The Spirit of Penn's Garden - July 20, 2016 by The Spirit

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WEEK JULY 20, 2016 VOL. 1 NO. 23

DNC PHILLY How will the Democratic National Convention affect your ability to get around Philly? 5

BOCCE BALL FOR ALL Locals start bocce ball league in hopes of bringing together community. 6

TEMPLE GUIDE Temple releases North Philly resource guide amidst ongoing tension. 2

ANYTIME FITNESS New gym in Fairmount is aiming to deliver fitness differnetly. 8

ast Tuesday, Temple University’s Board of Trustees submitted a vote of no confidence in President Neil Theobald, sending a shockwave throughout North Philadelphia. Theobald, who refused to resign, will be forced to step down from his position on July 21. “Basically, he’s gonna be out,” Cornelius Moody told students and community members the next day during a meeting at the Church of the Advocate on 18th and Diamond streets. In the light of Theobald’s dismissal, the Stadium Stompers — the organization that formed to protest the construction of a stadium in North

Philadelphia — continues to hold meetings and events. The Stadium Stompers did not hesitate to discuss Theobald, who consistently has advocated for a 35,000 seat on-campus stadium. “Theobald ignored the voices of community, workers, students and faculty forcing us to protest in order to be heard,” the Stadium Stompers Facebook page read hours after the news was announced. Moody, who facilitated the meeting, called for a round of applause. “It seems like there’s definitely a drive to keep moving forward,” Moody Continued on Page 2.

ACCU-REGGIE 7-day weather forecast for the region. 3

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Events and happenings in our neighborhoods. 7

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

he summer season officially kicked off for the Oval on Friday July 15th. The seasonal pop-up park located right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is entering its fourth year, continuing to provide the amenities that Philadelphians love. Friday’s event featured music, crafts for kids, and free samples from local food trucks Lil Pop Shop and Cow and the Curd. Serving as a parking lot throughout most of the year, the 25,000 square foot Oval sits in the center of Eakins Oval, directly in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The central location of the park offers a respite from

the heat of summer for patrons of the museums in the area. “We started it four years ago as a way to activate this surface parking lot at Eakins Oval and it’s become such a huge success,” explained Kathryn Ott, commissioner of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve had over 100,000 people come through over the past few years. There’s something for everybody. It’s a great partnership between us and the conservancy and it’s just a wonderful place to be in Philadelphia this summer.” Continued on Page 4.

The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

Page 2 Continued from Page 1. told attendees. Despite initial enthusiasm at Theobald’s removal, many at the meeting expressed skepticism. Patricia Wiggins, who has lived in North Philadelphia for more than 65 years, said she is unsure of how to perceive Theobald’s removal. “I don’t know if maybe Theobald was weakening, and the Board of Trustees saw that,” Wiggins said. “Maybe they thought they’ll put somebody in, maybe, to push even stronger for a stadium.” While Theobald will step down, plans to build a stadium are moving forward. At the same July 12 meeting that called for Theobald’s removal, the Board of Trustees voted to increase funding for a feasibility study on the stadium. Originally, the study was projected to cost $1 million; now, an extra $250,000 has been added to gage the effect the stadium will have on traffic in the area. “Apparently, one million dollars to figure out if a stadium’s a bad idea wasn’t enough money,” Moody told the Stadium Stompers amid laughter. Despite its growing stadium budget, Temple has recently faced financial troubles. In late June, Temple discovered a $22 million deficit in its financial aid budget, which led to the dismissal of former provost Hai-Lung Dai. While processing Dai’s removal, Theobald offered Dai a generous settlement, including a deanship and a sabbatical. According to Kevin Feely, a spokesperson for the Board, the deficit, and Theobald’s actions that followed, led to his own removal. As the Stadium Stompers discussed Theobald’s removal, Veronica Ayala, a Temple student, alluded to Dai’s dismissal. “I think we can celebrate the fact that the Provost was fired,” Ayala said. According to Ayala, several years ago two Temple professors had organized a program that would facilitate interaction between students and the community. Dai, howev-

er, cancelled funding for the program before it began. “I fundamentally know that [Dai] wasn’t really about programs like that, or trying to link, exactly, the community and the students,” Ayala said. “He didn’t think it was valuable.” JoAnne Epps, the dean of Temple’s Beasley School of Law, has been nominated to replace Dai as provost. Following Theobald’s official dismissal, Richard M. Englert, the University's Chancellor, will serve as acting president of the university. As Temple experiences major changes — the expulsion Temple President Neil Theobald at PA State Budget Hearing/Patrick Clark

/Patrick Clark

Stadium Stompers held their latest meeting at the Church of the Advocate (1801 Diamond St.)/Angela Gervasi

WRITTEN BY JORDYN CORDNER

resource guide TEMPLE ISSUES GUIDE THAT OUTLINES COMMUNITY RESOURCES

and replacement of two of its most prominent leaders — resistance to the prospective stadium remains firm. “Regardless of what you want to take from this thing with Theobald, where we are in the movement, the fact of the matter is as a group, the Stadium Stompers has done a lot of work,” Moody said. After addressing Theobald, the Stadium Stompers discussed plans for a block party, a march and even a movement to inform incoming freshman about gentrification in North Philadelphia. “We just have to keep pushing,” Wiggins said. •

n an effort to “better connect neighbors with resources on main campus and within Temple Health System," Temple University developed a 32-page guide to community programs and services. The guide will offer information about resources that could potentially improve the lives of those living in the North Philadelphia community, such as the $1.5 million in free care offered annually by the Kornberg School of Dentistry and the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, a leader in the ranks of African-American history and culture. “The guide organizes community-based initiatives by category, for example, job training and health care, all in one place,” said Beverly Coleman, assistant vice president for community relations and economic development in Temple’s Office of Community Relations. Resources span many facets of life, with career options such as Temple’s monthly career fair, which, according to the guide, offers “interviewing skills, office etiquette and more.” Educational opportunities include Temple’s 20/20 scholarship, “up to 25 partial scholarships [awarded to] ambitious, college-bound students who reside in North

Philadelphia,” full time, as well as resources for adult education. As far as health and wellness go, the guide offers the names and addresses to several Temple Health centers and practices for many types of care. The guide also features culture and art resources, listing libraries, theaters, and programs offered by the university and other organizations, and extends to meet the needs of senior citizens via listings like The Intergenerational Center, where generations are brought “together to address critical concerns and creating opportunities for lifelong civic engagement.” There is also a section based on safety, listing several hotlines for different levels of crisis and emergency. The guide comes amidst high tension between the university and surrounding community, from the stadium controversy to Title IX investigations and Templ's fiscal acountability. Guides will be available at high traffic local organizations, such as churches and community centers, and can be distributed upon request by emailing Jazmyn Burton, communications manager, at jburton@temple.edu. •

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016 FORECAST FOR PENN’S GARDEN

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o you remember last week’s heat and how it made you feel uncomfortable? I wish I could deliver news of sunny weather, low humidity and temperatures in the 80s for you this week. Instead, I have to tell you that things are about to get even worse! The heat comes back with a vengeance! We may hit the BIG 100! This is the type of heat where you sweat just because you're alive. This is the type of heat that makes you thankful for the spring and fall — and dare I say it — winter. Crank up the A/C, grab your favorite cold beverage and relax in this summer malaise of sweltering heat! We might get wet on Friday evening and Sunday evening

with passing thunderstorms and showers. Storms like this can be hit or miss, so I’ll keep you posted throughout the week on this threat. Overall, the week looks pretty dry. Wednesday kicks off the weather period with warmth and sunshine. It won’t be extreme heat so enjoy it! We turn the oven back on for Thursday and Friday. Temperatures get into the 90s as the heat settles into the area. Thunderstorms are possible Friday evening with a weak “cold” front. Saturday and Sunday are intense as temperatures flirt with 100 each day! This could end up being the worst heat of the summer. Thunderstorms are possible Sunday as a cold front tries to break the heat wave.

Temperatures will finally go down to near 90 on Monday as more typical Summer weather comes back. Temperatures continue to improve on Tuesday as the 80s prevail. Showers may arrive for Tuesday, but let’s get through the heat first! The weather winner of the week is the Wednesday; the weather loser is Sunday. •

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Continued from Page 1. This year, Ott and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation had local mural artist Brad Carney paint a mural to adorn the asphalt of the Oval. Carney created “Rhythm and Hues,” a mural with music influences to accompany this year’s addition of playable instruments to the park. “I utilized abstract designs, patterns, line work, and bright vivid color to bring a sense of play and whimsical beauty to the mural,” explained Carney. “I’m hoping people get a sense of wonderment out of it and play around the lines and just enjoy it.” According to Ott, every Thursday will be a jam night, utilizing the pianos, drums, and guitars that will be installed at the Oval. Along with the instruments, the Oval features ping pong tables, oversized chess, a rotating collection of food trucks and the much loved beer garden. In addition, the Oval will have set events on specific days each week. According to the Oval’s website, Wednesdays are wellness day, Thursdays are for art and culture, Fridays are movie nights, Saturday is game day, and Sunday is family fun day. A list of upcoming events can be found on the Oval’s website (theovalphl.org). Since its first iteration, the Oval has been a staple of summer in Philadelphia and that will continue this summer as it draws patrons from across the city. “When we started the Oval, it was really for the 70,000 people that live within a ten minute walking distance, but it’s really become a regional destination for people all over the city,” explained Ott. “It’s great for local residents, it’s great for tourists, it’s great for day camps. We encourage everyone to come check it out.” •

The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

/Patrick Clark

Kathryn Ott addresses the crowd. /Patrick Clark

Ribbon cutting at The Oval/Patrick Clark

/Patrick Clark

Local artist Brad Carney with his daighter. /Patrick Clark

/Patrick Clark

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

WRITTEN BY SPENCER HOMAN

dnc philly

W I L L T H E D E M O C R AT I C N AT I O N A L C O N V E N T I O N A F F E C T Y O U R A B I L I T Y T O G E T A R O U N D P H I L LY ?

e all remember the transportation dilemmas posed by the Papal visit in September 2015. At the time, 4.7 square miles of Philadelphia was closed to travelers and commuters trying to get to work or see the pontif himself. Since the city has recent experience with road closures and high volumes of people in small areas, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) should pose fewer problems to people trying to get around the city. However, if 2016 is anything like the 2000 Republican National Convention (RNC), the city may have more issues on its hands than it might be planning for. How will the DNC affect your commute? At the 2000 RNC, around two thousand protesters intentionally blocked major intersections throughout the city, even though the police were trying to keep protesters out of the street. Still, 200 people “ran in and out of traffic along several city blocks.” The poor management of the RNC in 2000 is unlikely to be repeated. Instead of arresting protesters, the city is planning on giving $100 civil citations (essentially like parking tickets) to them instead. Newly implemented laws, such as the decriminalization of marijuana possession, should also reduce the number of protesters arrested. According to the Los Angeles Times, the city of Philadelphia arrested as many as 400 people on a single day during protests at the 2000 RNC. Some protesters were held in jail for several days with bail set as high as $1 million. Protesters were arrested for incidents where they beat police officers or doused them with “caustic liquid.” People flipped over dumpsters outside of the Warwick Hotel where John McCain was eating dinner. Others punctured the tires of police cars or vandalized buildings with paintfilled balloons, a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store to be specific. While these types of actions are going to be in the minds of authorities when preparing for securing the area around the 2016 DNC, it is hard to plan for all variables that protesters may display. Protesters seem to have a universal reason for showing their discontent with the government. One protester at the 2000 RNC told a reporter: “We’re sick and tired of this whole system — capitalism and the state.” The man did not give his name and was wearing a gas mask during his interview. Groups of protesters chanted things like: “Police run the City! We can shut it down!” Signs were hung across City Hall that said, “Resist,” and protesters held up signs that said, “Stop the Texas Killing Machine.” One can only imagine what the chants and signs that will be seen during the 2016 DNC. According to Politico, the city of Cleveland has prepared for the worst, attempting to use a portion of their $50 million grant to purchase two thousand sets of riot gear. Cleveland will secure the 2016 RNC by setting up 100 video surveillance systems throughout the city that can be viewed on a high-tech video wall with 20 screens. This technology will be an interesting accent to the police officers on horseback that will trot through town to control protesters. Cleveland is also planning on opening unspecified fire hydrants throughout the city to allow people to cool off from the July heat. What is the city of Philadelphia using their $50 million

grant for? “A lot of the planning you are seeing in Cleveland is also happening here,” David L. Coehn, special advisor to the host committee, stated in March. According to city spokesman Mike Dunn, that money is going toward “staffing and equipment.” Although this event seems like it is going to make daily life difficult for Philadelphians, former Governor Rendell does not think that anyone will need to change their regular habits during the week of the convention. However, one has to think that SEPTA’s 115 damaged cars could slow down travel throughout the city. Even though there are 50,000 additional people inside the city, officials believe that since the convention takes place outside of the “peak hours” of use, that there should not be an issue getting around. SEPTA trains are making more than 200 less stops per day than normal weekly figures. SEPTA General Manager Jeff Knueppel said earlier this month that they are “partnering with Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and Maryland rail authorities to borrow trains and add 1,700 seats in Philadelphia.” SEPTA may also add express buses between crowded train stops. Uber recently decided they were not going to boycott working during the convention, so they remain as an alternative to other public transportation. Penn. Governor Tom Wolf also legalized car sharing servcies like Uber and Lyft throughout the convention. Look out for an increase in their charge rates if you are going anywhere near the convention area. Even at a normal rate, an Uber may also have difficulties getting around the area, since much of the area around the Sports Complex is shut off to all driv-

ers. Anyone planning on driving trucks, buses, RV’s, and other large vehicles will see more inconveniences. Starting July 22 and lasting for a week, I-95 exits between Penrose Avenue, Interstate 76 and 676, and 26th street will be closed for those vehicles. Exact details can be found at Secretservice.gov. In addition to vehicle restrictions, there are also airspace and waterway restrictions. In case you were considering flying your drone during the DNC, the area “within 30 Nautical Miles of downtown Philadelphia, to include FDR Park… will be a no drone zone” from July 25 to the 29. FDR Park will also have security fencing around it for protesting, although “delegates will be able to see and hear what is going on there” according to Police Commissioner Richard Ross, Jr. If all goes according to plan, then the daily commute of Philadelphians will not be affected and there will be much less trouble than what took place at the 2000 RNC. One would hope that this is true, considering that taxpayers funded 59 percent of the $66 million cost of the 2000 RNC, according to a Philly.com article. As prepared as the city can be, there is no way to account for certain variables. The unexpected protests in 2000 at Franklin Square are an example of this. In order to have your DNC experience go as smoothly as possible, make sure to leave extra time in your plans for traffic and public transport delays, large crowds of citizens and delegates walking to the convention area, and protesters potentially showing up in parts of the city that were not originally expected to see that type of behavior. •

/Patrick Clark

The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

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WRITTEN BY GRACE SHALLOW

bocce ball for all!

LOCALS START BOCCE BALL LEAGUE IN HOPES OF BRINGING TOGETHER COMMUNITY

few years ago, Kyle Fernley and Sam Holloschutz had never played bocce before. This summer, they came together to start a bocce league in Fairmount. The All-American Liberty League’s season lasts from July 13th to August 23rd including six regular-season games for each team and two weeks of elimination-style playoffs. Games are played every Wednesday night at Triangle Park along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and in the shadow of the Art Museum. “It’s such a beautiful part of the area and it’s the perfect spot for bocce,” Fernley said. Holloschutz and Fernley wanted to continue the hobby and introduce new players to the game after the last league they played in folded. “It’s really easy for a sport,” Holloschutz said. “It doesn’t really take any athleticism. It’s easy to pick up and anyone can play.” The ease of the game means people of any age or athletic ability can participate. However, all players in the league must be 21 to ensure they fully enjoy drink specials at the league’s sponsor bar The Black Taxi (745-747 N. 25th St.) after games every week. The All-American Liberty League will also be donating a portion of its proceeds to the Fairmount Civic Association. The FCA’s dedication to improving civic, recreational, economic, educational and cultural aspects within Fairmount inspired Fernley and Holloschutz to donate to its cause. “It’s our civic responsibility as Philadelphians to give back to our community regardless of where that is. What better place to give back than where we are starting the league?” Fernley said. As the head of the FCA’s Neighborhood Improvement Committee and block captain of the 800th block on N. 29th St., Holloschutz hopes the league’s donations help keep Fairmount beautiful. “It’s the best neighborhood,” Holloschutz added. “There’s so much green space there. … As someone who lives in the city but craves nature, that’s where you want to

Kyle Fernley and Sam Holloschutz /Photos by Grace Shallow

live if you can. I want to help maintain that.” The bocce league is also a way for Fairmount’s abundance of green space Holloschutz mentioned to be put to use. Holloschutz and Fernley want to introduce bocce to communities across the city while continuing to make donations to local organizations. “No matter where you are in Fairmount, you’re always seeing someone you know,” Fernley said. “I think that’s what’s so great about the area. I think that spirit can spread into other areas. … We just hope the game of bocce can do that for other people.” For Fernley and Holloschutz, bocce’s widespread appeal is simple. The sport is just plain fun. “You see all these Millennials who come home and are exhausted,” Fernley said. “They sit on the couch and drink a couple beers. This is an opportunity for them to get out and really experience all that Philadelphia has to offer.” Fernley and Holloschutz want to breed community with-

in Fairmount by giving residents a chance to socialize. About 90 people signed up to participate in the bocce league. Holloschutz estimated about 95 percent of the players reside in Fairmount. “We can be competitive but at the end of the day, it’s all about locals having a good time and being able to play some bocce while they’re at it,” Fernley said. “We just want to give the opportunity back to other Fairmounters because we were given that opportunity originally.” “It’s that kind of game,” Holloschutz agreed. “You’re outside. It’s a calm atmosphere. It doesn’t take too much skill. It’s the best.” On the night of the league’s first game, bocce rookies and veterans gathered at the park with beers in hand and dogs on leashes. With the sun setting over Eakins Oval behind him, first-timer Robert Berschad agreed with Fernley and Holloschutz’s sentiments. “Bringing the community together makes everyone stronger in the end,” he said. •

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

COMMUNITY

calendar N E W S @ S P I R I T N E W S . O R G • 1 4 2 8 E . S U S Q U E H A N N A AV E • 2 1 5 . 4 2 3 . 6 2 4 6 Second Thursdays GBCDC MONTHLY MEETING The Greater Brewerytown CDC holds monthly public meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30. Meetings cover a variety of community news and initiatives, and features new guests each month. Meetings are held at the GBCDC office at 3000 Master Street. Every Saturday From June-September 9AM-12PM BREWERYTOWN GARDEN ORGANIC FARM STAND At 27th and Master Sts., the Brewerytown Garden will host a farm stand selling seasonal organic produce. Past sales have included collard greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli and more! For more info, visit Brewerytown Garden’s Facebook page. July 20, 6-7:30 PM SUMMER SOCIAL & NEW MEMBER MEET + GREET Enjoy the warmer and longer summer months while networking with friends and colleagues from the Greater Art Museum Business Alliance. It's our way of saying thanks for renewing and to share what promotions, events and seminars we have planned for the coming year. Meet at Jack's Firehouse, 2130 Fairmount Avenue. Free for members, $25 for non-members (non-members can apply their registration fee to member dues if they join on-site). July 28 12:00-1:00PM PROJECT HOME COMMUNITY EVENT Free community event at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center, 2144 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Join Project HOME for community conversations about topics of your choosing. Snacks will be provided. July 28, 2016 @ 12:30-3:00 PM EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP A monthly workshop series at Honickman Learning Center (Room 303, 1936 Judson St.) designed to prepare and connect groups of adult job seekers with competitive employment. Sprinkled into the workshop will be group activities, thought provoking videos, and a few homework assignments. All classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first class meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month. July 29, 2:00-3:00PM PROJECT HOME HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CLASSES Free community event at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center (2144 Cecil B. Moore Ave.) Join Project Home to learn about ways to eat healthier and have a more active lifestyle. Classes meet every Friday. Sign up with the receptionist at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center. Saturday July 30, 12-8:30PM TENTH ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE AVE Join Patty Jackson and Dyana Williams at the intersection of Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave. for a day of free live music. The "Jazz on the Ave" stage will feature live music by Philly's own Trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw & Friends with special guests. The Philly Soul Stock stage will showcase upcoming, talented, young artists from the Philadelphia and Metropolitan area. The artists lineup will be listed soon. The festival will feature health and wellness screenings, and HIV/AIDS testing. For more info, call 215-763-8868. Monday August 1, 5:30-8:30PM FAIRMOUNT CIVIC ASSOCIATION SUMMER SOCIAL Join the FCA for their Summer Social at Jack’s Firehouse (2130 Fairmount Ave). The event is free for members and $15 for guests. Admission includes special prices on house wine and beer. If interested, please RSVP at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/fairmount-civic-association-summer-social-tickets-26324993765 August 17, 2016 @ 10 – 11AM DIABETES INFO SESSION Free community event at Stephen Klein Wellness Center (2144 Cecil B. Moore Ave.) Are you at risk of getting diabetes, have diabetes, know a loved one or care for someone with diabetes? Come to the Wellness Center every Wednesday for diabetes diet and lifestyle tips.

NETWORKING EVENTS 1st Tuesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30 PM DIG - Philadelphia Commercial Sub Group Diversified Investors Group Meetup for London Grill 2301 Fairmount Avenue For more info, contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 jscorese@ firstrust.com

Email, call or drop off your calendar event to The Spirit. news@spiritnews.org 215-423-6246 1428 E. Susquehanna Avenue

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – July 20, 2016

Page 8

WRITTEN BY GRACE SHALLOW

anytime fitness

NEW GYM IN FAIRMOUNT IS AIMING TO DELIVER THE FUTURE OF FITNESS

nytime Fitness at 1640 Fairmount Avenue may be the future of gyms. Located in a newly renovated building with 24/7 access, personal trainers and WellBeats programming that allows members to participate in virtual classes without an instructor, a gym has never seemed to tailor to one’s personal needs so well. Anytime Fitness also has an advanced security system with 13 cameras and an infrared scanner at the door to ensure no members bring along an extra friend and guarantee safety at all times for members. Laura Magni, assistant manager at Anytime Fitness, said the gym’s convenient hours leaves little room for excuses to work out. “In reality, it’s not about having a time,” Magni added. “[Working out] literally should be a mandatory thing... Your body is all you have. I think making time for it is pretty much essential.” Owners Jeff Bruno, Stu Goodman and David Waxman recognized Fairmount’s growing residential scene as the ideal environment for a new gym. “Fairmount is just the perfect venue for this type of gym,” Bruno told the Spirit News. “The community is just so good. We’re a real community-driven gym.” Anytime Fitness in Fairmount, which opened in May 2016, is the first gym located in Center City to participate in the Sweat Angels project. Sweat Angels makes a donation to the cause of the month each time someone checks in at a participating gym on Facebook. For July, Anytime Fitness is working to donate to H2OpenDoors, an organization working to increase accessibility to clean water worldwide. Starting in the fall, the owners plan on interacting with the community by collaborating with local organizations and holding events like Netflix movie nights. Bruno, Goodman and Waxman’s goal is to open two more gyms in Philadelphia within the next year and a half at locations on South Street and south Broad Street. The owners’ hope for growth reflects the company’s ambition as a whole. The first Anytime Fitness opened in 2002 in Cambridge, Minnesota. The franchise has since established 3,000 locations -- 1,000 of those outside of the U.S. -- and was named “#1 Top Global Franchise” for the second year in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine. “It’s to build a community but be healthy about it too. That’s our big thing,” Bruno said. In an effort to help members obtain a well-rounded healthy lifestyle, Anytime Fitness offers access to anytime health, an online tracker for calorie intake, workouts and more. It also has a “library” filled with information on the basics of diet and exercise to educate members. When Anytime Fitness’s head personal trainer Anthony Garifo began working out and making healthy changes, he admits he didn’t know much. “I was that guy that did everything wrong but I thought I

/All photos by Grace Shallow

was cool,” he said. Through research and personal experience, Garifo learned proper ways to adapt to a healthy lifestyle and began seeing results. He thinks lack of knowledge is the main reason people can’t achieve their fitness goals. “So many people want to get there but don’t know how,” Garifo said. “If I can get the results for myself, why can’t I help other people get them?” Helping others make strides in their fitness journey requires more than expertise about the basics of healthy eating and workouts. Garifo has to personalize the workout in accordance to each member’s goals and hinderances. On the day the Spirit News visited Anytime Fitness, Garifo had trained 3 very different clients: one 65-year-old with serious injuries, a very athletic 25-year-old and an overweight 45-year-old. “When you have a class instructor, they’re pampering to a larger audience,” Garifo said. “When you have just a personal trainer going one on one, they break down every-

thing and pamper completely and directly to you. ... You have to be flexible.” Anytime Fitness’s arrival in Philadelphia comes at a time when America has never seemed more health-conscious. According to the Physical Activity Council’s 2016 Participation Report, 56 percent of Americans over age six participate in at least one “high caloric burning activity.” Euromonitor International also reported in April 2016 an increase in American consumers concerned with food being natural and unprocessed. Major companies are more focused on removing artificial ingredients and dyes from food rather than cutting fat or calories. Garifo thinks more people focused on making healthy changes is a positive thing. “You can do more,” he said. “In the long term, being healthy is always better... You feel better throughout the day. You can wake up in the morning and feel good about yourself. You know you’ve made progress toward a healthier lifestyle.” •