Oddly enough, temperatures have jumped into the 60’s in the middle of February, which serves as a little reminder that spring is just around the corner.
Sunshine and rising temperatures give fitness lovers (and even couch potatoes) a reason to get out of the confines of a gym (or living room) and exercise among nature.
Luckily, Philadelphia has some great local fitness spots that aren’t confined by four walls. Yes, it is possible to get “outdoorsy” in the middle of a large city.
Philadelphia’s “Bike Line”, located near the convention center, offers bicycle rentals by the day, weekend or even the week. Conveniently, the shop is just a short one-mile ride from the Schuylkill River Trail. FYI, helmets are required to rent -- safety first.
The Schuylkill River Trails offer miles of bike/jogging paths that run from Center City all the way to Valley Forge. The trails lead to a beautiful picnic area at Valley Forge, so it’s perfect for a family fitness outing. During warm weather the trail can become quite congested on the weekends, so come early.
In Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Banks offer trails for biking/jogging as well as other outdoor events during the summer months.
Joining an outdoor fitness club can be a great way to meet new friends and get into shape.
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The Batona Hiking Club of Philadelphia schedules Sunday hikes for beginners as well as advanced hikers. The club always makes sure to pick meeting spots that are easily accessible by Philadelphia public transportation.
If hiking isn’t your thing throw on a pair of skates and get rolling.
The “Landskaters” Inline Skate Club organizes twice-weekly skates throughout the city of Philadelphia. Skates are every Tuesday and Sunday and start promptly at the Art Museum steps. You’ll need some experience to be apart of this group, but if you need to get accustomed the club holds “recreational skates” the first Sunday of every month.
The Wissahickon Gorge (a part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount park) is a beautiful, serene escape into nature. 57 miles of trails along the Wissahickon Creek allow nature-lovers to bask in the outdoors.
The creeks central part is located along Lincoln Drive. You’ll need a permit if you want to fish, bike or horseback ride. Permits are attainable through the Fairmount park commission.
Fairmount Park is one of the largest city parks in the world and it has a lot to offer. Children’s parks and the Philadelphia Zoo are apart of the park system. Bike paths run throughout the system, as well.
Fairmount Park goers can plan a picnic at one of their public picnic facilities; plan a softball game at one of their public sports fields, fish or even golf. The Fairmount Park system even offers ultimate Frisbee at Edgeley Field.
The possibilities for outdoor fun are endless, so there are no excuses -- get out and get moving.
