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Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers, is inviting high schoolers ages 14 – 19 to work out for free at any Planet Fitness location in South Florida and across the country from May 16 through August 31 as part of the High School Summer Pass initiative.

High School Summer Pass, formally known as Teen Summer Challenge, was the first program of its kind when it launched in 2019, and saw more than 900,000 teens sign-up and complete more than 5.5 million workouts over a three-and-a-half-month period.

"We are excited to invite teens all summer long into our clubs across Miami,” said Shannon Meyers, Vice President of Marketing at Grand Fitness. “High schoolers have been one of the groups most at risk resulting from the pandemic, and we encourage them to stay active in the Judgement Free Zone to better their mental and physical health, both this summer and well into the future.”

In addition to free in-club training, the certified trainers at Planet Fitness have also designed 15 trainer-led workout videos and 10 downloadable workouts just for high schoolers, across all fitness levels. This content will be available on the Planet Fitness App and at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass starting May 16.

“As the leader in fitness, we believe we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming, safe, and Judgement Free environment for high school students to improve their physical and mental wellness, particularly given the challenges they have and continue to face in the wake of the pandemic,” said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness. “Our study found that nearly all (92 percent) high school students agreed that when they are regularly physically active, they feel much better mentally. Fitness is about feeling good, too, and our hope is that High School Summer Pass empowers teens to create life-long workout habits to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives.”

To further motivate high schoolers to make fitness a priority, all participants are automatically entered into The Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass Sweepstakes to be the Florida winner of a $500 scholarship, or the grand prize winner of a $5,000 scholarship at the end of the summer. These scholarships can be used for academic or athletic activities or programs.

For more information on High School Summer Pass, including how to sign up for the free membership at any Planet Fitness location in Florida, visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass.

The City of Miami Beach has partnered with premier soccer development agency Upright City to launch a first-of-its-kind Seniors Soccer Champions Program in Miami Beach. The program is designed for men and women over 65.

The free program will also be open to Miami Beach residents who are over 55 based on availability. Preregistration is encouraged since participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This is a wonderful program for any senior who is healthy enough for physical activity,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak. “Soccer is the perfect sport for any senior looking to improve their health, get outside or make new friends.”

Upright City founder Alex Avellanet said the program was created to address a lack of sports programming for seniors. She said her company’s mission is to “create positive social impacts, bring people together and create a better tomorrow through soccer — one city at a time."

Soccer has been shown to promote mental and physical health, making it ideal for seniors. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, raises oxygen absorption, increases mental alertness, enhances balance and is great for stress relief while helping seniors strengthen social bonds.

Retired international soccer player Pablo Lima will oversee the coaching effort. Lima played left-back on Uruguay’s National Team.

To sign up for the program, volunteer or make a donation to support the program contact Upright City via email at connect@uprightcity.com.

The program kicks off today at Flamingo Park Football Stadium in Miami Beach from 10 - 11 am and will be held on Tuesdays going forward.

lululemon is launching a membership program — and it’s about more than workout clothes.

The athletic apparel retailer will debut two tiers of memberships, one free and one paid, in a bid to build a stronger base of loyal customers. The offerings come with exclusive access to items, events and fitness classes.

lululemon says the move could help the retailer lower its cost to acquire customers, as it creates the “most immersive fitness marketplace” in the industry.

While lululemon certainly isn’t the first retailer to launch a unique loyalty program, not many apparel businesses offer an option that customers pay for each month. lululemon could set an example for others to follow as the company and its peers seek new revenue streams beyond the rack.

The free membership option will give users early access to lululemon product drops and exclusive items, as well as invitations to in-person community events, the company announced Wednesday during an analyst day event.

The second option will cost members $39 per month, the same price as an all-access subscription to lululemon at-home fitness platform, Mirror. Current Mirror users will be rolled into this new subscription tier at no additional charge, the company said, which will also offer workout content from a number of studios that lululemon is partnering with, including Rumble, Y7, Pure Barre and DogPound.

Paid subscribers will also receive all of the perks included in the free tier, when both options officially debut in the fall.

“We want to continue to add as much value as we can in that $39 membership tier as possible,” said Michael Aragon, chief executive officer of lululemon’s Mirror, in his first media interview since joining the company. “It’s becoming a growth engine for lululemon overall.”

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To read more of the original article on CNBC by Lauren Thomas, click here.

OutFit is celebrating one year of bringing outdoor workouts to the West Broward community. The mobile fitness franchise delivers 50-minute, circuit-style classes using public outdoor spaces and a van equipped with TRX training gear and a heart-pumping sound and light system. What better way to celebrate than by expanding services to include East Broward and adding yoga and Zumba classes!

Founder Randy Hetrick, a former Navy SEAL and Founder of TRX®, launched the pilot program in West Broward in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when many of the fitness industry’s most seasoned trainers and innovators found themselves out of work and gyms closed everywhere. Hetrick brought together a team of veteran fitness industry executives to form OutFit.

“Our mission at OutFit is to deliver an inspiring, expertly-led boutique exercise experience that is convenient, fun, and affordable for the Broward County community,” said Hetrick. “With our pilot program, we tested and optimized OutFit’s robust programming and now we’re thrilled to scale it in East Broward. We have added even more classes for everyone of all skill levels to enjoy with the addition of yoga and Zumba classes.”

In addition to the new yoga and Zumba classes, OutFit’s diverse offerings now include signature HIIT (high intensity interval training) Strength Circuit, HIIT Cardio Circuit, Total HIIT Circuit, Tabata Circuit, Cardio Line Circuit, Strength Line Circuit, Interval Down Circuit, and 30/30 HIIT Circuit. Classes use a variety of equipment including TRX, kettlebells, strength bands & Bandits, power bags, Rip Trainers, jump ropes, and agility ladders to challenge members appropriately at all skill levels and make exercise fun. OutFit is accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

OutFit memberships are monthly and you can get your first class free when you download the app. OutFit gives back by offering free unlimited family memberships to all active duty municipal First Responders (Fire, Police, EMTs) and their immediate family members, in the communities that OutFit serves.

To learn more about OutFit, visit OutFitTraining.com.

YouFit Lifts is an ongoing initiative where YouFit Gyms partners with, and supports, local charities and nonprofit organizations in the communities surrounding their 80 locations across the country. The inaugural event, Benefit for Bradley, will raise funds for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1.

For Jose Migenis, Florida Regional Director for YouFit Gyms, Nicklaus Children's Hospital plays an important role. His son Bradley, who turned 3 on April 7, has been in the care of a team of specialists at the hospital since birth. Bradley was diagnosed with epilepsy, cortical vision impairment and cerebral palsy, conditions that affect his developmental abilities.

“It’s hard to put into words the immense amount of gratitude that my family and I have for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and YouFit Gyms,” says Migenis. “During the most critical time, the team at Nicklaus, provided our family with exceptional care and compassion.  As we continue through Bradley’s journey, we feel supported as we navigate the best options to provide Bradley with the best quality of life; and YouFit for their unconditional support and willingness to launch YouFit Lifts with their first event Benefit For Bradley, that will help so many other families in the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital community.”

Patrons who make a $15 donation will be entered to win a year membership as well as receive a 2-day pass to their YouFit Gyms location to participate in the Benefit For Bradley event. There will also be small bites to keep guests fueled pre- and post- workout.  Migenis along with his wife, Vilma, and of course, Bradley, will be making appearances at several Miami YouFit locations throughout the weekend.

YouFit will also launch Burpees for Bradley, a 39-burpee challenge. This number signifies the longest number of days in which Bradley has been seizure-free in the past year.  Burpees for Bradley will take place at all locations as well as on social media @YouFit, allowing anyone, anywhere to participate. Those participating in Burpees for Bradley via social media, can make a donation and are encouraged to tag #burpeesforbradley.

 “We are so grateful for YouFit’s support of the children and families in our community – families like Bradley’s who are committed to seeking the best possible medical care and a brighter future for their children,” says Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Bradley is one of close to half a million patients who receive care at Nicklaus Children’s each year. This type of community support propels us forward in our vision of creating a healthy future for every child.” 

All proceeds raised from Benefit from Bradley will be donated to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation.

For more information about Benefit for Bradley, to sign up, or make a donation, visit nicklauschildrens.org/benefitforbradley. You can also follow Bradley’s journey at @vilmers on Instagram.

Vegandale is known as "North America's fastest growing vegan festival" and it returns to Miami on Saturday, May 21. This will be the first time the festival is here since 2019.

The festival will be held at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park from 11 am - 7 pm. Vegandale is an experience that encompasses visual art, music, food, and spirits. Everything sold on-site - food, drink and merchandise - is 100% vegan. There will be nearly 100 vendors from across the country.

Event parking will be limited and can be reserved in advance. There will also be shuttle busses running or rideshare is strongly encouraged.

Tickets are available online now or will be available for an increased price at the door, on a first come first serve basis. Learn more at vegandalefest.com or on Instagram @vegandalefestival.

CorePower Yoga is opening its first Florida studio right here in Miami at the beginning of May. To celebrate, they are hosting a handful of free events around Brickell. As we wait for the in-studio classes, check out these events below:

Find your Centre with CorePower Yoga @ Brickell City Centre

It’s time to find your center with CorePower Yoga! Grab your yoga mat & your yogi bestie for a FREE C2 class on Saturday, April 9 @ 8:30 am and FREE Bodyweight YS classes on Saturday, April 16 and Saturday, April 23 @ 9 am at Brickell City Centre. Make sure to RSVP HERE to reserve your spot.

Lululemon Runclub

Calling all runners! This free run club includes private shopping and a post-run outdoor stretch with a CorePower Yoga instructor to celebrate the Miami studio opening! Lace up your sneakers and meet us on Sunday, April 10, Sunday, April 17 and Sunday, April 24 at Brickell City Centre. RSVP HERE to reserve your spot.

CorePower Yoga at Citizens Miami

You can do yoga just about anywhere...including Miami’s ground-breaking new culinary market (600 NW 1st Ave)! On Tuesday, April 19, Thursday, April 21 and Sunday, April 24 at 9 am and get ready to experience some of CorePower Yoga’s fan-favorite classes, followed by exclusive tastings of Miami-based bites. Free to the public, but please RSVP HERE to reserve your spot.

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CorePower Yoga shares the transformative power of yoga with every mind, every body, everywhere. With over 200 (223 to be exact) locations in 22 states and virtual live-streaming and video on-demand classes, they offer a physically intense workout that is rooted in the mindfulness of yoga.

CorePower Yoga will at 25 SW 9th Street in Brickell. Stay tuned for more details about the studio opening.

Each year, Mindbody ranks the Healthiest Cities in America, and being active is an important part of that. For 2022, Miami took the number one spot for setting fitness goals and being most active.

Mindbody Online had this to say about the Magic City:

Miami tops the list with 83% of its residents who work out at least once a week. The city also has the highest percentage of people (aged 18-65) who work out three times a week or more. On top of that, Miami residents spend the most on their fitness, investing, on average, about twice as much as the average American.

And even if Miamians have a particularly busy workday, they aren’t likely to skip their workouts—they’re huge fans of exercising in the evening.

The rest of the top ten rankings are:

2. San Francisco
3. Atlanta
4. Washington, DC
5. Austin
6. San Diego
7. Seattle
8. Long Beach
9. Los Angeles
10. Boston

Stay active, Miami! Click here to read the full list.

CinderFit, a gym in a block, officially went live with their website last week, ahead of their full launch later this spring. This Miami-based company is ready to takeover the local fitness scene.

During the COVID-19 quarantine, Takeo Ishii and Felipe Azenha were determined to maintain their exercise routine even though gyms had closed and home fitness equipment was sold out. Using some cinder blocks they had in their backyard, they discovered all the different ways the blocks could be incorporated into workouts and CinderFit was born.

Inspired by those cinder blocks, CinderFit's patent-pending design allows fitness enthusiasts to do 10x more exercises than a dumbbell or kettlebell, providing unrivaled total body strength and cardio training. The blocks range from 15 pounds up to 55 pounds and have different resistance band attachments.

Right now pre-orders can be placed directly through the website for delivery mid-April. Local orders can be picked up right here in Miami to eliminate shipping charges.There is also an exercise library with over 150 exercises and a 20-day CinderFit challenge is coming soon.

To stay up to date with the latest, head to cinderfit.com or find them on Instagram at @cinderfit.

Celebrate the International Day of Happiness at The World Happiness Summit this Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20 at the University of Miami. The 3-day event analyzes happiness from different angles, on an individual, relationship, organizational, workplace, education and community level, teaching attendees how to implement evidence-based tools to create a sustainable happiness practice.

Explore the six elements of well-being for a holistic approach to happiness. This includes mindfulness, fostering healthy living practices, finding meaning in your personal and professional life, creating and maintaining strong relationships, and more. The event will have simultaneous translation to Spanish at the in-person event and will also be live streaming.

Founder Karen Guggenheim had her ‘aha’ moment after her husband suddenly died from the flu and four days later, she had challenges figuring out what to do and how to be happy from the core. She quit her job and created the company WOHASU in 2016. Partnering with doctor Sandro Formica, Guggenheim developed a corporate training including the Chief Happiness Officer program co-certified with Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality Management, fostering positive culture at work. Under her leadership, WOHASU®, LLC was awarded with the “Key of the City of Miami,” by the Miami Mayor and the members of the Miami City Commission.

The summit days will begin at 7:30 am with an hour of yoga, and go all day with sessions that include sound bowl meditation, experiential breakout sessions on laughter, and group work with professional coaches for a holistic approach in different areas of life. You can check out the full speaker lineup here‍

On March 17, there will also be a pre-summit workshop by positive psychologist Robert Biswas-Diener and evening VIP Opening Reception co-hosted with Britto’s and the Happy Art Movement at Britto Palace.

To learn more about the summit or to purchase tickets, head to happinesssummit.world.

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Bang Model Volleyball presented by Farmasi will be returning to Miami Beach this weekend for its 12th annual gathering. This event is free and open to the public event and will take place from 10 am - 6 pm on both Saturday March 12 and Sunday March 13 at 8th and Ocean Front.

Miami’s top model agencies are invited to participate in this thrilling 2-day co-ed tournament to benefit The Angel Watching Over Me Foundation with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. Participating agencies include Next, Elite, Select, Source, BMG, JLM, Caroline Gleason, Ford & Front. With over 15,000 spectators, 12 agencies and 250 participating models this year’s event will surpass all of past tournaments expectations.

Returning title partner and vastly growing global brand, Bang, will be on site sampling all of their newest flavors, providing live entertainment, a rock climbing wall and custom airbrushing. Other event partners include Farmasi, Menin Hospitality & The Gale Hotel, iHeartMedia, and Mamitas Tequila Hard Seltzer, who is bringing brand partner Brody Jenner to be a guest DJ on Sunday 3 pm.

CBD brand Charlotte’s Web will be joining as the tournament's official CBD partner as well as popular delivery service Go Puff. Other partners that will be complimentary sampling include PH Perfection, St. James Tea, Koia & Miami’s favorite Carrot Express to name a few. For VIP guests, there will be complimentary cocktails provided by Tito’s Vodka, Whispering Angel Rose, Stillhouse Whiskey & Rancho de Gloria ready to drink cocktails.

Click here to purchase VIP Tickets or Limited Table Service and follow @ModelVolleyball on Instagram to see who will be the winner!

The City of Miami Beach will honor the memory of the late Manny Lafont by dedicating the baseball fields at North Shore Park in his honor on Sunday, March 13 at 12 pm. The 54-year-old coach and father was killed in the June 24, 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in nearby Surfside.

“Manny was a beloved member of our community and cared deeply about every child he coached in youth baseball at North Shore Park,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said. “His memory will continue to inspire young people to excel in sports and in life for years to come.”

The community proposed renaming the baseball fields in Lafont’s honor following his death and it was subsequently approved by the Miami Beach City Commission.

A plaque will be placed on a pedestal in the batting cage area where Lafont spent much of his time as a baseball coach, including for his own son.

“Coach Lafont personified the spirit of community service through his many hours on the baseball diamond,” explained former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora, who sponsored the measure. “This is a well-deserved honor for someone who was loved and respected by parents and children alike.”

The ceremony will include remarks by Lafont’s family as well as by Miami Beach officials and will be followed by an afternoon of youth baseball.

North Shore Park is located at 501 72 Street in Miami Beach.

Image from northbeachnews.com.

Westend on 87th, a retail and dining destination that has served the community of Doral for 20 years, announces the launch of Well at Westend. This holistic wellness initiative in partnership with the City of Doral is designed to support the mental and physical health of the surrounding community with free events and digital resources.

A series of health and wellness focused classes hosted by well-known local experts will take place in Westend’s recently renovated, 7,000 square foot open-air courtyard located in the heart of the shopping center at 2600 NW 87 Avenue in Doral. Well at Westend is designed to support whole fitness - mind, body and soul - and classes are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, ranging from yoga, meditation and mindfulness to low and high impact exercises.

“More than ever many people are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety,” said Silvia J Fernandez, Managing Director of Westend on 87th. “It is important that we create time for self-care to support our emotional well-being. Our goal in creating the courtyard has always been to make it a space for community and inclusion. We are so excited to launch this wellness initiative for our community with support from the City of Doral."

The first event will take place this Saturday, March 5 at 11 am with certified Yoga instructor and Wellness entrepreneur Sabrina Badeaux of Kanekshun. Sabrina will lead a class on guided dance movement with meditation. Guests will receive essential oils, mantra cards, complimentary gift bags and promotions from select businesses as well as have the opportunity to participate in a raffle.  Prior to the class, City of Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez and Silvia Fernandez of Westend on 87th will hold a brief ceremony to officially launch Well at Westend and discuss the importance of wellness to the community.

“Our community’s overall wellness has been a priority of the City since our inception, garnering several valuable partnerships such as this, as part of special initiatives like Step Up Doral,” said Bermudez. “This latest initiative with our neighbors at Westend on 87th comes at a perfect time, providing much needed support to many families that have struggled through the pandemic and are now looking for ways to get back on track with their health.”

The second class will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 10 am with a focus on Yoga Sounds led by Gaby Mujica of Gaby Yoga. During the session, participants will learn movements and sounds to enlighten their day and be present in the moment. Classes will be held on Saturdays, are open to the public and free to attend. Space is limited. Registration is required.

For more information on Well at Westend or to RSVP for this class and upcoming classes, click here. Follow Westend on Instagram @Westendon87 for more details on upcoming classes and weekly wellness tips and resources.

Wodapalooza confirmed a return to Miami today while announcing dates for 2023.

Next year, Wodapalooza will be January 12 -15 and Miami is lucky enough to continue to host for year 11. The event will once again be held at Bayfront Park.

Save the dates and keep an eye on wodapalooza.com for more details.

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Header image copyright © 2020 Loud & Live, Inc.

Hollywood is considering banning roller-blading, roller-skating, and bicycles with more than two wheels on the beach boardwalk. Skateboards are already banned.

The opposition says that the community needs these safe spaces to skate and that other sidewalks and paths in the area are either too narrow or too close to traffic. There is currently an online petition circulating with over 1,100 signatures and growing.

The petition on change.org says, "For many, skating and triking are the few activities that bring them pure joy and happiness. Some people have fears or have knee or other stability or handicap issues that prevent them from riding a two-wheel bike. Because there aren't many terrains that are safe for these two activities, many residents moved to Hollywood and invested to retire here for the sole purpose of enjoying these healthy activities on our Broadwalk (activities that have been permitted here for decades)."

Hollywood's commission will be meeting multiple times before voting on the issue.

Do you think skating should be allowed to remain on the boardwalk?

Space Park Miami is hosting “Psychedelic Medicine: The Future of Mental Health” this Saturday, February 19 at 5:30 pm. This is part of a monthly Psychedelic Series with Dustin Robinson, Esq. CPA, also known as Mr. Psychedelic Law, that has been happening over the past year.

At the event, attendees will learn firsthand how psychedelics are paving the way to many medicinal advancements. The panel will follow the 4:20 p.m. Space Park Yoga class.

Presented by Nucleus and LinkMiamiRebels, Michelle Weiner, DO, MPH, psychedelic expert at Spine and Wellness Centers of America, and Zappy Zapolin, psychedelic concierge to the stars and founder of KetaMD, will join Robinson for this free panel to discuss the progress in medicine with the help of psychedelics.

Mr. Psychedelic Law is a 501(c)(4) focused on using medical and spiritual research to drive responsible legal reform in Florida for psilocybin mushrooms and other entheogens. Mr. Psychedelic Law envisions a responsible legal framework that allows people to reach a higher level of consciousness through psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelics while also accounting for the potential negative effects of taking these compounds under the wrong set and setting. For more information, visit www.mrpsychedeliclaw.com.

This event is open to the public, ages 18 and up. To RSVP, click here.

If your New Year’s Resolution is to focus on a healthier, more relaxed you, February and March is the perfect time to be in Greater Miami and Miami Beach. You’ll find amazing offers on health and wellness activities from biking and yoga, to massages to manicures during Miami's Health and Wellness Months.

Here are just a few of the special health and wellness offerings throughout February and March!

Time Out Market

Satisfy your cravings for a refreshing and healthy fruit smoothie bowl with Plant & Bowls special buy one get one free offer. Buy any one signature Açai Bowl, Mango Bowl, or Pitaya Bowl and get a second bowl of equal or lesser value for free.

The Biostation

Receive 50% off first IV Therapy Treatment at the biostation Midtown Miami or Carillon Miami Wellness Resort locations.

enliven Spa and Salon at JW Marriott Marquis

Enjoy a gym membership at Met2 Fitness Center at JW Marriott Marquis Miami for only $49 a month. You can also enjoy a 50-minute Swedish Massage for only $99.

The Spa at the Miami Beach Edition

Receive $10 off any treatment 60 minutes or longer. Valid Monday-Thursday from Feb 1-Mar 31, 2022. excluding holidays. Mention the promotion and also receive 10% off retail products after booking any 60 minute treatment or longer.

Carrot Express

Carrot Express is offering 25% off all smoothies. Enter code carrotwellness2022 to get your savings.

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See more deals here!

The 20th anniversary of the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon took place Sunday morning and runners were on pace towards the finish line before the sun was even up.

The course started the same for both full and half marathon participants - beginning at FTX Arena in Downtown at 6 am, headed over the MacArthur Causeway and through South Beach, before looping back on the Venetian Causeway. The half marathon finished in Miami while the full marathon runners continued down into Brickell and Coconut Grove before returning to finish near Bayfront Park.

Jackson Limo (Kenya) won the men's marathon with an unofficial time of 2:21:34. Birhanu Dare Kemal (Ethiopia) and Jordan Tropf (USA) finished second (2:24:26) and third (2:26:11) respectively. For the women, Martha Akeno (Kenya) finished first with a time of 2:29:00. Palmenia Raquel Agudelo Berrio (Colombia) finished second in 2:42:30 and Nina Zarina (USA) finished third at 2:51:50.

DJ Diplo was one of the notable participants who ran the half marathon on a bet and tweeted after "I’m sleeping in my medal tonight." Hundreds of firefighters and first responders also walked in full gear to raise awareness for PTSD.

Congrats to all of the participants! Find all of the results by clicking here.