Explore Phoenixville's Outdoor Gym

Spring is sprung and it is getting warmer, which means the clothes are starting to come off, and maybe you are finding what is underneath those big sweatshirts and loose fitting jeans is a little less than desirable.  

So you say to yourself  “I am going to the gym,” since you joined and have yet to enter the doors after signing up as a member. You get your gym bag packed, throw it in your car and head to the gym.

As you are driving into the parking lot it is difficult to find a parking space. Maybe that just means they are running a special class or classes or everyone is in the store next door to the gym; not everyone could be in there working out, right?

After 10 minutes of navigating the parking lot and struggling with your heavy gym bag (which really only has your sneakers and towel) you huff and puff your way to the front door and start peeking in the windows. Did everyone else decide to come to the gym today too? Maybe you are just seeing the reflections of people in the mirror. There can’t be that many people in there, right?

As you walk into the front door, you check in at the front desk. The very nice attendant remarks that she has to tell you about the slight problem with the air quality in the gym. She apologizes if it is a little warm. She then proceeds to suggest that maybe you should try a swimming class, or one of the treadmills with the fans if you want to stay cool.  

Oh, but you have to put your name on a list at each treadmill if you want to get a chance at the fans; oh yeah, she forgot their is a special group class that is full in the swimming pool, so you will have to wait one hour to get into the pool.  

Well, enjoy your workout. Never mind. This is why you haven’t been to the gym. 

As you turn around and slowly walk back to your car you remember that on your way to the gym you passed one of the many parks we have here in Phoenixville, . It's located right in town sandwiched between Second and Third avenues and Starr and Main streets, a perfect little square.

As memory would have it, that is where they had the Dogwood Festival last spring and it was full of carnival rides while you wandered through the food vendors you realized it was a nice size park that you could actually walk or run around.  You also remember seeing an exercise area specifically for adults to do an outdoor workout. Who needs a indoor gym, when Phoenixville has its own outdoor gym?

If you are unfamiliar with Phoenixville’s gem of an outdoor gym take a walk or a drive to Reeves Park, park your car along Second Avenue or Third Avenue and take a trek around the park. There is so much to offer. Bring your dog, your spouse, your kids and enjoy this park full of awesome choices.  

Not sure what or how to get started with your exercise program? Take a quick walk around the park to warm up your body, and take a gander at what the park has to offer. No equipment is needed other than a good pair of sneakers, a breathable workout outfit and water.  

Here is a quick total body workout you can use when you go to Reeves Park. Always remember to consult with your physician before starting an  exercise program. Also make the workout as hard or as easy as you need it to be and challenge yourself to do more each time.  

• Warm up by taking a walk either around the full park or half of the park. Be sure to get your body and muscles warm.
• Continue by taking a quick walk or jog up the driveway behind the stage to warm up your body some more.  
• Stop at the gazebo on the Third Avenue side of the park, find a bench in the gazebo, and do 10-20 incline push ups. Flip over to do 10-20 dips on the bench then do 10-20 step ups, either on the step into the gazebo or on the benches inside.
• Continue down, either walking or jogging depending on your fitness ability, the Third Avenue sidewalk toward Starr Street and stop at the adult fitness area.  
• This is a great stopping point to do 20 jumping jacks in the wood chips, and if you can, try some pull ups, some dips on the logs, another set of incline push ups and another set of step ups.
• If you are feeling really strong try some decline push ups with your feet on the logs and hands in the chips. Try doing at least 10-20 depending on your fitness ability and then head out toward Starr Street by doing some walking lunges to the corner.
• Turn the corner down the hill, and jog or run a little to the bottom. Come around the corner, walk or jog to the next gazebo on the Second Avenue side and do the same push ups, dips and step up routine as the first gazebo.
• Do walking lunges to the corner of Second and Main, turn the corner and walk or jog or sprint if you like to the corner of Main and Third.
 Head back to your starting point at the Gazebo and start over or pat yourself on the back for getting your workout done.

If you want to track your miles, Reeves Park is half a mile around. Go around twice, and you have just traveled a mile. The sidewalks go uphill and downhill, giving variety to your walking and jogging workout. Also try going in reverse. Going up the hill along Starr Street can really get your heart pumping. 

When you complete this workout you have just enjoyed the awesome benefits of exercising outdoors in Phoenixville, getting a good dose of  Vitamin D. No membership fee is needed, the air quality is good and you don’t have to wait to work out.   

The kids and the dog can join you around the park, so no babysitter is needed. While you traverse the park, throw the stick for the dog, play a little catch with the kids or complete a round in the adult workout area while the kids go down the slide. Make it fun for you and the family.

Be sure to stay tuned for more awesome advice on healthy living in and around Phoenixville.  In the meantime get over to Reeves Park and enjoy the great outdoor gym right here in Phoenixville.