Swim
1. Sherr Pool, Pottruck Health & Fitness Center Sure you know Pottruck has a pool. But have you ever gone swimming in it — let alone seen it?. The space houses one long-course pool which can be divided into two short course ones of six lanes each. Swim instruction, scuba training, and lifeguard classes are offered additionally. And don’t forget to use the sauna afterwards for a relaxing end to your workout. 37th and Walnut Streets free to Penn students
2. Scuba diving classes, Scubadelphia Laps not cutting it? Go deeper instead. You can learn to perfect the art of scuba on Castor Ave in Rhawnhurst. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Scubadelphia offers single and package classes so that you can discover or refresh your scuba skills before embarking on a true diving adventure. First, you’ll be trained in Scubadelphia’s indoor pool. Then you’ll have to opportunity to travel with the team to hit the open waters — the company offers trips that range from shipwreck exploration in North Carolina to an annually held Caribbean excursion. 7714 Castor Ave (accessible by cab or bus) Discover Scuba Class $60, Open Water Class $269
3. Core Creek Park If you want to swim, raft, kayak or tube, this is the place to do it. Just forty minutes outside of Philly, Core Creek Park is the closest natural spot where getting wet is also legal. Pair water activities with a picnic — it’s our ideal summer day. 9901 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne (the park is a 40 minute drive, but is also accessible by bus and train if you don’t mind a longer trip)
Bike
1. Schuylkill’s West River/Kelly Drive loop This path starts at Lloyd Hall and continues on an 8.4 mile loop heading north of campus. The ride offers views of the river, city skyline, and Boathouse row. More adventurous riders can up the ante by heading to Fairmount Park. Try the Forbidden Drive, a 6.6-mile ride by the Wissahickon Creek. The name might sound ominous, but don’t be deterred; the prohibitory language refers to automobiles, which were banned from the path nearly a century ago. Fairmount Park, multiple entrances Free to the public *Don’t have a bike? See below for where to get one nearby
2. Indoor cycling, Pottruck Health & Fitness Center/BodyCycle Studio Rainy day? PennRec offers a number of group cycling classes through the summer. Head to Pottruck’s website to check them out. If you’re willing to venture downtown, Rittenhouse’s BodyCycle Studio holds classes and rents open bikes for independent workouts. Considered the premier spin studio in Philadelphia, BodyCycle has a large, diverse group of instructors whose bios are available online. Special student rates start at $13 per ride. 37th and Walnut Streets/ 19th and Chestnut Streets $10/class / classes begin at $13
3. Service learning, Neighborhood Bike Works Neighborhood Bike Works is a non-profit providing “educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities through bicycling,” in underprivileged neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Volunteer for a program, like Earn-A-Bike, which teaches children the basics of bike repair/maintenance, safe urban riding, and health/nutrition, and allows participants to keep the bikes after they’ve refurbished them. Locations vary based on program Free to volunteer
Run
1. Schuylkill trail This riverside trail isn’t the most original of running spots, but there’s a reason it gets such good press. The trail is ideal for runners of all skill levels — it’s frequented by casual strollers and seasoned marathoners alike, not to mention cyclists, dog-walkers, and young families. With a variety of ramps, staircases, and occasional softer-terrain detours, the trail allows new runners to discover what works best for them. Accessible from Market, Chestnut & Walnut Street Bridges (as well as other locations) Free to the public.
2. Annual Color Run Some say that the runner’s physique is itself a thing of beauty, but the organizers of the annual Color Run Philadelphia have found a more direct way of painting athletes. At each kilometer of this 5K, white-shirted participants are pelted with powdered “color dust” and ambushed by a “color extravaganza” at the ?nish line. Though this year’s run is sold out, race updates, last-minute openings, and opportunities to ?ing paint as a Color Run volunteer can be found online. July 8, Philadelphia Museum of Art en route to the Rocky statue (more detailed course map coming soon) Free to ?ing
3. Down and Dirty Mud Run Carrying sandbags. Maneuvering between tires. Push-ups. A giant mud pit. Training for the marines? Not exactly. These are simply a few of the obstacles you might face on this demanding run. Facilitated by military personnel, the race bene?ts Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to soldiers overseas. This annual event can be tackled as either a 5K or a 10K, and shockingly, it’s designed for all ages and skill levels. If you’re interested, act fast: tickets for Philadelphia increase in price starting June 25th. P.S. There’s a post-run Burger Bash. July 15th, Fairmount Park 5k run $60, 10k run $70 (prices increase June 25)
Need a bike? Rent one.
Trophy Bikes, 31st and Walnut Streets Only a few blocks from campus, this store has a decent selection of cycles and a knowledgeable staff.
Keswick Cycle, 40th and Locust Streets Large selection of cycles on the North end of campus.
Eastern Mountain Sports, 34th and Chestnut Streets In addition to outdoor equipment EMS stocks a decent selection of bikes.
