How Local Gyms Connect with their Manayunk Neighbors
By Janine Gasarowski
Photos Provided by Featured Businesses
What if stopping by your local gym meant much more than getting a workout in? The Manayunk neighborhood is home to a plethora of fitness-based businesses all here to help you not only look good but FEEL good. Gym culture can be intimidating for some. These eleven local gyms and wellness-based businesses meet you where you are at with your fitness – and help you have fun with it! Whether it’s stopping by a happy hour after a workout with your gym buddies, or simply surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, these small businesses shine a new light on the fitness world with a focus on building community amongst their members and also with the Manayunk Neighborhood.
Heyday Athletic
Sports. Friendship. Cheers!
Whether you are looking to make new friends, or your friend group is looking for a new activity to do together – HeyDay is perfect for you. HeyDay Athletic consists of a range of organized adult sports leagues throughout the tri-state area – their home base is right here on the border of Manayunk and Roxborough. The organization has existed since 1993 with a few different faces. In 2020 the name HeyDay Athletic was born when six different clubs all joined together with the same mission – fun, sports, and community. Business partner Tim Horan, a member since 1998, was so passionate about the organization that he eventually joined the team.
“But it’s not work if you’re having fun!” he laughs. “Every type of organized sport you would have done in your youth — we do the same thing, but for adults.”
Their leagues range from games like cornhole and giant beer pong to lacrosse, basketball, and so much more. You can join a league as an individual and be placed in a group of friendly new faces, or create your own team and sign up together. Either way – everyone is there to have a good time and engage in some friendly sport.
“We want our folks to play ball for an hour and then go socialize,” Tim said, “Honestly… a lot of participants care more about the socializing afterward than the game itself.” Each league in the organization has a bar or restaurant associated with it. Team members can head to bars like J.D. McGillicuddy’s and Fat Lady Brewing after their games and receive deals on appetizers and drinks. Manayunk’s leagues include cornhole and volleyball, and soccer, which shift from outdoor settings in summer to indoor venues at local businesses in colder months.
“There are a variety of ways we give back to the community, either through the leagues or through general business support,” HeyDay’s Chief Admin Officer Brian Wagner said. “We integrate with the community as much as possible.”
HeyDay is all about reuniting adults with sports in a fun and social way. “We are not what many would describe as really competitive — what we really look for is the interaction of it,” Tim said. He has witnessed long-lasting friendships, marriages, and even babies have come from relationships started in their leagues. One couple even got custom black and white HeyDay t-shirts on!
Beyond the weekly league games and matches, HeyDay offers other events such as seasonal tournaments, themed bar crawls, and focused fitness events.
GoalsFit
Invigorating. Fun. Social.
GoalsFit has been weaving the running community and camaraderie together for sixteen years. Business owner, Kasey Manwaring, has been a part of the Manayunk community even before then, opening her business following her graduation from a local university. Kasey ensures you will feel her motto ‘making fitness fun’ in her personal training sessions, boot camps, running programs, and more. If you are an early bird, you may have witnessed their morning running classes around your neighborhood. That is what makes them unique! Kasey spices up her classes with varying themes and by utilizing the outdoor public spaces Manayunk has to offer. Instead of your average run around the block – Kasey’s classes take you from mural to mural, park to park, and Manayunk staircase to staircase! In the winter, Goalsfit runs outside to look at the holiday lights decorating Main Street. All with support from Kasey and the other members along the way. The classes involve socializing just as much as fitness.
“With the classes being outdoors, they can chit chat during the classes,” Kasey said “A lot of socializing is going on throughout the classes.” Members support and encourage each other throughout their runs. “I like it when my class realizes someone hasn’t been to class in a while — it is really such a community,” Kasey said.
In addition to the boot camp-style classes, GoalsFit offers training programs for upcoming races such as the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathons. Goalsfit will provide runners with coaching support, team motivation, weekly workouts, and long runs together. Whether you are a fast runner or a beginner, Kasey and the GoalsFit team are here to support you!
GoalsFit has exciting plans for the future as Kasey is on her journey to becoming a therapist. She plans to combine counseling with fitness. “The classes make people feel good physically,
emotionally, mentally, and socially.” Witnessing this connection sparked her interest in returning to school. Being with other people, moving your body, and being outdoors are all elements GoalsFit uses to enhance your experience in your community.
Inspired Movement Pilates
Passionate. Personalized. Powerful.
Business owner Adrin Eline had a passion for pilates and noticed the need for it in the community upon her move to Manayunk. Adrin opened Inspired Movement Pilates studio in 2022. Tucked away at 4100 Main Street, Inspired Movement has its own tranquil and personalized take on community. Adrin offers everything from one-on-one sessions and duet classes, all using reformers and springboards.
“I know about their lives, and they know about mine,” she shares. “It’s not invasive; it’s supportive.” She knows life’s everyday stressors can take a toll on the body, and she’s here to help you feel your best through Pilates. With over 20 years of experience, Adrin insisted, “Pilates is what everyone should be doing!”
She has worked with clients with varying physical conditions – some people need care and pain relief, and some just want to work out. The reformer is supportive, you can get a workout while lying down, but it also challenges you. Pilates uses different muscles and works out parts of your body that are always engaged in other forms of fitness.
Her duet classes are particularly special, allowing clients to partner with friends or meet new faces. Many participants appreciate the connections developed during these sessions, as “people have a lot more in common than you think.” This sense of connection not only enhances their workout experience but also builds lasting friendships within the community.
Adrin plans to expand her offerings to include mat classes and workshops in collaboration with other local businesses, further strengthening the community bonds at Inspired Movement.
RowZone Manayunk
Exhilarating. Social. Challenging.
Rowzone is a boutique exercise studio utilizing indoor rowing ergs and other fitness techniques to meet you where you are on your fitness journey. Current business owner Jennifer Lynn has been a passionate member of RowZone for over 10 years before acquiring the company. “At RowZone, we bend over backward to make sure everyone has a home,” Jennifer said. RowZone designed unique plans for each workout class of about 15 attendees. Regardless of your rowing experience, or lack of, there is no reason to feel intimidated when signing up for your first class at RowZone! “You have all these rowers in a row, and no one can see the metrics the erg provides but you,” Jennifer said. “It feels like you are going just as fast as everybody else.” The erg machines can also be adjusted for different accommodations – all ages, bodies, and abilities are welcome!
“We call it rowing, but you’re not really on the water,” Jennifer said. The ergs are typically used for indoor classes, but RowZone will bring classes outside for special occasions and during Manayunk events. Now and then, RowZone even offers the opportunity for members to put their practice to work! They run group outings and take members out on the water for a day of community fun amongst the group. One of the instructors is a high school rowing coach and will coach the group throughout their outing. “We are really lucky to have a steady group of instructors. They are like family,” Jennifer said. “These are people I will call up to do something with.” Though this team is there to coach you on your fitness journey, everyone is there to have fun too. RowZone has a strong companionship amongst their staff and gym members. “Everyone hangs out after class and they are chatty chatty chatty…. They don’t want to go home,” Jennifer laughed.
RowZone is now embedded in the same space as The Wall Cycling Studio, together they enhance the community even more.
The Wall Cycling Studio
Inclusivity. Community. Caring.
“Our biggest thing is that we are all about community,” business owner Vicki Dzurinko said. “We want to offer a place that is very inclusive and safe; all levels and all people are welcome.” Vicki joined The Wall as a member in 2013 and has been a part of the studio for over a decade, eventually acquiring the business. The Wall Cycling Studio not only energizes riders with its dynamic spin cycling classes but also provides a variety of hybrid classes blending different forms of low-impact exercises for a full-body workout in a short amount of time. The studio also takes pride in celebrating members’ class milestones, creating a sense of achievement and community among participants. “We love the clients who come in and treat them like friends and family,” Vicki said. The Wall not only has a strong community inside its space, but it engages with the Manayunk neighborhood as much as possible too. The Wall partners with other local businesses, such as Herbal Zen, Bar Jawn, and Pet-Friendly Bakery, to collaborate on events both in and outside the studio. “Manayunk just has THAT feel,” Vicki adds. “There are a bunch of people running their businesses, all with a community focus.”
With RowZone existing in the same space, the two gyms often collaborate on blended classes where members switch from bikes to ergs. “One of the great things about partnering with The Wall is their immense calendar,” Jennifer said. “It seems like every other day they are doing something charitable, and we like to piggyback off them.” This spirit of collaboration not only enhances the workout experience but also strengthens the community bond, proving fitness can be a powerful force for connection.
Elite Sports Factory
Sports. Entertainment. Fun.
Located on Umbria Street, Elite Sports Factory stands as a large sports complex—home to leagues, performance training, summer camps, and a variety of spaces for books for personal parties or space for your team to play. “It is not hard to combine fun with sports and training,” said CEO and trainer Russel Mahert. They offer a wide range of activities for both adults and kids to have fun and stay active.
With basketball courts, turf fields, a fully equipped weight room, pickleball courts, and even obstacle courses, they have everything you could want for an engaging workout experience. The complex features dedicated kids’ party zones and programs tailored for youth, ensuring families can find something for everyone.
Open to the community, Elite Sports Factory fosters connections among families, athletes, and coaches, bringing people of all ages together through sports and teamwork. “Making the kids feel welcome is a huge part of youth sports training,” Russel said.
Emerge Fitness
Safe. Supportive. Welcoming
New in town is Emerge Fitness, located at 4143 Main Street. Owner, Emily Fobben, opened the gym’s doors in May 2024, creating a welcoming studio offering small group training specifically for women, alongside one-on-one personal training for everyone. With sessions capped at just four people, Emerge fosters an intimate, membership-based environment where familiar faces return for every class.
Participants follow a strength training program tailored to their individual needs, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced athletes. “You are probably a lot stronger than you think,” Emily encourages, often pushing members to lift more than they usually do. “It’s really cool when women realize, ‘Oh, I can lift this!’”
Emily understands many shy away from fitness due to past experiences with high-impact classes. At Emerge, the program is low-impact with no burpees, yet remains high-energy when it comes to lifting heavy weights. Excitingly, she plans to continue adding more sessions to the gym schedule, inviting even more women to discover their strength!
LaunchPad Fitness
Diverse. Dynamic. Playful
LaunchPad Fitness, nestled on Gay Street in Manayunk, is a welcoming gym priding itself on inclusivity and unique forms of fitness in a supportive atmosphere. Owned by Kelly Maguire, the gym offers innovative classes like Cirque-It Fitness, aerial straps, and trapeze training, catering to all fitness levels while promoting self-acceptance through its Body Positive Personal Training program.
Kelly’s active involvement in local town committees reflects her deep commitment to community engagement, ensuring LaunchPad Fitness is not just a gym but a vibrant hub for personal growth and connection. This dedication to both fitness and community makes LaunchPad a standout destination for anyone looking to thrive in a positive environment.
Never Give Up
Inclusive. Inspired. Persevering.
Tucked underneath the Cresson Street train tracks is Never Give Up Training LLC, founded by owner Ali Cook Jackson 12 years ago. NGU brings fitness to you in various ways through small group classes, private and semi-private training, endurance and multi-sport programming, and sport-specific training and nutrition plans.
“At NGU, we are not just a business, but rather a community and family,” Ali said. “We are here for you not only during your workouts but, more importantly, outside of these doors, and that is clear from the moment you walk in!” Ali has countless heartwarming stories about friends and couples who met at NGU – some who now have kids who train with Ali. They have even had clients love their gym environment so much, they become NGU instructors themselves.
“Manayunk has so much to offer, and our members truly take advantage of it. A fun fact about us is that 99% of our trainers live in the area.” The skilled trainers at NGU make classes accessible for different fitness levels, fostering a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to push their limits, especially when it comes to lifting weights. This emphasis on strength training helps build not just physical strength, but also a deep sense of confidence and empowerment within the community.
HotBox Yoga
Inspiring. Grounding. Accepting.
HotBox Yoga has been bringing the heat and mindfulness to Main Street for over 10 years. With a focus on community and connection, the studio offers a range of dynamic classes, from power yoga to vinyasa flow, providing options for every yogi’s preferred practice. In these classes, you may find yourself mat to mat with fellow classmates, all working together in a shared journey of self-improvement. “We take pride in fostering an environment where people come together, support one another, and create meaningful relationships both on and off the mat,” manager Ava Samuel said.
From the moment you walk in the door, you’re greeted with warmth. Small talk often flows between everyone before and after class, further enhancing the sense of community that makes HotBox Yoga a beloved haven for its members. Some instructors give the class a moment for mat neighbors to give each some words or motions of encouragement.
HotBox offers other ways for the community to grow in their space with different class challenges, yoga teacher training, and occasional themed workshops about mindfulness. “The HotBox community is vibrant, strong, and constantly growing,” Ava said. “Every class and event is an opportunity to connect, grow, and support one another.”
McKenzie Physical Therapy
Move Better. Feel Better.
Chris McKenzie, the owner of McKenzie Physical Therapy, turned his passion for healing into a career after experiencing a sports-related injury himself. At his clinic, he takes a personal, hands-on approach, standing out from alternative PT facilities. Chris treats everyone from beginners to Olympians, including plenty of clients who hit the local gyms. “Healthcare is missing someone that listens and truly understands you,” Chris said.
He’s eager to team up with local businesses, providing training for gym instructors to empower them to assist members during classes. “Ultimately, we want to keep people in their gym,” he explains, delivering on-the-spot care that helps folks continue doing what they love. Whether it’s a new issue or an old injury making a comeback, Chris is here to help clients manage their pain so they can keep enjoying their favorite workouts.
McKenzie Physical Therapy is actively involved in the Manayunk community, often setting up stations at neighborhood events. Chris hopes to deepen these connections with local businesses, offering opportunities for them to bring their staff in for training and care.
New to MPT are free monthly workshops for the community, each focused on a different topic related to pain management and physical health. These workshops are designed to educate people on the root causes of their discomfort and how physical therapy can help, empowering them to take control of their well-being and stay active.
Manayunk is home to a vibrant fitness scene filled with local gyms promoting community and connection. Whether it’s through fun adult sports leagues, personalized training sessions, or unique classes, it’s clear Manayunk is the ideal spot to get fit and forge lasting connections.