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The owner of the Hershey Square shopping center said five new high-profile tenants will open their doors by next spring.

PennLive previously reported that Big Lots, Planet Fitness, T.J. Maxx and Five Below are coming to the former Kmart site in the Derry Township shopping center. A Chipotle Mexican Grill will open there as well.

Construction work to prepare the center for its new tenants began last month, said shopping center owner Heidenberg Properties.

The former Kmart store is located in Derry Township at the Hershey Square shopping center. (Daniel Urie, PennLive, File)

The Kmart closed in March 2019. From November through May, Heidenberg Properties said it executed 10-year lease agreements for more than 90,000 square feet of the site for T.J. Maxx, Big Lots, Five Below, and Planet Fitness. The Chipotle will be built on a new pad site in front of Weis Markets and will include a drive-thru lane.

We knew that this space would be desirable to top-tier retailers and we couldnt be more excited about the new tenant line up, Heidenberg Properties' VP of real estate Ken Simon said in a press release. The mix of treasure-hunt, value and experiential retailers that we are adding will well-position this property for the long term.

"Late 2020" will be here before we know it! But in the meantime, we're busy behind the scenes planning the space and designing equipment. Here's a sneak peek at the vision board guiding our plans.

A sixth tenant is also expected to open next year as well. Where the Wild Things Play, an indoor play space for children, will take up 4,000 square feet of space at the former Kmart space and will include five playhouses, an enclosed climbing structure and STEM activities, according to a Hummelstown Sun report. The company said on its Facebook page in June that it expects to open in the spring or the summer.

In addition to the 55,000-square-foot Weis Markets, the shopping center includes a number of smaller tenants, including Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection, Panera Bread, Five Guys, Visionworks and Applebees. The shopping center has more than 223,000 square feet of space.

Heidenberg Properties, a real estate development company based in New Jersey, acquired the Hershey Square shopping center in 2014.

--Business Buzz

You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness

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When will Big Lots, Planet Fitness, T.J. Maxx, Five Below and Chipotle open in Hershey? - PennLive

You've been at the gym for 30 minutes already and, somehow, the squat rack still appears to be taken. You train your eyes on the seemingly coveted piece of equipment while pushing through a final set on the leg press machine, before clueing in to the hovering presence behind you. Before you can even exhale through your last rep, your new (uninvited) sweaty friend interjects "Hey, um, are you almost done?". You don't appreciate his impatience, but you give him the go-ahead in the hopes that the squat rack is (finally) free. Glancing over, you see your long-awaited opening, and you quickly cut across the gym floor with your water bottle and towel tucked under your arm. Only someone beats you to the rack. Again. Letting out a sigh, you place your things down beside another piece of equipment (this time, much closer to the squat rack you've been stalking for nearly an hour now). Perhaps, you think to yourself it's time to change gyms.

Just six months ago, this was an all too common scenario. In fact, studies show that 50% of all new gym members quit going within 6 months. From complaints related to crowded commercial gym spaces, the ebb and flow of motivation, challenging work commutes, or simply demanding schedules, committing to a gym long-term is often a lofty consideration. Meanwhile, from a trainer's perspective, finding appropriate space to comfortably train clients with access to an extensive supply of equipment can, in itself, be a difficult task. Of course, that was before a global pandemic came into the picture.

In the span of a few months, the fitness industry has been aptly turned on its head. The high-volume gym and studio models which, just last year, seemed to be fixed on an upward trajectory of popularity and revenue projections, now face an industry-defining dilemma. In a socially distanced world, what does fitness look like? From group classes to personal training, how can gyms and studios provide a safe and appealing environment for gym-goers to achieve their health-related goals without the fear of COVID-19 transmission? Moreover, in a climate which is in so many ways uncertain and subject to extreme change, what model or format offers trainers and gym-goers the flexibility they need to work or train without adhering to long-term commitments and contracts?

The answer, it would seem, is a concept called Silofit.

Silofit is described as the world's first network of private fitness spaces. The company, which launched in 2017, repurposes small office space into fully equipped, private studios that can be rented by the hour, a-la-carte style. Fitness professionals can use the app to book in sessions with their clients, and fitness enthusiasts can book the space to exercise with friends or even work out alone.

Moreover, their model appears uniquely suited to the post-pandemic fitness landscape, thanks to the private nature of the space and extensive COVID-19 protocols implemented at each studio.

The CEO of Silofit, Wilfred Valenta, explains that the idea for the company came about when he was looking for a gym to join. Specifically, he was hoping to find a gym that was nearby his office, so he could squeeze in a workout when he wasn't at his desk. The only problem? He was constantly out of town, or commuting around the city for work. "Maybe the issue at hand had nothing to do with the gym, and everything to do with the strings attached," he explains. "The reality is, being tied down to a long-term membership is a valid concern for a lot of people, and committing to monthly memberships isn't always feasible either."

Fortunately, that's where Silofit comes in. By repurposing unused spaces into beautiful and functional private studios that trainers and fitness lovers can rent on-demand, at their own convenience and on a budget, Silofit hopes to empower individuals to approach their fitness journey on their terms.

"It's our mission to create spaces for people to bring goals lofty or little to life. In building these private studios for you, we hope to see your goals become a reality," says Valenta.

Oh and, in case you were wondering, Silofit truly is the first of its kind. Currently, no other pay-as-you-go private gym models have been made available to the public in such a widely accessible manner.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Silofit was preparing to expand to Toronto. While construction on their burgeoning locations came to a grinding halt during the lockdown period, Silofit recognized the opportunity to grow their team, and focus on their pipeline of spaces and product roadmap, shared Valenta. "Even before the pandemic, we performed rigorous deep cleanings between sessions and provided 100% privacy, which turned out to be the security and safety people were looking for, pandemic or otherwise," Valenta shares. "We are very grateful to be one of the few companies that expanded and had success during this time."

The appeal of Silofit studio spaces (also known as Silos), is rather obvious. During each session, trainers are able to focus on the client's personal goals in a more intimate setting, so they can best serve their needs, avoid injuries, and provide the best possible service to clients. In turn, the client gets a truly personalized experience from a knowledgeable professional, who knows what's best for their body. This results in better service and better value, for both trainers and clients and, with stringent COVID-19 cleaning protocols performed before and after each session, users can rest assured that their safety is top priority.

As Silofit's popularity continues to grow, we had to wonder what is their marketing secret? According to Valenta, it comes down to word of mouth, and the use of content creators.

"Word of mouth was huge for us, especially in the beginning, because 80% of our business came from trainers," he explains. "As trainers came into the space, many of them began telling their friends in the industry about us and how much they enjoyed the experience, so word spread quickly. In fact, it only took a few weeks and a handful of trainers for our first Silo studio to become fully booked."

On the other hand, content creators have also been eager to work with the company. However, Valenta stresses the importance of an organic approach. "We hardly ever reach out to anyone; we wait for them to come to us or tag us in the content they post in the Silo, because those are the people who are most passionate about the brand and what we offer. We wanted to make sure that the people endorsing Silofit and sharing their experiences are people who genuinely use and love the offering. In an era where there's so much scripted endorsement, it's important that the voice of our brand is a sincere one."

Although Silofit spaces are made available to both trainers and gym-goers, Valenta notes that their customers, more often than not, are trainers. "We quickly learned that many gyms require trainers to pay out 50-80% commission. That's when we realized we were solving a much bigger problem for these trainers; we were providing a solution in their search for independence and autonomy." Using this solution, trainers can seamlessly book on-demand sessions, or pre-book a weekly time slot so it's ready when they need it. They'll even help promote trainers to prospective new clients. With Silofit offering such a user-friendly and affordable model, trainers can finally take control of their own careers.

But, that's not all. "We also learned that we were a different kind of solution for many other types of customers, such as content-creators and gym-goers," explains Valenta. "Many influencers use the space to shoot health and fitness content for Youtube, TikTok, and IGTV, as they get the look and feel of a private, luxurious gym, without the cost of running one. They're able to book the studio for however long they need to set up and shoot their content, without any external pressure from other members walking around and getting in the way of shots. And as for the gym-goers, Silofit became a solution for those who hate waiting around for equipment, are nervous of potentially unsanitary gyms, and want to avoid attention from strangers at the gym."

As for the future, Silofit has big things in store, according to Valenta.

"We're looking to build a platform for trainers by offering spaces, software, and services. We're essentially rebuilding and replacing the traditional gym for trainers in order to make them more independent, which we intend to do in a few ways. We partnered with Strive Life, a personal training certification that runs their course in our Silo, so that anyone who wants to be a trainer can get certified in a fast and effective manner, through a qualified provider."

Silofit is also working on evolving their brand into an app-based marketbase, where users can book both a Silo and a trainer through the app. This will also allow trainers to schedule and manage their clients, while continuously growing their client base.

As Valenta puts it, "Health is the new wealth, and people are investing in themselves and their bodies; after all, it's the only one you ever get!"

Want to learn more about the latest trends to impact the health and wellness industry? Click here for Knowingli's Digital Healthcare report.

Originally posted here:
Is Silofit 'Gym on Demand' the Future of the Fitness Industry? | By Alan Young - Hospitality Net

U.S. Reps. Michael Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have filed the Health & Fitness Recovery Act of 2020, the two announced on Oct. 1.

Theact(H.R. 8485) establishes a $30 billion recovery fund to help gyms and fitness clubs devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has lost $13.9 billion in revenue from March through Sept. 1, 2020, according to IHRSA.

If passed, the bill would allow the $30 billion to be given in the form of grants that are capped at an actual business loss up to 10 percent of the businesss previous years revenue or $10 millionwhichever is less.

The grants could be used to help recipients with payroll costs, payments of principal or interest on any mortgage obligation, rent payments (including rent under a lease agreement), utilities, maintenance (including construction or reconfiguration to accommodate social distancing requirements), supplies (including protective equipment and cleaning materials), debt obligations to suppliers that were incurred before the covered period, and any other expenses determined by the government to be essential to maintaining the eligible entity.

IHRSA is coordinating a campaign to get operators in the fitness industry to contact their members of Congress to co-sponsor the bill and include it in any future COVID-19 relief bill.

IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, and IHRSA Board Ex-officio Jim Worthington of the Newtown Athletic Club worked with Fitzpatrick to draft the bill. Gale Landers, CEO of Fitness Formula Clubs, then gained Quigleys endorsement of the bill to make it bipartisan.

Unlike many other businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, health and fitness clubs could not pivot to new revenue streams and many in the industry failed to qualify for assistance in the first CARES Act, Fitzpatrick said. The men and women who work in the fitness industry need and deserve our help.

Originally posted here:
Bill To Help The Fitness Industry Introduced In The U.S. House - Club Industry

HAMPTON, N.H., Oct.1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, welcomes everyone to jumpstart and try out new workouts for just $0 down (enrollment fee), then $10 a month from October 1 8. As we all continue to adjust to new routines and schedules this fall, Planet Fitness wants everyone to stay active and healthy in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. Find the nearest club or join online here.

"Many of us have found ourselves stuck in the ruts of the couch life over the past several months, but now it's more important than ever to get moving and get into a fitness routine," said Jeremy Tucker, chief marketing officer at Planet Fitness. "Even just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can make a difference and is recommended for all adults and Planet Fitness is here to help no matter your fitness level or goals. We encourage everyone to come in and see first-hand just how clean, safe and spacious our clubs are."

Planet Fitness' top priority remains keeping its members and employees safe. New and returning members alike will see first-hand the enhanced safety and sanitization protocols at its well-ventilated and spacious clubs, such as:

With more than 70 percent of American adults1 overweight or obese, it is important now more than ever to explore safe, fun and exciting ways to stay healthy. Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease increase the risk of complications from COVID-19, and studies have proven that physical activity has tremendous physical and mental health benefits. Still, only 23 percent of adults2 are reaching the federal recommended amount of physical activity 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).In addition, research shows that even 20 minutes of exercise3 can have anti-inflammatory effects that boost your immune system. Studies have also shown that exercise can treat depression (mild to moderate) by incorporating 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour it reduces the risk of major depression by 26 percent4.

Planet Fitness offers extremely low prices and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more.

To locate the nearest Planet Fitness club and take advantage of this limited time offer for new members, please visit PlanetFitness.com/Local-Clubs.

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Adult Obesity Facts2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Adult Obesity Facts3Brain, Behavior, and Immunity4Assessment of Bidirectional Relationships Between Physical Activity and Depression Among Adults

About Planet FitnessFounded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2020, Planet Fitness had more than 15.2 million members and 2,059 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

http://PlanetFitness.com

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Kick-Start Your Fitness Routine In The Judgement Free Zone - PRNewswire

The changing colors, falling leaves and cooler nights are all signs that fall is here. Fall is a great season for fitness as its the last chance to exercise outdoors before cold, snowy days return for the winter.

Below is a sampling of regional upcoming events happening this fall. Events include virtual yoga, an outdoor market, a corn maze, a do-it-yourself cycling ride and more.

When: Now through Oct. 12

Where: Sly Fox Brewery 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown

More Details: This years Fox Trot 5K at the Brewery will be done virtually. The traditional event is a road race through the neighborhoods around the brewery and is chip time. Participants of the 2020 event can decide where to start and end. People can now determine their own route and run on local trails or even a treadmill. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2020FoxTrok5K.

When: Now through Oct. 31

Where: Colonial Gardens 745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

Cost: Pumpkinland free, Hayride price varies

More Details: Pumpkinland is a free play area with popular character cut-outs. The area is open to the public through Oct. 31. Daytime and nighttime hayrides are also available. The community is invited to hop for 15-to-30-minute rides through the woods. Other activities include a funhouse, corn maze, Caspers castle and more. All guests over 2 years old are required to wear masks. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/PumpkinlandHayrides.

When: Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Smith Family Plaza 100 E. High St., Pottstown

More Details: The Pottstown FARM is a local outdoor market with farm and artisan vendors. Visit the open-air market for fresh, locally grown produce and more. All vendors accept cash while some accept credit cards. People can use their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits at the market. Find out more information at pottstownfarm.org.

When: 11 a.m. every Saturday until Oct. 31

Where: Zoom

More Details: The Reading Public Library is offering a free virtual yoga series. Each class will last one hour and will be done through Zoom. To register, email onlineclasses@reading.lib.pa.us. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/ReadingVirtualYoga.

When: Oct. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Pottstown Athletic Club 263 King St., Pottstown

More Details: The athletic club is hosting a free youth series training clinic for youth 12 years and older located in Pottstown. Spacing is limited to 30 participants. The youth participants will receive instruction on fitness movements and do group workouts. The entire series is 10 weeks and will continue until Dec. 16. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/PACYouthSeries.

When: Oct. 10 & Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Samana Holistic Center 170 South St., Pottstown

More Details: This event is part of a series of introductory meditation classes. The class is open to beginners and people with meditation and mindfulness experience. Participants will learn about different forms of meditation and the history of the practice. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/SamanaMeditationIntro.

When: Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Take It Outdoors 57 Schuylkill Ave., Pottstown

Cost: $60 with $10 deposit required for registration

More Details: Take It Outdoors and the John James Audubon Center are teaming up for this fun outdoor event. The excursion will include birds, bikes and boats. Participants will ride bikes for about four miles then take a break for lunch while enjoying a birding presentation. Then everyone will paddle back to Take It Outdoors along the Schuylkill River. Registration includes all supplies such as bikes, boats and food. Certified instructors will guide participants on the bike ride and paddle. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/SchuylkillBirdsBikesBoats.

When: Oct. 17 through Oct. 31

Where: Reading Hospital Tower Health 420 South Fifth Ave., West Reading

More Details: The Friends of Reading Hospital are hosting this running event, which is now virtual. People can register for a 1-mile, 5K, half-marathon, or 130-mile distance to be completed anytime between Oct. 17 and Oct. 31. Participants get to choose their own route. Registration includes a race shirt, race bib, race medal and other items. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2020ReadingHospitalVirtualRun.

When: Oct. 24 through Nov. 7 from sunrise to sunset every day

Where: Pottstown to Birdsboro Schuylkill River Trail section

Cost: Free or with a $35 registration get the T-shirt and a swag bag

More Details: The community is invited to Ride for the River along a section of the Schuylkill River Trail for a do-it-yourself cycling tour. The full ride is about 20 miles round trip between Pottstown and Birdsboro, but participants can opt to just a section of the ride. An interesting twist was added to this years event. The self-guided ride includes tour stops along the trail as posted signage. The stops include mysteries, bridges and historical sites. Everyone who signs up for the ride receives a free entry into a raffle prize drawing which includes items from both the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area and the Sly Fox Brewery. For more information and to register, visit schuylkillriver.org/ridefortheriver.

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Fall into fitness with these fun, upcoming events - Daily Local News

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A year ago, when Ruth Sacks Marlin -- a former lawyer who had been working as a personal trainer for the last 15 years -- was invited to IDEA World Convention, touted as the worlds largest personal training conference in Anaheim, Calif., she was excited.

I was in a cohort with 250 of the biggest names in the fitness industry. The chairperson of that conference talked about her large fitness facility and her virtual training business, said Marlin, a St. George resident.

However, at the time -- well before he coronavirus (COVID-19) caused a global shutdown -- Marlin, like all others, didnt foresee the widespread need for virtual fitness training.

Last year, I was focused on my [more than] 15-year-old personal training one-on-one, fitness classes, traveling to peoples home, training in three private gyms, and on travel fitness," she said.

It was appealing to learn at the IDEA World Convention "how to show people how they can continue working out even when they are not near a gym, or they are away from their usual fitness routines, Marlin recalled. (Courtesy of Ruth Sacks Marlin)

It was appealing to learn at the IDEA World Convention "how to show people how they can continue working out even when they are not near a gym, or they are away from their usual fitness routines, she recalled.

So she listened and learned. And that came in handy a year later.

Once coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic set in, Marlin took what she learned from the training event a year prior and put it into action. In July 2020, she launched Ruth Fitness Virtual Studio.

Virtual fitness is absolutely the present and the future of fitness, said Marlin. Many traditional clients are not likely to return to gyms for a number of reasons, including health concerns and the convenience of the home workout. ... Virtual fitness serves so many, including people who are working; kids who are only in school for one to three days per week with little, if any, in-person physical fitness; parents who are at home with their kids; people who are retired, [and] young adults who are used to doing everything virtually.

Her virtual studio includes fitness classes, like boot camp, and one-on-one training, said Marlin.

Virtual fitness is absolutely the present and the future of fitness, said Marlin. Many traditional clients are not likely to return to gyms for a number of reasons, including health concerns and the convenience of the home workout." (Courtesy of Ruth Sacks Marlin)

WHY THE CAREER SHIFT?

When Marlin was a political science major at Tufts University in Middlesex County, Mass., she was a runner. Track was a sport she also enjoyed while attending Curtis High School, St. George.

"I was captain of my teams at Curtis and Tufts. ...I loved the idea of coaching, helping people, but the path to law was set. My goal in law was to help people. I practiced real estate law and had a goal to do pro bono work while also living an active, fun life in Florida after graduating from the University of Miami, recalled Marlin.

I worked for 14 years for three different nonprofit organizations in the field of fundraising, major gifts and planned giving or charitable estate planning, [which is] helping people to help charities by creating wills, trusts and other types of vehicles that benefit charities, added Marlin of her law career.

Marlin is a former lawyer who had been working as a personal trainer for the last 15 years. (Courtesy of Ruth Sacks Marlin)

After having moved back to Staten Island with her husband, she wanted to start a family. But juggling a busy law career and children wasnt going to work. Thats when she opted to switch career paths and pursue personal training.

I thought about what I wanted to do, remembering back to college and my goals to coach. I started with an idea and a flyer. I showed it to one person, who hired me, and referred me to the next person. And that is how I have been helping people transform their lives," said Marlin.

She said she teaches people how to "find a way, to find the time, to focus on making small changes, with consistency, to add activity, toning, build strength (body, mind, spirit), to lose weight, to add flexibility, and to de-stress, in their daily lives.

As for future goals, Marlin said she hopes to reach as many people as she can with her virtual training sessions. (Courtesy of Ruth Sacks Marlin)

CHALLENGES TO OPENING DURING A PANDEMIC

Marlin admitted that the biggest challenge to starting this business was herself.

I had to get out of my comfort zone. I was used to, and loved connecting with people in person -- whether at the gym or at their home. I had to learn new ways to connect with people and to deliver the health coaching that we all need, she said.

However, there is another key challenge: Due to the current health crisis, many people dont have extra money to spend.

People have had their priorities on keeping their jobs, businesses going, homeschooling their kids, etc. and havent focused as much on themselves and prioritizing their own health, so that they can be there for everyone else, she said. People have lost jobs; businesses have been tremendously compromised, so though health is important, it has been difficult for some to prioritize."

For this reason, she said her virtual business has a price point "far below what you would pay for an annual gym membership.

As for future goals, Marlin said she hopes to reach as many people as she can with her virtual training sessions.

I want to motivate everyone to lead an active life, integrating healthy eating and reducing their stress levels, so they can live their best life, she said.

RUTH FITNESS AT A GLANCE

Website: http://www.ruthfitness.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthSacksMarlin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthmarlin1/

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If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

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Former lawyer steps into future of fitness with new virtual studio - SILive.com

Army units are now authorized to begin taking the new Army Combat Fitness Test as the official replacement to the four-decade old Army Physical Fitness Test. But the scores soldiers receive will be for data collection only, and will not count until 2022.

Army officials announced in June that all active, National Guard and Reserve units would be cleared to take the ACFT on Oct. 1, a move that ends a six-month suspension of all fitness testing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"As I've said in the past, the ACFT is a great step forward to ensure we're staying fit and healthy for our nation," Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston said in a statement to Military.com. "The vast majority of the Army should now only be taking the Army Combat Fitness Test."

Read Next:Army Gives Its Official Support to the Time-Honored Practice of Field Napping

The Army unveiled its plan to replace the current three-event APFT with the more challenging, six-event ACFT in July 2018 and completing a yearlong field test of the ACFT in late September 2019 that involved 63 battalions of active-duty, National Guard and Reserve soldiers.

But the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in fielding units with the special equipment needed to conduct the ACFT. Soldiers were unable to practice the entire test and build fitness levels, prompting Army leaders to announce in June that individual ACFT scores will not count against soldiers until March of 2022.

Starting out, unit commanders will administer a slightly modified version of the new fitness test -- known as the ACFT 2.0. It still consists of six events: the maximum deadlift; standing power throw; hand-release push-ups; spring, drag and carry; leg tuck; and two-mile run. But the Army has added an alternative plank event for soldiers who still struggle to perform the minimum requirement of one leg tuck.

The plank event -- which requires soldiers to perform the exercise for a minimum of two minutes -- is intended as a temporary bridging exercise to build core strength, Army officials have said.

Story continues

The only soldiers still required to take the APFT are those who received a failing score on the three-event test before Army officials paused all fitness testing in late March. Those soldiers are still required to pass an APFT test before they start taking the ACFT.

Army leaders initially told soldiers that failing the ACFT was not an option. In 2018, then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said if a soldier cannot pass the ACFT, "then maybe you should hit the road."

Now Army leaders are challenging all soldiers to pass ACFT 2.0, but "no adverse administrative actions will be taken against a soldier for failing the ACFT and scores or comments on performance will not be used administratively during the data-collection timeframe," according to an Army statement.

"We have a long way to go to get our personnel policies set for the new test, but I want the Army to know we're using data received from the force to drive our decision making, Grinston said in his statement. "The bottom line is, soldiers, NCOs and officers are now training for and taking the ACFT."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related:In Change, Army Says ACFT Scores Won't Count Against Soldiers Until 2022

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It's Official: The ACFT Is Now the Army's Fitness Test of Record - Yahoo News

Virtual 17th annual Run in the Park

Hermann Park Conservancys annual event is taking place virtually, now through Oct. 3. Participants can run or walk a 5K or 10K at Hermann Park or from the comfort of their own area, while still supporting the park. hermannpark.org/calendar/17th-annual-run-in-the-park.

Social Distancing, Walk, Run or Ride

Families are invited to walk, run or ride their bikes around Tom Bass Regional Park. Masks are required. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 3; 15108 Cullen Blvd.; facebook.com/events/316014189503817.

Bollywood & Bhangra Dancing Class

Fitness dance class is set to the rhythm of Bollywood music. Open to all ages and skill levels. 10 a.m. Oct. 3; Levy Park, 3801 Eastside; levyparkhouston.org. This program will also debut on Levy Parks Facebook page and will be available for 24 hours.

Zumba by Tiny Fitness

This 45-minute Zumba fitness class will have participants grooving, shaking and toning to salsa, hip-hop, samba and bhangra beats. Open to all fitness levels, no equipment necessary. 9 a.m. Oct. 4; Levy Park, 3801 Eastside; levyparkhouston.org.

Core Focused Yoga

Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga sequence led by John Tran. No preregistration required. Participants mustbring a towel, water and a yoga mat. Masks are not required while exercising; circles painted on the lawn will help ensure 8 feet of distance. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6; Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney; discoverygreen.com.

ana.khan@chron.com

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Fitness events around Houston: Core Focused Yoga and Run in The Park - Houston Chronicle

Katie Savage, owner of Counter Culture, said the courses they offer are a fun workout and inspire confidence. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

Counter Culture offers unique, wide variety of workout classes

ASHLAND, Ky. An excited and happy shriek comes from the next room.

I think she just pulled off a trick for the first time, Katie Savage says upon hearing it from a class participant.

A group is practicing in the adjacent space at Counter Culture, which features an aerial cube, mounted from the ceiling, upon which participants perform aerobics on the rigging.

Savage, who opened the business in May on Roberts Drive, said it had a delayed start, following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She began work on constructing the space, located in the rear of the building, which also hosts BloodMoon Goddesses Apothecary & Spiritual Services, shortly after Valentines Day.

We are a pole and circus fitness studio, she said, stating they offer classes in anything and everything having to do with what she calls strange fitness.

A unique business and studio for the region, Counter Culture offers courses in aerial silks, in which aerobics are performed from a hanging fabric, aerial yoga, aerial hoop, pole dancing and regular dance, as well as conditioning and strength building.

Katie Savage, owner of Counter Culture, says she has been taking part in circus arts and fitness since she first took a class in Lexington, Kentucky when she was 18. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

This fall, they also offered five-week courses in burlesque. Savage is a member of Cosmadolls, a local burlesque troupe, founded in 2013, which has performed at events such as Ironton Wizardfest and the Road Hawk Magazine Tattoo Show at the Ro-Na Theater.

She said she first got into circus arts when she was taking a pole fitness classes at age 18 in Lexington, Kentucky.

I took a class and fell in love and bought one and trained, Savage said.

Savage said, from there, she shadowed her instructor and taught her self through videos.

It was kind of a combination of both, she said of her learning.

Katie Savage is the owner of Counter Culture. (The Ironton Tribune | Heath Harrison)

She said business has been strong and most classes are booked.

They are offered in six-week sessions, with about 3-4 people each, so that each person has access to one of the spaces devices. Altogether, she says they teach about 10 classes a week.

She said the classes are open to those ages 18 and up and that they are body-positive and open to all types and skills levels, from beginners to advanced. Those wanting to sign up can do so online at https://bookwhen.com/counterculture.

Savage said, in addition to learning really cool tricks, one of the biggest benefits of aerial fitness is a full body workout that engages all the muscles.

It is a really fun workout, but it doesnt feel like a workout, she said.

She said one of her favorite things to see is the confidence it builds in those who enroll in the classes.

People come in and, at first, they dont feel so good, she said. But then you see their face light up when they try it.

Counter Culture is located at 5405 Roberts Dr., Suite 5 in Ashland. More information can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/countercultureashland/.

Continued here:
High-flying fitness - The Tribune | The Tribune - Ironton Tribune

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Crunch Fitness announces its continuing commitment to bringing back New York City better than ever.Crunch will swing open the doors to selling memberships at its brand-new, long-awaited Signature outpost in the heart of Midtown today with a target opening in Fall 2020.

Known for making serious fitness fun and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments,' this latest rendition from Crunch is situated below the Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection located at 511 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017.

The first 500 people to join will be designated as Founding Members, receiving the best membership rates and a limited-edition Crunch gift bag.

Crunch Midtown Eastlooks to provide members with a slew of top-of-the-line options to get a sweat on and have fun at the same time. The new facility includes state-of-the-art strength training and cardio equipment, a specialized 60-foot functional training zone with turf, and designated areas for those looking to get individualized programs from Crunch's expert team of Personal Trainers.

This new location will be an Apple Watch Connected location, where members can use Apple Watch to track their workouts, use Apple Pay and earn rewards for working out through a unique incentive program.The incentive program, CrunchTime Active Rewards, helps members save on their monthly dues by completing weekly fitness challenges using Apple Watch. With a quick tap of Apple Watch on the gym's 29 GymKit-enabled cardio machines, members get accurate workout measurements with the console metrics matching what they see on their wrist.GymKit is available across the full range of treadmills, ellipticals, stair machines, and stationary bikes. Members can also quickly check-in to the club by loading their member credentials from the Crunch Member app into their Wallet. This club accepts Apple Pay as a convenient payment method for retail items and personal training.

Midtown East addresses COVID-19 through our "Crunch Commitment," which includes additional sanitation stations, increased disinfecting protocols, a layout that facilitates social distancing, the use of PPE by members and employees, contactless check-in, and more. Like all Crunch Signature gyms in New York, Midtown East uses airPHX, a patented technology that uses atmospheric cold plasma to change a small percentage of the air's oxygen molecules into a unique spectrum of oxidizing molecules that kill bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Once the state gives us the green light, the club will be rolling out a full schedule of Crunch's Signature group fitness classes, housed in an expansive studio. Full-service locker rooms featuring complimentary Rituals spa products and super plush towels provide members with everything needed to incorporate fitness into their lives.

"We have been working toward opening a Crunch in Midtown for quite some time now and couldn't be happier that it is finally happening during these difficult times," said Crunch Signature CEO, Keith Worts. "We are excited to be able to offer residents in this area a new outlet for their workouts in a top-notch facility that is full of energy. Midtown East is conveniently located near Grand Central Terminal and is great both for residents and commuters. We are fully committed to the city, and in doing our part to making it better than ever."

With the opening of Midtown East, Crunch now has 18 Signature locations in the New York City Metro area. A dedicated website, http://www.crunch.com/midtowneast, is offering exclusive membership deals for a limited time. The Enrollment Center is now open on the northeast corner of 48th and Lexington on Mon-Thurs 10 am-7 pm, Fri 10 am-5 pm, and closed on the weekend.

Call (212) 448-7330 for more information on Crunch Midtown East. For additional information about other Crunch locations across the country, go to http://www.crunch.com.

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people, with all types of goals, exercising all different ways; working it out at the same place together. Today, we are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for our wildly diverse members. Headquartered in New York City, Crunch serves over 1.6 million members with over 360 gyms worldwide in 30 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Spain, and Australia, and will soon be open in Portugal and Costa Rica. Crunch is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe.

SOURCE Crunch

http://www.crunch.com

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Crunch Fitness Expands Footprint In New York With A New Signature Location In Midtown East - PRNewswire

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