly’s fitness scene has to offer at a discounted price. It’s a hodgepodge of wellness where people can explore what they notice or something new that they have always wanted to try. “
We / Fit City Fitness.Provided
“We all pass by or hear about companies that interest us, but sometimes we need a little extra boost or incentive to actually try them out,” McKay adds. “Philly Fitness Week is the extra energy to find a workout and a community that motivates you to get in the best possible shape.”
For more information on the Philadelphia Fitness Coalition and Philly Fitness Week, please visit philadelphiafitnesscoalition.com
