STAY FIT 305

Wodapalooza is back for a 10th year in sunny Miami and will take place January 13 - 16, 2022.

What began as a grassroots 1-day fitness competition with 145 athletes and 500 spectators in 2012, Wodapalooza (WZA) has since established itself as the world’s premier Functional Fitness Festival. The Wodapalooza brings together thousands of athletes, spectators and fitness fanatics to celebrate fitness, community and life for four days.

There are multiple parts to WZA Miami, the fitness competition (the foundation of WZA Miami), the Weightlifting Faceoff (1-day Olympic Lifting competition, WZA Strong (a hybrid competition of Strongman and functional fitness movements), the Gauntlet (an exciting and fast race through three workouts within an hour), and the spectator experience- which includes one of the largest collections of functional fitness vendors and exhibitors as well as spectator workouts and seminars.

SAVE THE DATES:

• Individual Online Qualifier: October 4 - 13, 2021
• Teams of 3 Online Qualifier: November 1 - 10, 2021
• WZA Miami: January 13-16, 2022

Keep an eye out for more information on WZA social channels and wodapalooza.com.

The Barry's strength and cardio interval training workouts that you love are now available on Barry's X, a community-driven digital fitness experience. Barry's X features both live and on-demand classes across the web and mobile apps, bringing Barry's signature Red Room intimacy, atmosphere, and camaraderie to a screen near you.

With in-person studios located in Aventura, South Beach, and Midtown, Barry's is the high-energy interval training workout that helped define the boutique fitness movement. Founded in 1998, the signature Barry's method has remained the same for the past 23 years because it works: a 50 minute class can burn up to 1,000 calories, increase lean body mass, and raise metabolic rate up to 15%.

In 2020, Barry's introduced Barry's At-Home and Barry's Outdoors allowing Barry's members to sweat together, live, utilizing Bodyweight, Bands, Weights and Treadmill & Weights classes.

"Innovation and community have always been at the core of what we do," said Joey Gonzalez, Barry's Global CEO. "Barry's X leverages proprietary technology to bring the key touch points of the Barry's experience and its signature Red Room into an elevated digital setting. Users can choose to "see and be seen" with the option to turn their camera on during class. This allows the brand's best-in-class instructors to offer personal attention while also bringing the excitement and camaraderie of working out next to other people to wherever you are."

"It was important for us to cap class capacity, to guarantee that participants receive the personalized attention they need to maximize their workout," continues Gonzalez. "Barry's participants will also have the opportunity to forge real connections with the Barry's community that can translate beyond the digital realm."

Barry's X features include:

• LIVE AND ON DEMAND CLASSES: Live classes enable participants to sign up, keep themselves accountable, and join a live fitness experience with other members of the Barry's FitFam. The on demand library offers participants the opportunity to take their favorite instructor whenever, wherever they like, with different class lengths available (express and full length classes).
• SEE AND BE SEEN: The live class experience offers participants the ability to have their camera on to share their video with the instructor for real time training, in addition to customizable privacy settings (such as allowing only the instructor to view the participant). Participants can also share their feed with just their friends in the class, or to the entire community – a true simulation of the real Red Room experience.
• LET'S GET SOCIAL: Participants have enhanced profiles featuring their photos and bios and the ability to connect with their friends to view their schedules, stats, and invite each other to take class.

All classes will be filmed at bespoke filming studios in major Barry's markets across the United States and utilize best in-class production capabilities and technology.

Learn more about Barry's X at www.barrys.com.

If the Exhale Spa at the Ritz Carlton in Bal Harbour is your go-to wellness sanctuary, now's your chance to make it known!

The spa was nominated for a World Spa Award and you can cast your vote for Florida's Best Wellness Resort.

Exhale blends fitness and spa for a total wellbeing experience. From a menu of fitness classes to facials, massages, and more, you will get recentered, rejuvenated, and reconnected with your best you.

Click here to show your support and vote for Exhale Bal Harbour!

The ribbon to Life Time Living Coral Gables was cut Monday evening, with fanfare and dignitaries like Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez in attendance.

The next morning, the 80,000-square-foot luxury athletic resort, 25,000-square-foot Life Time Work, and 495 residences, began welcoming guests, to what surely will unfold to be the epicenter of fitness, work, and residential life in Coral Gables.

Most Miamians only know Life Time through their interaction with the Miami Marathon - an annual event owned and produced by the company. But Life Time is hoping to change that relationship not that the doors have opened to the massive athletic resort located on US1.

“I could not be more excited about the completely new concept we’re bringing to The City Beautiful - and North America - as our first combined Life Time Athletic, Life Time Work and Life Time Living destination," says Gino Santia, director, Life Time Coral Gables. "Never has a development been designed with such a comprehensive healthy way of life in mind, body, and soul - centered around our iconic athletic resort. For nearly 30 years, we have operated premier athletic resorts and, for the first time, “second home” has a new meaning as members truly can live, work, exercise, and play in this amazing development offering a full healthy way of life experience.”

Life Time’s resort and spa offers:

• One, Two, and Three Bedroom residences
• Co-Working Spaces
• More than 70 classes weekly across its dedicated yoga, barre, Pilates, cycle and group exercise studios
• More than 400 pieces of cardio and strength-based equipment
• Small group and 1:1 personal training
• Kids Academy featuring dedicated kids programming and classes
• LT Recovery featuring compression, massage and physical and chiropractic therapies
• Outdoor, resort-style, rooftop beach club
• Full-service LifeSpa and fast-casual LifeCafe
  

Life Time Living resident benefits include a premier, Diamond Life Time athletic resort membership with access to all Life Time destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada, along with preferred Life Time Work access pricing. 

Additional Life Time locations in Florida include Boca Raton and Tampa, with locations under development in Palm Beach Gardens (mid-2022) and The Falls in Miami (opening early 2023).

Located at 237 South Dixie Highway, Life Time Coral Gables is now welcoming new members. For more information regarding features, amenities and floorplans, visit Life Time Coral Gables, or call 786-789-4421. You can also follow LifeTime.Life on Facebook and Instagram and @LifeTime.Living.

We're sure you've heard of F45 at this point, but have you stopped by for a workout before? F45 Coral Gables is here to convince you why you need to come in and experience a workout!

‍The experience:

As one of the fastest growing gyms in Miami, F45 highlights exactly what the name stands for, Functional training, or Functional 45 minutes. Within these 45 minutes, by alternating each day with high-intensity cardio, strength, or hybrid formats, they utilize timed intervals to focus on not only building, but maintaining lean muscle as well as promoting fat loss. With over 5,000 rotating exercises, their programming allows them to never repeat a workout and offers variety to build strength, endurance, and confidence with each workout.

You should also know:

F45 Coral Gables emphasizes personal training in a group training environment with two trainers in every class to demonstrate each exercise with modifications or progressions, accommodating any skill-level. Not only do their trainers work to carefully correct form and challenge you, but they create unmatchable energy that gives the studio a special intensity.

The F45 music mixes pump up the studio throughout the week to carry the momentum up to our signature Saturdays when they host an in-house DJ to make your morning sweat feel like a party!

What makes F45 Training unique:

"At F45 Coral Gables we want to build you up, not beat you up.  It all starts with our daily 45-minute strength, cardio, and hybrid sessions, and culminates with our Saturday 60-minute high energy DJ party," said Eddie Matos, Owner of F45 Coral Gables. "Speaking of parties, we get together as a family outside of the studio every couple of months to celebrate wins and each other.  Makes for a truly special community."

Why members love it:

New members love the 2 weeks for $2 trial.  It gives them a full F45 experience while deciding if the studio is the perfect fit.  Members consistently boast about the contagious, unique energy of F45 Coral Gables. It is an energy that makes those 45 minutes not only a workout, but something to look forward to each day. It is what allows them to create more than a gym, but a close-knit community, a family. Not only do they want to see their members grow and succeed, but they believe in celebrating and commending wins.

The extras:

The Coral Gables F45 studio is one of the largest F45s in the US, offering a spacious 3,300 square foot space surrounded by a 360 degree view of South Miami, so it feels like you are working out right under the sun. Rarely is parking ever free in Miami, but at their studio you are likely to find parking free of charge in the lot below us or in the additional parking garage next door.

In the event you need to leave straight to work or any event, they have two showers stocked with all of the necessities (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, deodorant). Additionally, if you ever forget your water or feel low on energy, they offer the option of water, Gatorade, muscle milk, Celsius, Bang, and C4 available for purchase to be sure you are fully fueled, energized, and hydrated.

How to join in:

They are one of the only F45s in the area that offers a 2-week trial. While many gyms offer a trial day or week, for only $2 they offer local South Miami/Coral Gables residents (or surrounding areas) to come try them out for a full 14 days. Following the 2-week for $2 trial, their unlimited membership prices are very competitive.  In addition, they offer many specialty rates for healthcare workers, teachers, military, family, and a killer budget rate for students. For those not looking for a full membership, they offer the option of individual drop-in classes or weekly passes, and class packs.

Location: 

They are located at 5958 S. Dixie Highway, 2nd Floor, in South Miami. There are also other F45 locations across South Florida.

Where to find F45 Training Coral Gables online:

Instagram: @f45_training_coralgables

Website: https://f45training.com/coralgables/home

A staple of the fitness industry here in Miami, Legacy Fit announced a new headquarters and future location of their Wynwood studio this morning. Coming in 2022, this new HQ is going to be a new 7,000 square foot facility in the new Strata Building.

Here is what we know about the new space so far:

• Features 25 foot ceilings and floor to ceiling glass
• Bigger P.I.T. space
• Custom private weight room area
• Two custom ice baths
• Traditional sauna
• IV suite with The Osteopathic Center
• A floating shipping container that will serve as an office and conference/ podcast room
• A private staff lounge
• A smoothie, beer, and wine bar

As founder and CEO Manning Sumner said in his Instagram post, Legacy Fit started as a small 2,500 sq ft personal training studio that opened at a dead end street after a recession in 2008 and grew to 6 locations in 2021.

"We feel this will elevate our @nodaysoff brand and enable us to showcase our P.I.T. concept in the heart of Wynwood, increase our creativity, growth and most importantly our ability to SERVE our existing & future members/community," Legacy Fit said on Instagram. "WE are just getting started! Thank you to EVERYONE that has supported us over the years, we would not be here without you! The LEGACY continues.."

We'll keep you updated with more info on this new location as it becomes available.

Watch highlights of the STAY FIT 305 Summer Sweat Series 2021, Powered by Michelob Ultra Pure Gold at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel. The yoga flow was led by Kata Bilanchone and Natali Melani during Swim Week 2021.

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Watch highlights from our Wynwood Bootcamp at UNKNWN, Powered by NOCCO, featuring Miami fitness trainer Starr Hawkins.

One of Miami’s hottest fitness neighborhoods welcomed a new neighbor this past week, as AKT opened the doors to their new studio in Midtown Miami at 3407 NE 1st Ave., on the street level of the Hyde Midtown Miami building. 

AKT Miami has been a much anticipated concept since announcing their arrival to the Miami market back in 2019. AKT, named after original founder Anna Kaiser, is a dance based cardio and wellness brand that brings together a unique combination of toning, interval, circuit, and dance-based workouts to their club style studio.

Walking into the AKT Midtown Miami location, the studio has an elevated feel and vibe, that exudes energy and excitement. The dark colors, neon lights, and high-energy music set the tone immediately for what guests can expect when they step inside the studio.

The space itself has merchandise on display, lockers for storage while you’re sweating, bathrooms, and all the needed amenities you’d expect from a boutique fitness brand.

Once you step inside the studio, you are transported to what feels like the dance floor of LIV or Story, with flashing lights, mirrors, and playlists featuring the latest music from world renowned artists. 

Guests have the option to pick from four different class types - dance, bands, tone, and circuit. No surprise what each entails, but “Bands” is the signature class first timers should try. 

“Bands” is what drew me to the AKT brand,” said AKT Miami owner Maria Van Thienen. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and our guests love it.”

In Bands, you’ll alternate between functional cardio and longer strength intervals that focus on balance, agility, and full-body conditioning as you work all planes of motion. Enjoy bass pumping sound tracks while your highly trained instructor takes you through a heart-pumping workout.

“All of our trainers go through an AKT certification process that teaches them how to lead our uniquely styled classes, and to maximize your workout output,” says Van Thienen. “We are constantly changing out music, choreography, and workout routines so guests never plateau and can always see improvement along their fitness journey.”

AKT Miami has “cancel any time” monthly memberships, and class pack options for sale. Class sizes are roughly 15-20 people depending on the class type. For more information visit https://www.theakt.com/location/miami-midtown.

Canadian gym startup Silofit is expanding to the U.S. and will open a Miami office after raising $10.25 million in its first round of institutional funding, the company announced.

Silofit’s business flips the classic gym membership model. Instead of offering monthly subscriptions, the company rents out small, private gyms to individuals at an hourly rate ranging between $20 and $40, no strings attached.  

The startup takes advantage of undesirable real estate, leasing studios between 500 and 1,000 square feet, usually with no windows inside the basements of office buildings, and turning them into high-end gyms.

“Given COVID, it’s an opportune time because of our supply, the real estate is cheaper, and the demand is also higher because so many gyms have closed,” CEO and co-founder Wilfred Valenta told Commercial Observer.

The company will use the new funds to open 50 locations across the U.S., starting with about five locations in Miami. But, it has not signed any leases yet and is looking for locations in South Beach, the downtown area, and Wynwood, Valenta said.

Silo already has 20 locations across Montreal and Toronto, with more than 12,000 users and 3,000 trainers.

With plans to open its first U.S office in Miami, Valenta hopes it will serve as the fitness startup’s North American headquarters as the company grows and expands.

Similar to its retail leases, the company has yet to sign an office lease. It’s in the market for 5,000 square feet in Brickell and South Beach to house 25 employees. For the time being, Silofit is based out of WeWork’s Brickell outpost with one full-time staffer.  

Whitecap Venture Partners led the funding round with participation from other returning investors, including Courtside Ventures and Alate Partners.

The king of Miami’s nightlife, David Grutman, is a new investor. Both Zumba Fitness founder Alberto Perlman and celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, who once trained pop star Katy Perry, have joined as strategic advisors.

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This was originally published on Commerical Observer by Julia Echikson and can be found here.

Another re-vamped park for Miami!

Brickell’s Southside Park is set to be rebuilt with a design by the firm that oversaw New York’s High Line. The park will also be connected to The Underline’s Brickell Backyard as part of the rebuild.

The plans for Southside Park include:

• An enclosed dog run with dedicated areas for small and large dogs
• seating areas
• water features
• opportunities for public art
• playgrounds for different age groups
• a new basketball court
• space for active programming such as movie nights and community sports events
• an expanded canopy with new trees, and existing mature trees preserved where possible

A historic school house in the park will not be touched, but landscaping and hardscaping will be added around it to highlight it.

Plans for the rebuild were submitted to the county in June. Miami-Dade is overseeing approval rather than the city of Miami due to its location in a rapid transit zoning area. JDS Development Group is funding the park rebuild as part of a land deal to develop the 64-story 1 South Park tower next door.

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This was originally published on The Next Miami and can be found here.

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The 9th annual ZooRun5K & ZooKidsDash benefiting West Kendall Baptist Hospital and the Zoo Miami Foundation will take place on Saturday, October 2 at Zoo Miami.

The ZooRun5K and ZooKidsDash participants receive the following race day goodies.  

• Entry to Zoo Miami (valid for entry after the race)
• Premium themed race shirt
• Themed finisher medal
• Post-race festival and brunch featuring local restaurants, music, and dancing
• 50% off Zoo Miami admission for friends & family on race day
• Discounts and special offers from Zoo Miami and partners

Registration right now is discounted at $30 for adults and $20 for kids, with prices increasing after August 1.

Participants are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite animal and show their wild side!

For more information or to register for the races, click here for the Zoo's website.

While Peloton riders are devoted to their favorite instructors, the company is ready to enter the video game business.

Here is some of the preliminary information from Engadget.com:

Peloton is jumping in to the arena with its first fitness game titled "Lanebreak." The rhythm-based game is available on the fitness company's stationary bikes and has a simple setup: Players control a rolling tire on a track by pedaling and switching lanes with the resistance knob in the face of multiple obstacles. This being Peloton, the entire game is synchronized to a music soundtrack.

Lanebreak is the culmination of months of trials that saw select users playing mini games in two-week pilots. The idea is to export some of the core mechanics of gaming, chiefly rewards and progression, to incentivize Peloton members to exercise more. Music, according to Peloton, acts as the DNA that links its regular exercise classes with its new game in a bid to acclimatize novice players.

For now, Lanebreak is still in early access mode with a full launch planned for this winter.

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This story was originally published on Engadget.com by S. Shah and can be found here.

The tallest diving platform in the western hemisphere soon will stand in Fort Lauderdale. Experienced divers will be able to plunge the equivalent of nearly eight stories from the 27-meter tower at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex. The rest of us will be able to climb to the top and contemplate it — without jumping.

The diving tower will be the first permanent structure of its kind in the western hemisphere and the second in the world, Laura Voet, manager of the aquatic center said. The other is in Zhaoqing, China.

It is designed to survive 146 mph winds, comparable to a Category 4 hurricane, she said.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the diving community,” Voet said. “They just think it’s awesome.”

Though the 27-meter platform will be available only to more experienced divers, community members will have the opportunity to dive off the shorter platforms and climb the tower’s 162 steps to the top, Voet said.

“You’ll be able to see what it’s like to walk up those steps and then contemplate what a diver’s thinking when they’re going up there,” she said.

Voet anticipates the diving tower will bring more swimming events to the area. People have already called to plan annual events at the center, which has been closed for renovation since April 2019 and plans to reopen next fall.

The platform, coincidentally, was set in place on the birthday of Fort Lauderdale High Diving World Champion Steven LoBue, Voet said.

LoBue was the first American to win a gold medal in the men’s 27-meter dive.

“It’s exciting for Fort Lauderdale,” Voet said. “It’s another first.”

This was originally published by Alex DeLuca in the Sun Sentinel and can be found here.

Looking to mix things up this weekend? THesis Hotel - the hottest new destination in Coral Gables, has organized a morning of wellness for your sweaty pleasure. THesis has partnered with local fitness and wellness operators to bring you the perfect trifecta for a full-body workout.

First, kick things off with a total body sweat from Burn Bootcamp Coral Gables, before slowing things down with an active recovery from fan favorite Green Monkey Yoga. Finally, end the morning with a soothing sound bowl meditation led by wellness expert Annie Vazquez of Annie the Alchemist.

This "Wellness at THesis" programming is part of the hotel's effort to spotlight local fitness brands that embody the health, wellness, and fitness mindset of the hotel. Classes are complimentary and open to community members of all levels. There will be refreshments, giveaways, and more.

*Click Here to Book Your Spot*

The owner of a Florida-based chain of mixed martial arts gyms unveiled big plans Tuesday to try to help Miami Hurricanes football players take advantage of new rules that allow them to make money.

Dan Lambert, the owner of American Top Team and a longtime Miami football fan, has offered each scholarship player (90 total) on the Miami football team a monthly payment of $500 this year to advertise his gyms on social media. American Top Team is the home training facility for more than two dozen professional fighters, including Jorge Masvidal and Amanda Nunes.

Lambert's offer to the Hurricanes -- which could add up to as much as $540,000 this year -- is the largest reported sum for a college sports endorsement deal since new state laws and NCAA rules opened the doors for players to make money last week.

"I want to help the kids. I want to reward them for what they do, and I want a better product on the field, too," Lambert told ESPN on Tuesday. "I want to improve the reputation of the school and the team I love so much. I think it's a cool opportunity to get involved and make a difference."

Lambert said the offer is the largest marketing effort his MMA business ever has made. He says he's not sure he'll continue to offer the same deal to Miami players in future years, but he already has bigger plans in the works to create a consistent way to provide some money to every player on the Hurricanes' roster.

Lambert has also started a corporation, called Bring Back The U, that will be solely focused on putting money in the pockets of Miami football players. He said the company will attempt to rally support from local businesses to hire the players as spokesmen. He says he also plans to host fundraising events and then donate the proceeds to any local business that agrees to use the donation to pay for Miami players as spokesmen.

Lambert said he has had multiple conversations with the school's compliance department to tell them about his plans. He also has hired attorney Darren Heitner to make sure what he was doing didn't violate new state laws.

"There are improper ways of fans supporting their players, and now there is a legal way to do it," Lambert said. "And if there is a legal way, and you can dot the I's and cross the T's, I'm going to do it."

Heitner helped craft Florida's new name, image and likeness law and has consulted with several athletes and businesses looking to use college athlete endorsers. He told ESPN that Lambert's fanhood and previous donations that he has made to the athletic department do not prevent him from creating a company that facilitates endorsement deals for Hurricanes players.

Heitner said Florida's law only prohibits an entity that has directly supported the university or the athletic department from paying or facilitating these deals. Lambert's new corporation has no relationship with the university.

"There's no prohibition on an entity who may have a booster as a member," Heitner said. "The only restriction is if the entity itself supports the institution or the athletic department."

Many of the state laws currently in place have similar language addressing booster involvement. The NCAA rules, which dictate what is allowed in the 30-plus states that don't have NIL laws in place, also have no restrictions that would make an effort like Lambert's against the rules.

Lambert said he has already had several inquiries about Bring Back The U from other local businesses since launching his new fundraising company on Tuesday morning. He does not have any plans set in stone yet for their fundraising event, but he said every dollar they make will eventually land in the hands of a Miami football player.

"I'm not looking to profit from this," Lambert said. "I want to try to bring people together and make our team better. I've got too many Gator and Seminole friends that have been s----ing on me for the last 20 years. I want to reverse it."

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This was originally posted on ESPN.com by Dan Murphy and can be found here.

CrossFit Home Office today announced the launch of CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP), which will provide programming, class planning, and coach development to affiliates via written materials, graphics, and more than 60 videos per month. 

Developed by the legendary trio of Austin Malleolo, James Hobart, and Spencer Hendel - who have trained more than 20,000 CrossFit coaches, appeared in 24 CrossFit Games, and led five gyms - CAP will be offered free of charge to CrossFit affiliates through December 31, 2021. Interested gyms can sign up for the CAP waitlist for access at crossfit.com/programming.

"The coached workout is the most important and differentiated aspect of CrossFit," said Eric Roza, CEO of CrossFit. "Affiliate owners who choose CAP will save nearly 20 hours each month while improving the daily experience for their members and coaches alike. By implementing CAP, affiliates will also expand their gym community, as members offer support, celebration, and commiseration on the same daily workouts to their fellow CrossFit athletes across the country and around the world."

Consistent with CrossFit's "tools over rules" credo, the CAP service is an optional service for all affiliates, and they are welcome to continue to do their own programming or purchase programming from other sources.

"Daily coach development is what will set CAP apart," said Nicole Carroll, CrossFit's General Manager of Training and Education. "CAP's daily video instruction by leading Seminar Staffers will focus on education for coaches, who in turn will improve the experience and outcomes for their members." 

CrossFit Affiliate Programming's key features include:

• Exclusive daily class plans and coaching videos from CrossFit's Seminar Staff,
• Related daily At Home/Travel workouts available solely to affiliate members,
• Pre-loading into leading platforms such as SugarWOD, with others to follow,
• Dedicated support from CrossFit team members via email and phone, 
• Monthly focus areas and options to help members target their weaknesses, and
• Updates and enhancements based on affiliate feedback to support CAP's continuous improvement.
• "By increasing coaching ability, you increase member satisfaction," said Austin Malleolo, one of CAP's developers. "Because CAP is only available to CrossFit affiliates, it will help drive a continuous improvement in coaching quality across CrossFit gyms and serve as a significant differentiator for potential members in contrast to non-CrossFit facilities."

To accelerate the launch of CAP, CrossFit has acquired and integrated the assets of HAM Plan, which was founded by Malleolo, Hobart, Hendel, and MIT wunderkind/L3 trainer Travis Herbanek. 

Interested affiliates can sign up for the CAP pilot at crossfit.com/programming. The service will begin rolling out to affiliates in good standing worldwide beginning July 6th, and it will expand to languages beyond English beginning in the fourth quarter. Pricing for the service in 2022 will be announced during the trial period, but it is expected to be $150 per month

The City of Miami Beach Commission voted last Wednesday on a $2.5 million deal to get one step closer towards the nation’s first adaptive fitness and recreation center.

The idea was spearheaded by the Sabrina Cohen Foundation and the future facility will host a 27,000-square foot and three story fitness center with an all inclusive universal design. The foundation still needs to raise about $8 million.

“This is a game changer. You know, we never know when life is going to change on the dime, and we’re going to be here to catch our residents and keep them strong and healthy and alive and active members of society,” said president of the foundation Sabrina Cohen.

The center will be built on 53rd Street and Collins Avenue and will offer daily physical fitness programs, a rooftop pool with aqua therapy and a fully accessible beachside program. It will cater to people with all needs, from being wheelchair bound to those with autism and everything in between.

Check out the entire story by 7 News WSVN here.

M Park by The Shops at Midtown Miami re-opened as a new and improved community park. Located between Nordstrom Rack and West Elm, M Park will be a wonderful addition to the daily life of both neighborhood residents and travelers alike with a capacity of over 200 people.

The new park consists of two areas: an open grassy space with welcoming seating for relaxing and events, and an enclosed playground for kids. The vibrantly-colored playground is designed for children aged two to 12, consisting of four separate play structures for visitors to enjoy. The play structures feature multiple levels with climbers, slides, rock walls, cargo climbing nets and monkey bars under integrated sail shades. The two sides of the park, connected by a large Gumbo Limbo tree in the center for shade, are surrounded by artificial turf.

“We are excited to welcome the community to the new and improved M Park in the heart of Midtown Miami.” said Richard Forrest, Vice President of Property Management. “There was a need in Midtown for a beautiful green space for locals and visitors to stop by, recharge and let their kids play. The Community Development District worked hard to transform M Park into a premier destination for fun, creativity and relaxation for the city of Miami. We are excited and proud to share it with our neighbors and shoppers.”

While an official grand opening event for the community and local dignitaries is slated for Saturday, August 21, you’ll still be able to take advantage of the new green space until then with regular activations and local events. But even if you’re not going there for a happening, you can still head there to relax and enjoy a picnic with food from one of The Shops at Midtown Miami’s many restaurants, and take in the beauty of a growing neighborhood.

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This was originally published on the Culture Crusaders and can be found here.

Break the Cycle is joining SocialXchange, Muscle Mom, Let's Ride 305, and Nationwide Ridas for the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride on Saturday, June 19 at 9:30 am. This is a family friendly event to ride in unity.

Bikers are welcome to meet at the Calder Casino Parking Lot and the estimated ride will be 15 miles.

Break the Cycle (BTC) is nonprofit organization and a multicultural bike group of cyclists who ride for a purpose. Bridging generational gaps & meshing socioeconomic statuses, these cyclist are working to redefine the urban community of Miami, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle. BTC's weekly events attract hundreds of cyclists.

Click here for more information on the Juneteenth event or to register for the ride.

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sweetgreen is now officially open in Wynwood, making it the third new location to open in Miami this year. This fast-casual salad concept over 120 locations across the country.

Located at 2621 NW 2nd Avenue, this restaurant fits right into the neighborhood with a vibrant exterior mural by Jen Stark and colorful interior designs. You can find both indoor seating at this location.

With a goal to build healthier communities, at sweetgreen you can find locally sourced and organic ingredients in their carefully prepared salads and bowls.

Use the app to order ahead and customize your meal, or stop in today!

sweetgreen can also be found in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Look out for a fourth Miami location in the Miami Beach neighborhood of Sunset Harbour.