Delaila Aryee (left) and Lyndsay Brown (right) with former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter.

A new fitness and physical therapy private practice with a focus on affordable physical therapy and rehab, fitness classes and open gym options, has recently opened at 5008 Baltimore Avenue. Vital Step Physical Therapy and Fitness co-owners Delaila Aryee and Lyndsay Brown, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, are young entrepreneurs who were featured on A Woman’s Nation in September 2015. Their dream then was to open their own, compassionate practice that would serve their community.

“We are very passionate about making an impact in our local community because we have spent many years here as clinicians, residents and graduates from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (also located in West Philly),” Aryee and Brown told A Woman’s Nation.

Thanks to the women’s passion and a little help from KIVA Zip, which provided a microloan allowing to renovate the space and to purchase necessary equipment and supplies, Vital Step opened its doors in November.

At Vital Step, you can get physical therapy services for various neurological conditions, including stroke, brain/spinal injury, Parkinson’s disorder, Multiple Sclerosis and more; orthopedic conditions, including joint replacement therapy, arthritis/joint pain, lower back/neck pain, sports injuries and more. The facility also offers balance and fall prevention programs, CHF and COPD management, postpartum therapy, diabetes and high blood pressure management, and other services.

Rehabbing an ankle injury at Vital Step.

As concerns fitness and health education, Vital Step offers general and specialized fitness programs, including yoga, low impact aerobics and Zumba/dance, and nutrition education.

Vital Step Physical Therapy & Fitness is located at 5008 Baltimore Ave., on the 2nd floor of the Mercy wellness center (it is not affiliated with Mercy).

For more information, visit: http://www.vitalsteppt.com/. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

(Photos from Vital Step’s Facebook page).

                            Click to enlarge

The annual Philadelphia Marathon will be held this Sunday (Nov. 22), starting at 7 a.m. at 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The City and SEPTA announced street closure and detour information ahead of the marathon. Street closures and detours will affect parts of Center City along the course of the marathon (see map), and also some areas in West Philadelphia. Also, check out the information out below on cheer zones in University City/West Philadelphia. Good luck to all West Philly folks who are running this Sunday!

The following streets will be affected across the city on November 22:

• 18th Street, from Arch to Callowhill streets
• 19th Street, from Arch to Callowhill streets
• 20th Street, from Arch to Callowhill streets
• 21st Street, from Spring Garden to Arch streets
• 22nd Street, from Spring Garden to Arch streets
• Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from 22nd to 16th streets
• Arch Street, between 16th to 4th streets
• 4th Street Arch to Vine streets
• Race Street, from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard  Continue Reading

Bikram Yoga West Philly opens this weekend at 42nd and Chestnut.

The Bikram Yoga studio at 4145 Chestnut St. is reopening this weekend after being closed for remodeling since late September. A full schedule of 26 hot yoga classes a week is starting this weekend, according to studio co-owner Bob Casey, with the first class being held at 9 a.m. this Saturday.

As was reported last month, the studio has a new management team and changed its name from Bikram Yoga University City to Bikram Yoga West Philly. Here’s what Casey, the only person who is still there from the original team (Bikram Yoga University City opened in 2012), says about the new team and their decision to change the name of the studio:

“Bikram West Philly is not just under new management but also new ownership. Leo Eisenstein, new co-director, is a Philadelphia native (his father graduated from West Catholic High); he lives in Philly… and he is thrilled to be part of owning and operating a business in West Philadelphia… not just University City but all of West Philly.”

Casey says that his new partner feels that the studio can be more than just a yoga “studio”; it can be a yoga community center for all of West Philly. Eisenstein is excited about the partnerships they can form with civic associations as well as businesses.

Speaking of similarities and differences between Bikram University City and Bikram West Philly, Casey adds that Bikram West Philly will be a yoga studio in the same way Bikram Yoga University City was when it first opened, but Bikram will be the only style of yoga that will be offered there. “Other than that I would say that almost everything will be different.”

For information about the grand opening weekend class schedule, visit the Bikram Yoga West Philly Facebook page.
 

The Woodlands is one of the most popular running spots in West Philadelphia and they’re hosting a fun run on Saturday, Nov. 14 to help raise money to maintain trails and add amenities to the site, such as water fountains, and eventually bathrooms! Here’s more information from The Woodlands:

“We love our runners at The Woodlands; they use the grounds more than anyone else. We’re hoping this group of users will help support the future of the site. The Gobble Wobble, our first ever 5K at The Woodlands, is a fun way for everyone to run together to support our mission. All race registrants will receive a 1-year membership to the Woodlands, which will get you invited to several Runner Happy Hours at The Woodlands that are being planned throughout the year. More info on runner level membership benefits can be found here: woodlandsphila.org/becomeamember/runner-membership

About the Run

This individual or team 5K Wobble takes you through the historic grounds of William Hamilton’s 18th century estate, 19th century cemetery and modern day urban oasis. Outrun the West Philly Turkey and support the neighborhood’s best running spot. Compete to win the first prize, a Thanksgiving turkey or tofurkey from Mariposa Food Co-Op!

Not sure you’re in good enough shape to run a full 5K? That’s okay! We have an option for you. Join a Team Relay! Register in teams of three, and make sure to designate your team name when registering. Each team member will run one third of the 5K.

The first 100 people to register will receive a limited edition Gobble Wobble pint glass to fill with a post race beer courtesy of Clarkville. Registration also includes a 1-year membership to The Woodlands.

Register for the race here: www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/woodlands-gobble-wobble.”

Editor’s Note: The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 14. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. Registration fee (individual or team) is $35.

West Philly Runners stretching after a run at The Woodlands. Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

Bob Casey (left) and Leo Eisenstein (photo from Bikram Yoga West Philly Facebook page)

The Bikram Yoga studio, which opened at 42nd and Chestnut in 2012, has a new management team and has changed its name from Bikram Yoga University City to Bikram Yoga West Philly, according to information posted on their Facebook page. The studio has been closed for renovation, which includes repainting and remodeling, since September 22, and is expected to reopen in early November.

The management changes include Leo Eisenstein, a yoga instructor from Bikram Yoga Philadelphia (and a veteran bartender!), joining the team as studio director. Bob Casey from the original management team will continue his work at the studio. We’ll keep you posted about the grand opening of Bikram Yoga West Philly. Also, visit their Facebook page for updates.
 

Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW), a local non-profit that has been providing bike education and recreation opportunities to youth for nearly 20 years, has a new home. The organization has recently opened a new, larger community shop and bike education hub at 3939 Lancaster Ave. For many years West Philly’s NBW headquarters had been located in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Locust Walk.

The new space’s grand opening celebration, which included community bike shop dedication, volunteer awards, and commemorative t-shirt screen printing, took place on Saturday:  Continue Reading