Get Outside: A Guide to the Best Outdoor Workouts in and around Philly
There are tons of scenic spots all over the city, and our fit pros are posting up there all summer long to host the most picturesque outdoor fitness classes. You know I couldn’t just give you a list of the best outdoor classes. I had to experience them all and report back. Unfortunately, the rainy month set back my plans to take them all in May, but I did my best when the sun was shining. And I’ll continue to share the outdoor classes on my Instagram series “get outside” . Trust me, you are gonna want to sign up for all of these this summer.
“Take your flow to the water as the sun sets on Philadelphia.” Say no more, Monarch Yoga, who hosts these special monthly flows on the only fully floating dock at the Philadelphia waterfront. And if that’s not enough, class is set to the live beats of local DJ’s. Oh, and after class stay and hang on the dock for some music and drinks with all your new yogi friends. Class is $30 ($15 for Monarch Yoga members) and you can sign up here.
Class itself was a typical yoga flow but with that waterfront air blowing through your hair, chair pose just hits different. I recommend grabbing a spot near the edge of the dock for the full nautical experience. And when a boat comes in or that wind blows, be prepared for a real balance challenge.
Monarch Yoga offers a bunch of other outdoor classes throughout the summer— on the banks of the Schuylkill River for $5 (every Monday and Wednesday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings), at The Sculpture Courtyard, and even on the roof deck of the Kensington studio.
Free Zumba right in the heart of Center City seems like the perfect way to change up your usual fitness routine this summer. Just meet next to the Rothman roller rink, complete a City Fitness waiver and get ready to boogie. City Fitness pros will lead the hour long Zumba class all summer long, every Tuesday night from 6-7 pm, weather permitting. And thank goodness the sun was shining when I headed out to this class because seeing over eighty Philadelphians moving together as I approached Dilworth Park, brought the biggest smile to my face.
Class was led by one of the best Zumba instructors in the city who is engaging, entertaining and most importantly, does a great job breaking down the movements into doable steps. Each song and accompanying routine was different and some even had themes— an upper body focused song, a samba, a cool down song, and my favorite, Proud Mary, which started slow but sped up into heart pounding cardio. I absolutely love that Center City District does these free “Center City Fit” classes in front of City Hall every year. Pre-registration is not needed- just show up!
Last summer, Alchemy X was just getting acquainted with their new home at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and decided to host free yoga and Pilates outside before their studio was open. And although their gorgeous studio and cafe is now up and running, they brought back their successful outdoor classes for “Wellness Wednesdays.” Meet at League Island Park (across the street from the studio- the location is different this year) every Wednesday at 5:30 pm for a 60-minute yoga or Pilates class (alternating weeks) taught by the fit pros from Alchemy X. While class is free, you still have to register on their website, under “Navy Yard Group Fitness Class Signup”. And don’t forget your mat.
KG Strong clebrates ten years of yoga on the most scenic roof in all of the city this season. Can you even call yourself a Philadelphian if you haven’t taken this iconic yoga class? This special anniversary season is sure to be “packed with community-driven initiatives, exciting giveaways and a new charitable focus each month.” In May, all funds raised from this class were given to Grassroots. Next month, the charity is SEAMAAC. And all season long, an anonymous donor will contribute $200 to the monthly charity for each rooftop class that reaches 50+ participants. So sign up!
Yoga takes place on the roof on the first and third Tuesday at 6 pm at the Bok Building (enter at 800 Mifflin Street and check in downstairs; the doors will lock at 6:10 pm). And if it rains, class will be moved to KG Strong’s studio in the basement of Bok. Don’t forget your mat and be sure to reserve your spot (the cost is $20) ahead of time.
Outdoor classes aren’t just in the city this summer. Head out to Ambler to flow with the best at Invert Your World every Monday at 5:45 pm and one Tuesday a month at 12 pm, for yoga and Pilates. The location is The Meadow at Ambler Yards, close to the studio. Class costs $25 and register here ahead of time. Bring your mat.
With over 4,000 public works of art, Philadelphia has been dubbed the “mural capital of the world”, so it makes sense that there is a run club based around these murals— enter Mural Miles. And you don’t necessarily need to be a runner to join this group. You just need to enjoy learning about different neighborhoods in our city as well as the art that has been curated all over Philadelphia in the form of these beautiful murals. Running at a “party pace” and stopping to admire and learn about each mural on the tour, this run group is something very special.
The run is free. Just show up each month. The meeting spots, as well as the run routes and art, change with each run. Details of the month’s run can be found on Instagram. And Mural Miles doesn’t just run past murals, they create them. With their nonprofit organization, Mural Miles curates art around the city and is about to start their second mural this June.
The summer runs are sure to be quite popular (close to 100 people have been known to show up to these runs). June 25 at 6 pm will be a Nike sponsored run with lots of fun things happening. July 17 starts at Philadelphia Runner Manayunk at 6:30 pm. And the run in August will hopefully showcase the new mural. Mural Miles will also hold painting events throughout the summer for those runners who want a more active role in creating this year’s mural.
OTHER AMAZING OUTDOOR CLASSES HAVE BEEN ADDED IN JUNE
As of the date of this post, these workouts haven’t yet happened, but I expect them to be just as breathtaking (in more ways than one). And lucky for me, most of these workouts are already on my fitness calendar. Of course, I’ll share all about them on my Instagram so be sure you are following me.
LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY HILLTOP YOGA IN CHESTER SPRINGS. Take in the beautiful views of the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve while you enjoy a soothing 60 minute stretch session. Enjoy a lavender-infused aromatherapy cool down with chilled lavender-infused towels, all with lavender that's been grown, harvested and distilled onsite. The cost is $35. Hilltop Yoga is every Thursday at 6:30 pm, starting in June and will continue throughout the season (the starting time may change with the sunset). Register here.
SUP YOGA ON THE RIVER AT FLAT ROCK PARK IN GLADWYNE. Find balance, strength and serenity on the water with Hiking Hound Adventures and Yoga Instructor, Jessica G, every other Sunday at 8:45 am and 10:30 am in June (and hopefully beyond). Boards are provided and no prior experience is required for this all level class. Register here.
Y6 YOGA FLOW SERIES AT KOP TOWN CENTER. Come out to flow with YogaSix Main Line for free, themed yoga classes throughout the summer at KOP Town Center on June 13 (at 5:30 pm) and June 22, July 13 and August 10 (at 7 pm).
PILATES IN THE PARK IN PHILLY. Every Saturday in June, join Coach J at Cira Green from 9:30-11 am for mat Pilates followed by soundbath and breath work by Teairra. Register here.
INFLOW SUMMER POP-UPS IN PHILLY. Outdoor season is on and officially kicking off on June 1 with a Pride themed yoga class by Inflow. Yoga is held at Penn Treaty on June 1, 14, 22 and 29 at 10:30 am. And class is at Cira Green on July 6, 13, 20 and August 10 at 10:30 am. Register here.
FREE YOGA WITH THREE QUEENS YOGA IN PHILLY. Join Three Queens Yoga in the Sculpture Garden behind the art museum on Saturdays in June at 9 am. And in July, join them at the Race Street Pier on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 pm and 10 am on Sundays. All classes are free but preregistration is required.
Summer 2025, let’s go!