Sweat and the City

We found a few ways that you can start (or continue) your fitness journey with affordable studios that have probably been under your nose this entire time.

By: Elda Sinani

If you’re as into wellness as we are, two things are probably on your mind. “I could really see myself wanting to work out if I could go to fun classes/studios for those sessions.” And––this one gets us all––“I’m a broke college student who can’t afford a fun workout studio, duh.” Money is tight, sunlight is limited during these chilly days, and getting out of bed to exercise just doesn’t seem ideal. City studios seem out of reach for students like us (mainly due to pricing), but handfuls of studios around Temple’s campus provide unbelievable discounts and even free trials. So we found five studios that won’t break the bank––take a look.

HOT YOGI HEAVEN

Just a few subway stops–or a 25-minute walk–away from campus, you’ll find Yoga Habit. This studio is a peaceful and open hot yoga sanctuary in the heart of Fairmount. Here’s the good news: Yoga Habit has an offer for “21 days for $21”...compare that to the average city studio price of $25+ per class. Once your 21 days are over, you can still stop by a few classes during the week, with their affordable $5 community flow classes. Plus, if you present your Temple ID at the studio, you can get a month of unlimited workouts for $69. “For the great quality of the classes, I was truly impressed by their pricing; Yoga Habit is one of my favorite relaxation spots in the city,” said Brielle Miller, a dedicated yogi and Temple student.

Killer Burn

Ripped PHL, located on Walnut Street, Center City, is the ultimate location for a killer workout. Ripped PHL provides personal fitness training, yoga, CrossFit and access to a gym; a great deal of possibilities for all of your individual fitness goals! Our favorite part about this studio is the deals that they offer for students like us. Students can get a package of 10 classes for $145, (that is an average of $14.50 per class, relax), and when compared to the typical city gym, that is definitely a sweet deal. “Ripped PHL instructors were really good with helping me modify my workouts based off of my injuries,” said Sarah E., a Temple student who has been able to get access to Ripped PHL training though a number of “free class” brochures they offer at many fitness apparel stores in the city. The more you know! Keep an eye out for those classes and you could never pay to sweat again.

SPIN CITY

Spinning is not only such a rewarding workout, but it has also become a favorite amongst our Temple students. Body Cycle, located on Chestnut Street in Center City is the perfect spin studio as they keep our budget in mind. With a student discount of $125 a month, that comes out to about $4 a class! Many students turn to studios such as SoulCycle, with $145 package for only 5 classes, which makes them hesitant to even consider cycling classes due to cost, but Body Cycle is truly a lifesaver for spin lovers and college students like us! If that studio doesn’t fit your vibe, there are dozens of similar studios across the Greater Philadelphia region. We love Revel Ride, a new beat-based cycling studio.

Footloose in Fairmount

Working out should be fun, right? Dancing is one of the best ways to burn those calories while having a blast doing it. Studio 1831, located on Brandywine Street in Fairmount offers dancing, yoga, and Pilates classes at just $12 per class with a valid Temple ID. That is $2 less than their average $14 per class, but for us that means enough money to buy a coffee post-workout. They are a very affordable studio compared to their neighboring studios with unreasonable rates for college students on a budget.

On-Campus Opportunities

Let’s not forget about the amazing students who double as instructors at the IBC (one of our on-campus gyms, if you didn’t know), which offers a large variety of group fitness classes…for free! Temple’s Campus Recreation department has a schedule chock-full of workouts, starting at 7a.m. and ending around 9 or 10p.m. everyday. Maggie H., a sophomore at Temple, says she absolutely loves the cycling classes that are offered at the IBC on campus. It is very convenient for her to get her workouts in especially as a student who is also employed and needs more flexible times. From Cycling to Full Body Toning, Zumba to Pilates and more, you’re sure to find your new favorite way to sweat, no money involved.

Now that you have an arsenal of affordable workout ideas, grab your friends and turn your normally solo sweat sesh into a party. Then you have an excuse to go all out at BYO brunch afterwards. Happy sweating!