The Penn Relays are Coming!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on April 19, 2010
When Ben Franklin wasn’t busy toiling at his printing press, discovering electricity, inventing bifocals, and running the fire department, he was gathering all the founding fathers and the swiftest Revolutionary soldiers to compete in foot races. Well… not exactly. But he’d certainly be proud of The Penn Relays, a century-plus tradition at his namesake field and the oldest and largest track meet in the country. Taking place every year since 1895 at the University of Pennsylvania, over 15,000 high school, college, and professional athletes gather for five days of competition in over 425 events (that averages out to about one race every five minutes and more athletes than compete in the Olympic Games!). ...
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Related Destination: Franklin Field »
Related Categories: Family Fun, Universities + Colleges, Sports
The Penn Ice Rink: Skating Central for University City
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 14, 2010
There's no doubt that winter has hit hard this year. What with the freezing temperatures, that massive blizzard, and ice choking the Schuylkill, Philly has certainly taken on the feel of an arctic city. You could complain about the cold. Or, instead, why not embrace the season with one of winter's most time-honored activities? Go ice skating!
A lot of people know about the ice rink at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River, but for those of us on the western side of the city there is a rink much closer to home, The Penn Ice Rink at the Class of 1923 Arena, on 31st and Walnut, which is celebrating its 40th season this winter. The rink is home to hockey teams from local universities and high schools, and it also hosts Open Hockey for anyone who wants to practice their skills and have some fun. They offer skating lessons (private and group) as well....
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Related Categories: Entertainment, Family Fun, Sports
Get Fit On Lancaster Avenue!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 7, 2009
We’ve all heard that Philadelphia is one of the fattest cities in America. Looking around University City, though, you’d never know it. I have a theory that if it weren’t for U City pulling down the average per capita poundage, Philly would consistently rank as number one. Why is this? It could have something to do with West Philly’s plethora of parks and trails, the bustling farmers’ market in Clark Park, the health-conscious shops and hipsters lining Baltimore Avenue (I think being skinny is a prerequisite for hipsterdom), all the university athletic facilities, or maybe the many varied fitness opportunities along Lancaster Avenue. Since I’ve already profiled most of the others, let’s put the spotlight on Lancaster Ave.
First up is the Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center at 3611 Lancaster. The studio offers classes for adults and children (including a summer camp) in a whole range of styles, including Ballet, Modern, Eclectic Funk, and African. You can stop by for just one session, or take a whole bunch. For those who love to boogie but hate the gym, dancing is a great way to actually enjoy exercising. The center is also home to Dancefusion, a modern dance repertory company, and their junior company for aspiring professional dancers, Fusion2. ...
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Related Category: Sports
Bodyrock Bootcamp and Training: are you up for it?
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 18, 2009
I can officially say that my body has been rocked. I checked out the Body Rock Bootcamp Gym, at 39th and Lancaster, for a Saturday morning Back-to-Basics core workout. Three days later, I'm still sore. But the burn feels soooo good! If you're ready to get serious about getting in shape -- or in better shape -- this is the place for you.
The Body Rock gym is much more fun and personal-feeling than big name gyms, and owner Nate Mcintyre puts a huge emphasis on that community feel. Membership, not surprisingly, is also much more affordable than any other gym I've come across (you can go to bootcamp five days a week for just $50 a month). The "bootcamp" is one of the club's most popular programs. Meeting on the banks of the Shuylkill at 6am for you early risers (or in the evenings if you can't handle that!), bootcamp is an outdoor group exercise ...
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Related Destination: Bodyrock Bootcamp & Executive Training »
Related Category: Sports
Studio 34 Yoga, Healing, Arts
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 3, 2009
Just over a year old, Studio 34 is a hip and happening yoga studio whose mission is to foster a “community that nurtures individuals and families in their pursuit of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.” With tons of events and classes going on year-round in their airy, comfy Baltimore Avenue studio, they’re well on their way to uniting the community, healing our ills, and saving the world. (Well, at least a little piece of it!)
Classes are offered every day of the week for just $10, with special discounts making some classes just $5 or even Pay What You Can. They run the gamut from your expected yoga, pilates, and Tai Chi to more unusual offerings ...
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Related Categories: Entertainment, Goods + Services, Culture, Sports
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