👊 Working out in good company | Morning Newsletter

Good morning.

Some light rain is expected throughout Saturday as temps climb into the 40s, but the region is bracing for more cold — and more snow.

Today, I’m highlighting my discovery of a new community through fitness clubs. Plus, we’ll talk about a new social media app some people are flocking to as a TikTok ban looms, how much the scrapped Sixers arena actually cost the city, and why Eagles gear is flying off the shelves at a shop in West Chester.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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Moving to a new neighborhood in Philly was a welcome change, but one big thing I left behind in the move was my basement gym. Sure, I had some equipment in my apartment, but having a separate place to go exercise gives me a certain kick of self-encouragement and accountability. I took this challenge as an opportunity to try something new: join a fitness club.

There are many studios across the city, and each one offers something for everyone. I browsed local groups, read reviews online, and compared prices before I decided to download the ClassPass. It’s like a digital passport that lets you check out multiple gyms without committing to just one (unless, of course, you find one you really like). The service first became available here nearly a decade ago.

I’d be lying if I said it was easy to brave the cold and rise earlier than ever for my reservations. Thankfully, they were all so worth it. For me, working out means looking forward to the release of dopamine (the “happy hormone”) from pushing myself and getting stronger. But the cherry on top of these sessions was the people leading and partaking in the classes. All throughout, people notably feel welcomed, supported, and pumped to keep going. I bumped knuckles and exchanged knowing smiles of satisfaction with several kind strangers-turned-“fitness buddies.” Taking part in group exercises opened the door to a new community for me. That good feeling has kept me going. (The muscle soreness is certainly another reminder.)

There’s one downside I have to point out: Accessibility to these boutique-type studios is not great. However, this is why I’m a fan of ClassPass’ free one-month trial. Plus, you can stick to what you know (pilates! strength training!) or try something different (cycling! dance the night away!). Even if I don’t keep the app in the long term, it’s helping me narrow down where I can sweat the stress away in good company.

Philly recently ranked in the top 10 cities for an active lifestyle. It’s no surprise, especially considering we’re surrounded by inspiring humans like Kate Florio, who won the Philadelphia Marathon; Denise Hall, the grandmother with no plans to slow down her running goals; and Diane Mastrull, my awesome colleague and distance runner who edits this very newsletter.

I want to hear from you. What’s your go-to gym around Philly? Who’s your favorite instructor? Are you participating in the Winter Arc trend? Send me an email about your experience.

Reflecting on the Sixers’ surprise decision to drop their plan to build a new arena in Center City, Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr says “it’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless” to witness how a small group of billionaires can wield great influence on Philadelphia and its future.

However, while those same billionaires mold the city’s landscape, Farr says they do not define the character of its residents.

“While billionaires play with our government and city like chess pieces, the real richness of Philadelphia is in its everyday people,” Farr writes. Read on for her perspective on the power of Philly’s character.

Which of the following is NOT recommended if you want to avoid inconveniences and frustration while flying from PHL?

A) Leave plenty of time

B) Use taxis

C) Join loyalty programs

D) Use public WiFi

Think you know? Check your answer.

Hint: The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show theme

AFTERWORD ROOM SONG

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Jayne Peyton who correctly guessed Friday’s answer: David Lynch. The cult favorite filmmaker, who once called Philly his “greatest influence,” has died at 78. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, his alma mater, on Thursday called his passing “a loss to our community.”

The Sixers pushed New York to overtime but the Knicks, led by a trio of former Villanova stars, won 125-119 on Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center. Despite the losses piling up, Nick Nurse remains confident with 43 games left in the regular season.

The Sixers will face the Indiana Pacers Saturday night without Joel Embiid, and other players remain sidelined or questionable for upcoming matchups. Swipe through for key takeaways from the game and browse the gallery by staff photographer Charles Fox.

The Fillmore Philly is fawning over lovebirds Chris and Beck who got engaged right outside the venue, and quite frankly, so are we. “I knelt directly in a pothole. Classic Philly,” Chris wrote on Instagram. Congratulations!

And because I and countless others can’t stop thinking about David Lynch (may he rest peacefully), it’s only natural to find Philadelphians chatting about the lost legend. One quote to live by: “Keep your eye on the doughnut, not on the hole.”

👋🏽 Take care, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

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