Since March, a small group of fitness enthusiasts led by Eloy Muñoz have been sharing their Saturday mornings in some high-intensity interval training in Fairmount Park. Edgley Field is the spot for the early-morning workouts, which, if you’re familiar with Falcons Soccer, you know is the space near the reservoir. It’s a fairly centrally located spot with plenty of parking.
Muñoz is originally from San Diego and has always enjoyed being involved in the community. After moving to Philadelphia, he saw the opportunity to “continue my passion for fitness and healthy living and start an LGBTQA group” as a starting point where he could find others with a similar interest.
The group is for all fitness levels, but especially those who are seeking new heights in strength, athleticism and mental health in a safe, nonjudgmental and non-competitive environment. Commitment varies, with attendees ranging from a handful to a dozen or more on any given Saturday. The goal is to challenge, engage and improve fitness and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
The group is pay-what-you-want, pay-what-you-can for each session.
“I do not want finances to get in the way of one’s health goals,” Muñoz said. “Contributions help keep the meetup running on the website, allows us to purchase equipment for the workouts and host group socials to build camaraderie.”
As the cooler months approach, the group hopes to partner with a local resource to obtain a workout space.
“Weather shouldn’t be a reason for us to set aside our fitness goals,” Muñoz said. “As far as athletic training goes, I’d like to expand the group to cover training (and support) in more avenues such as running, biking, even yoga and core development. Another commitment of mine is to gain sponsorship from major resources that want to support health and fitness groups.”
The group meets at 8:30 a.m. every weather-permitting Saturday. Further information can be found at meetup.com/Philadelphia-LGBT-Athletic-Training/ and facebook.com/groups/LGBTQAthletics/.
Sports and balls
The 2016 Stonewall Sports Ball is a celebration of the philanthropy and accomplishments of the Stonewall organization, its leagues and its members. To that end, the culmination of the 2016 Stonewall Sports Philadelphia season will be 7-10 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust St.
Enjoy a night off the fields and courts with music, dancing, food and drinks with your closest friends, competitors and special guests. The evening will include the charitable donations to local LGBTQ charities, selected by winning teams from the 2016 sports season, as well as the crowning of Mr. & Ms. Stonewall 2016.
Tickets include food and beverages for the night. They are $60, increasing to $70 starting Oct. 14.
Short stops
• Pax River comes to town to challenge the Philadelphia Gryphons RFC at 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at Pepper Middle School, expected to be followed by the third half at a local pub, TBA. Check at philadelphiagryphons.org for all relevant rugby info.
Get Out and Play runs approximately twice a month. The next time you get out and play, email [email protected].