News

STAY FIT 305 events are back, and our first one was electric! Thanks to Sammi Stonish for setting the vibes at our Barry's Outdoors Special Edition Sweat, and to our partners at Celsius for bringing the energy! Scroll down to watch video highlights from the event and see photo highlights here at the STAY FIT 305 Facebook Page.

Missed out on the fun? No sweat. Come join the rest of the STAY FIT 305 community at any of our upcoming fitness experiences here: STAY FIT 305 EVENTS.

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Legendary sports agent Drew Rosenhaus has partnered with Barry's on a unique fitness experience for South Florida residents, all with the goal of benefitting the Players Coalition in honor of Black History Month.

On Valentine's Day, guests are invited to join Rosenhaus and Barry's Miami instructor Kellie Williams at midfield of Hard Rock Stadium for an exclusive, on-field, total-body Barry's workout.

The socially distanced workout will benefit the Players Coalition in honor of Black History Month. The Players Coalition is a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization working with over 1,400 professional athletes, coaches, and owners across the leagues to improve social justice and racial equality in the U.S. The Players Coalition was founded in 2017 by co-founders Anquan Boldin, NFL 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year, and Malcolm Jenkins, 2017 NFLPA Byron “Whizzer” White winner, and is governed by a Task Force Board of 11 voting members.

Tickets to the Barry's Miami Hard Rock Stadium workout are $20, and includes free parking and equipment. Bose is matching every ticket sold with a $10 donation to the Players Coalition.

The event kicks off at 1:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

*Image courtesy of Hard Rock Stadium Facebook.

The STAY FIT 305 Monthly Sweat Guides are back by popular demand! But they are going to look a little different. In the past, our Monthly Sweat Guides were a way to discover fitness fueled experiences around town, not just our STAY FIT 305 events. While the new version of our Sweat Guides will include recommended events, we’ll also spotlight some regular weekly classes that are taking the proper health and safety precautions - mask wearing in close proximity, social distancing, etc. So with that being said, let’s take a look at what’s happening around town this month. If you want your event to be featured in our March Sweat Guide, fill out the form here.

February 6

Rave & Shine - Deep House Yoga Rave and Brunch

Join Maria for a power vinyasa yoga class to rejuvenate the mind and strengthen the body. Get ready to sweat and allow the beats to resonate. Event includes Yoga & Sound Healing, Live DJ, Crystal Bowl Sound Bath w/ Binaural Beats, Rave & Open Dance Floor, Gourmet Vegetarian Brunch & Fruit Bar, and Holistic Vendor Marketplace. Click Here For Ticket Info

Yoga at Pullman Miami

Enjoy beautiful views while participating in relaxing Yoga Class at Pullman Miami. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 7

Warrior Yoga Flow Sundays at 1111

Join Adrian Molina and his Warrior Flow family every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. at 1111 Lincoln Rd (level 7), Miami Beach, FL 33139. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 10

Lululemon Valentine’s Day MIRROR Demo

Schedule a MIRROR demo with you and your plus one this February 10th - 14th for a partnered sweat session in the Aventura Store. You and your plus one will have the opportunity to learn about and experience the MIRROR in a workout personalized to you. Click Here For Ticket Info

Warrior Yoga Flow Sundays at 1111

Don’t miss this free booty workout with Miami fitness instructor Safia Berrada across from Museum Park Marina - Baywalk Path. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 11

STAY FIT 305 Doral Yard Series: Zumba with Cat Medina

Join STAY FIT 305 in-person for a Zumba class with instructor Cat Medina in collaboration with The Doral Yard. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 13

STAY FIT 305 Riverside Series: Spin with RedBike

Join STAY FIT 305 in-person for a spin class with RedBike instructor Andreina Baez at Riverside Miami. Don't miss this sweat inducing, heart-pumping ride, outdoor ride along the Miami River with one of Miami's top spin studios! Click Here For Ticket Info

February 14

Barry's Miami at Hard Rock Stadium

Join Barry's at Hard Rock Stadium for a Total Body Workout with rockstar Barry’s instructor Kellie Williams. The event will be hosted by legendary sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, with proceeds to benefit Players Coalition in honor of Black History Month. Bose will match a $10 donation for every ticket purchased. The class is 50 Minutes in length, with bands and mat provided, parking included. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 21

STAY FIT 305 Riverside Series: Outdoor Kickboxing with CKO

Join STAY FIT 305 in-person for an outdoor cardio kickboxing class with CKO at Riverside Miami. Don't miss this sweat inducing, heart-pumping class along the Miami River with one of Miami's top kickboxing studios! Click Here For Ticket Info

Body & Soul: BFit on Key Biscayne

Join Body & Soul for their signature BFit class on Key Biscayne. Meet under the first bridge parking lot in Key Biscayne. For non members the class is $10. Click Here For Ticket Info

‍February 27

Free Outdoor Zumba Class at Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science

Celebrate Miami Health & Wellness months with Free Zumba Classes! Offered in-person as well as virtual. Click Here For Ticket Info

February 28

STAY FIT 305 Winter Sweat Series with Exhale: Yoga

Join STAY FIT 305 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel for a Yoga class as part of the STAY FIT 305 Winter Sweat Series. Join us for a Yoga flow on the Loews Miami Beach Americana Lawn Sunday, February 28th at 10:00am with instructor Christine Kelly. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day poolside at the Loews Miami Beach, and enjoy that South Beach sun – the perfect ending to your weekend!

• Access to Winter Sweat Series Workout
• All-Day Access to the Loews Miami Beach Pool
• 20% Off Any 60/90 Minute Exhale Therapies + Exhale Boutique, Same Day
• Sampling from our Brand Partners

 Click Here For Ticket Info

Let’s take a look at the Top 10 stories of the year on STAY FIT 305.

10). Op-Ed: Pride Month Feels Different During the Black Lives Matter Movement

This powerful op-ed penned by Troy Jason Valls, owner of Move Lift Live in Brickell, discusses how Pride Month was and felt a little different in 2020 in the wake of the shooting of George Floyd and the #blacklivesmatter movement. Read the full story here

9). 10 Must-Try HIIT and Bootcamp Workouts in South Florida 2020

Discover STAY FIT 305’s list of recommended HIIT and bootcamp focused gyms and studios across South Florida that we suggest you drop in for a sweat. See the full list here

8). New Pilates Brand Tremble Launches, Uses COVID as an Opportunity

In 2020, we saw a subset of JetSet Pilates studios break off and rebrand as Tremble. Under owner Aryan Rashed, Tremble has catapulted to a must-try Pilates experience in Miami, and partnered with Anatomy to bring their Pilates experience to guests. Read the full story here

7). 10 South Florida Gyms You Need to Try in 2020

Discover STAY FIT 305’s list of recommended gyms and studios across South Florida that we suggest you drop in for a sweat. See the full list here

6). The #1 Voted Best Gym in Miami 2020

See what Miami gym was voted “Best Gym in Miami 2020” by our STAY FIT 305 community. See the winner here

5). Heavy and Heartbroken, Yet Hopeful: My Journey as a Biracial Woman

Read this incredible op-ed by Miami fitness trainer Taylor Walker, as she reflects on growing up biracial in America. Read the full story here

4). Workout Like a Firefighter with the FitFighter Steelhose

Fresh off her appearance on Shark Tank, FitFighter founder, Sarah Apgar showcases her versatile fitness tool does the work of a dumbbell, sandbag, medicine ball, and sledgehammer in one, giving you all the benefits of your favorite gym equipment in one easy-to-store tool that comes in a variety of weights. Read the full story here

3). 5 People Who Forever Changed the Miami Fitness Scene in the Last Decade

During the last ten years, South Florida has seen unprecedented growth in the health, wellness, and fitness industries. So, who are the trendsetters responsible for changing the Miami fitness community this past decade? Check out our list below of fitness professionals who have made a lasting imprint on the 305. See the full list here

2). Miami Fitness Brand 54D Has International Success During COVID-19

Miami-based fitness brand 54D has seen exponential growth during this year's quarantine as people from all over the world have joined their wellness movement and helped them reach a new streaming record. Learn more about this growing fitness brand here

1). 25 Miami Fitness Trainers You Need to Follow in 2020

See our list of Miami fitness trainers we recommend you follow in 2020. See the full list here

The STAY FIT 305 Monthly Sweat Guides are back by popular demand! But they are going to look a little different. In the past, our Monthly Sweat Guides were a way to discover fitness fueled experiences around town, not just our STAY FIT 305 events. While the new version of our Sweat Guides will include recommended events, we’ll also spotlight some regular weekly classes that are taking the proper health and safety precautions - mask wearing in close proximity, social distancing, etc. So with that being said, let’s take a look at what’s happening around town this month. If you want your event to be featured in our February Sweat Guide, fill out the form here.

January 2

Boot Camp with Dani Mazo & Steven Vargas

Meet Dani Mazo and Steven Vargas every Saturday at Margaret Pace Park or a full HIIT body workout with an amazing view of the bay. All you need is water, yoga mat, and lots of energy. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 3

STAY FIT 305 Virtual Workout: Pilates with Rachel Scherdin

Join STAY FIT 305 and Rachel Scherdin, owner of Transition Pilates, as she leads us through a high-energy and sweat inducing virtual Pilates class. This free class is one of many virtual and in-person fitness experiences STAY FIT 305 will be producing in 2021. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 6

STAY FIT 305 Virtual Workout: Zumba with Cat Medina

Join STAY FIT 305 and Cat Medina as she leads us through an electric virtual Zumba class. This free class is one of many virtual and in-person fitness experiences STAY FIT 305 will be producing in 2021. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 7

Sound Off™ Strength and Yoga: New Year, New Glutes

Join Adrian Molina and Daniel Daniel as they take over 1111 Lincoln Rd on Thursday, January 7th at 7:00pm for an evening of Full Body Conditioning and Glutes Strengthening, followed by Yoga, House Music and Dance while using the latest technology of Sound Off™ noise cancellation headphones fundraising for The Warrior Flow Foundation. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 9

Rooftop Yoga at Novotel Miami Brickell

Join Hot Yoga Brickell every Sunday 12pm by the Rooftop Pool at Novotel Miami Brickell. Enjoy beautiful views while participating in relaxing Yoga Class. For your safety, social distancing guidelines are strictly followed. Please bring your own yoga mat and towel. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 12

The Mind Body Connection with Leann Koleas

Explore what your mind is telling your body and what your body is telling your mind with Leann Koleas. In this workshop, you will delve into the mind body connection through a simple exercise that allows you to shift your focus, remember deep joy, and truly see where your thoughts show up in different areas of our bodies. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 14

STAY FIT 305 Sweat at The Yard Series: HIIT with Juan Garcia

Join STAY FIT 305 in-person for a HIIT workout with instructor Juan Garcia in collaboration with The Doral Yard. STAY FIT 305 is excited to bring some of South Florida’s top fitness instructors to The Doral Yard as part of our Sweat At The Yard Series. Each month, join STAY FIT 305 and some of the hottest trainers from around town as we sweat it out! This event offers a very limited in-person experience. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 16

Health Is Wealth Festival by Infinity Sports Institute

The festival will include: Free Fascial Stretching and Manual Therapy-Sports Science Lab Demo.First 5 Registrations receive a free dexa scan. Variety of Health & Wellness Vendors (Food, Skincare, Recovery, and more). Hands-On Workshops-Curated Health Panel. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 18

Tennis 101 For Beginner Adults

Free 2-week program designed for adults that want to get started in tennis, focused on learning the correct technique and getting used to the court, improving overall physical performance and playing in a group with others!  Limited-time offer for a max of 30 players looking to get started in tennis. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 20

Booty + Ab Wednesdays with Safia Berrada

Join Miami fitness trainer Safia Berrada for booty and abs, every Wednesday at Museum Park Marina starting at 8:30am. All you need is a yoga mat. Click Here For Ticket Info

January 21

Let the Feeling Flow with lululemon + Lizzy Chiappy

Join lululemon local South Florida ambassador as she lead you through virtual meditative yoga session. Click Here For Ticket Info

‍January 23

STAY FIT 305 Sweat at The Yard Series: HIIT with Michelle Bertran

Join STAY FIT 305 in-person for a HIIT workout with instructor Michelle Bertran in collaboration with The Doral Yard. STAY FIT 305 is excited to bring some of South Florida’s top fitness instructors to The Doral Yard as part of our Sweat At The Yard Series. Each month, join STAY FIT 305 and some of the hottest trainers from around town as we sweat it out! This event offers a very limited in-person experience. Click Here For Ticket Info

Body & Soul Miami Block Party

Join Body & Soul for an event with open-air/outdoor fitness classes, vendors, healthy food and drinks. Enjoy a full schedule of group fitness classes from Dance, Boxing, HIIT, Crossfit, and fun fitness competitions. Registration is not required but if you'd like to get your sweat on and take a class, email info@bodyandsoulmiami.com.

January 28

Virtual Full Moon Yoga

Join @gabyyoga live on Instagram for a free full moon yoga session hosted by the City of Doral from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

January 31

STAY FIT 305: Barry's Outdoors Special Edition Sweat

Join STAY FIT 305 for a special edition class of Barry’s Outdoors in Miami Beach, led by Barry’s instructor Sammi Stonish. In partnership with Barry’s, STAY FIT 305 is offering a special edition of the popular Barry’s Outdoors HIIT style workout at the 1212 Lincoln Road parking garage. Click Here for Ticket Info

Work out any time, anywhere, with the first fitness experience built around Apple Watch

Apple Fitness+, the first fitness experience built around Apple Watch, is available today, bringing inclusive and welcoming studio-style workouts to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV so users can work out anytime, anywhere. Fitness+ intelligently and seamlessly incorporates key workout metrics users love from Apple Watch directly to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV alongside inspiring workout content for an unparalleled, highly personalized, immersive experience, set to motivating music from the world’s top artists.

Whether users are looking for a daily routine, want to try something new, know what they like to do, or are just getting started, Fitness+ offers workouts for everyone from a team of celebrated, charismatic, and passionate trainers who are specialists in their fields, and are inspired to coach all levels, from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. All of the workouts also include a trainer demonstrating modifications, so there’s always someone to follow, no matter a user’s ability.

Apple Fitness+ offers 10 different workouts types across a range of durations, including: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown — along with inspiring music from today’s top artists, thoughtfully chosen for each workout to keep users moving and motivated. For those not sure what to do on any given day, Fitness+ recommends workouts based on what they already enjoy doing so they can jump right in with something familiar, try something new, discover a new trainer, or find a workout to complement their current routine. They can also use the intuitive filter to choose the trainer, time, workout, and music to fit their mood, and in seconds, they’ll be on their way to their next great workout.

For people who are just starting out, trying a new workout type, or getting back into exercise, Absolute Beginner workouts provide expert guidance through the basics of HIIT, Strength, Core, and Yoga as an option to prepare for the weekly studio workouts.

Integration with Apple Watch, combined with the ease of discovering great workouts for all ability levels, the welcoming trainer team, motivating music, and the convenience to workout anywhere on Apple devices truly makes Fitness+, fitness for all.

Fitness+ will be available as a subscription service for $9.99 (US) per month or $79.99 (US) per year,1 and Apple Watch customers will find Fitness+ in the Fitness app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Fitness+ can be shared among up to six family members for the same price, making it easy for other Apple Watch users in the household to enjoy the service. Three months of Apple Fitness+ are included for customers who purchase Apple Watch Series 3 or later, and one month of Fitness+ is included for existing Apple Watch users.2

via Apple Newsroom

While COVID-19 has been a humbling experience for many business owners, the pandemic has been an outright disaster for the health and fitness industry. A lot of fairly significant brands, including Golds Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, YogaWorks and Flywheel, have filed for bankruptcy. On top of that, over 38,000 fitness clubs and studios in the US have been shut down due to the virus. It has been reported that less than 50% of these businesses will reopen successfully.

Here are some unsettling statistics:

• 34% of gym exercisers have or plan to cancel their gym memberships after.
• COVID-19 and more than 20 million gym memberships could be cancelled due to COVID-19.
• As a result of the coronavirus, 40% of Americans exercised at home for the first time.
• At least 500,000 fitness club employees have been furloughed as a result of the club shutdowns.

There are a variety of factors that continue to be real threats to the industry. The main threat remains government mandated shutdowns. Some places in California and New York (specifically Manhattan) have been dark since March, with no real sense of when they will get the green light to reopen. This has been a devastating loss, especially in these areas where commercial rents are at an all-time high.

*RELATED 4 Ways COVID-19 Will Change the FItness Industry

Another factor that threatens health and wellness are the continued reports from the media that gyms, studios and fitness centers are not safe and could be super spreaders for the virus. At this time there is no evidence that the spread is coming from the fitness industry. As a matter of fact, most studios (especially boutique fitness) may be safer than your average grocery store. These studios are able to limit class size, maintain adequate social distancing, enforce mask wearing, evaluate who is appropriate to return to the studio and keep accurate records of those who were in the studio at any given time.

Lastly, negotiating with landlords has been significantly challenging for most businesses. When over 38,000 studios were forced to close back in March, there was a mixed response from landlords. While some offered abatements and others offered deferment, there were many that offered nothing. This challenge continues even as businesses have been allowed to reopen, albeit at limited and lower capacities. There continues to be a huge need for rent relief and additional government aid for this industry sector. This may prove to be the most significant barrier for a majority of health and wellness businesses to remain financially solvent now and in the future.

While this industry has seen many devastating effects, there are some positives on the horizon. The volatility of the late spring and early summer is beginning to stabilize. According to ZenPlanner, member check-ins are steadily increasing — up 1% over the last month to 79% of what we’d normally expect this time of year. Revenue is slightly behind check-ins but increasing at a faster rate — it increased 3% over August to 75% of normal in September. This number is especially encouraging when compared with April, when the number dipped to 14%. Nationwide, revenue is at 77% of 2019 numbers, up two percent from last month.

*RELATED 7 Ways the Pandemic Impacted 2020 Fitness Trends

Despite having the impact to financially devastate the health club industry, the 37% of all survey participants indicated they would work out more after COVID-19, and over 50% of them said they are motivated to do so by a renewed appreciation for their health and well-being according to a survey by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

Gyms and studios that have seen success are the ones that were able to be flexible and creative: expanding class offerings outside a typical schedule, consistent communication and engagement with members and students, and hybrid memberships and class options. They are also investing heavily in digital and expanding their on-demand and virtual platforms.

*RELATED A Silver Lining in Fitness: A Miami Gym Owner's Journey Through COVID-19

Boutique fitness and micro gyms have seen an increase in new customer acquisition since reopening, as many Americans may still be fearful of going to a big box gym and are looking for a smaller, more intimate experience. Several local studios including Pilates in the Grove have seen an increase in revenue from 1:1 private sessions both virtually and in-studio.

Businesses looking to grow and capitalize on this positive trend should seek to start a marketing campaign aimed at people who are tired of working out (or avoiding working out) at home. Once people come through your door, make sure they feel safe and welcome. Take extra time with leads and members to strengthen your community.

Along with the positive trend of increasing revenues, the industry has also seen a surge in proprietary inventions. Many in the industry were not about to sit back and allow the pandemic to shutter them forever. Instead, they saw a need for better and have gone on to create new products, features, and programs that will most likely be a part of our new normal well into the future.

While there are still massive hurdles to overcome in the health and wellness industries, the future is promising for those willing and able to innovate and stay the course for the long haul. We on the business side of this industry are hopeful that our communities will rally together to keep health and wellness alive. As they say ... our greatest wealth is health!

Wynwood-based law firm AXS LAW Group is proud to announce the launch of its first annual “WINwood Scavenger Hunt,” a free event open to the public that encourages locals to safely shop, eat and visit Wynwood merchants. The event takes place Friday, December 11, through Sunday, December 13, with one lucky participant winning a $1,000 prize.

Participants are encouraged to register by Thursday, December 10, on AXS Law Group’s website, www.axslawgroup.com. Upon registering, they will receive a list of  riddles via email, directing them to clues hidden within the 16 participating Wynwood locations. Contestants, who can work together in groups or compete individually, need to snap and accurately post a picture of answers to at least 10 of the 16 riddles. The list of riddles will also be posted on the AXS LAW Group’s Instagram page, @AXSLAW, and on the company’s website by December 7. 

Participating Wynwood businesses in the “WINwood Scavenger Hunt” include: The Salty Donut, Museum of Graffiti, BASE, Buya Izakaya + Yakitori, Cielito Artisan Pops, Candle Land, Sana Skin Studio, Doma Restaurant, Morgan's Restaurant, Fireman Derek's, Beaker & Gray, R House, D.O.G. Wynwood, SuViche, rácket, and The Lab Miami.

“As a Wynwood-based company, we have always been driven as a business and family to support our fellow neighbors by giving back to the community where we live and work,” said Jeff Gutchess, founding partner at AXS LAW Group. “With most local merchants open for business again, we hope South Floridians are encouraged to come back and visit our neighborhood by taking part in this fun, safe and family-friendly scavenger hunt, all while helping us in our mission to boost our local economy.” 

The rules to participate in the “WINwood Scavenger Hunt” are as follows: 

• Participants have to post their answers to a minimum of 10 of the 16 riddles by snapping a photo or video of each answer and sharing it on their personal Instagram Stories. Participants can choose which 10 riddles they wish to answer in any order. 
• Participants have to tag @AXSLAW and the participating business they took that particular photo at, as well as use the hashtag #AXStoWynwood, in each story post/frame. 
• Instagram entries will only be accepted between 12:01 am Friday, December 11, through 11 pm on Sunday, December 13.
• The winner needs to be at least 18 years old to redeem his/her prize. 

One lucky participant will be selected based on the most correct and creative answers, such as dressing up in a holiday costume, wearing fun face masks, using unique props, etc., and will win a grand prize of $1,000 in gift cards to redeem at the participating Wynwood retailers, merchants and restaurants, sponsored by AXS LAW Group. 

The winner will be announced on Monday, December 14, on AXS LAW Group’s Instagram page. For more information about the scavenger hunt, visit www.axslawgroup.com. 

Life Time might have canceled the 2021 Miami Marathon, but that isn’t stopping them from encouraging the South Florida fitness community to get out and run in January. Dubbed #VirtuallyFamousMiami - the program is the first ever rendition of the world-famous Miami Marathon & Half Marathon set to take place January 10 - 31, 2021.

*RELATED What it Takes to Win the Miami Marathon. Winners Tell All

So how does it work? There are seven options to choose from in the #VirtuallyMiamiFamous wired by the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon presented by cbdMD, ranging from a short 5K to a full marathon. Guests can choose to run one, two, or all three of the distance options between the dates, giving runners the ultimate form of flexibility. Want your entire run to be full of those epic Miami views the Miami Marathon is known for? Then plan your run accordingly.

Participants will receive a generous range of swag, depending on their level of participation. Swag includes a t-shirt, water bottle, and cap, with all runners receiving a customizable stackable spinning finishers medal.

“This year has been unlike anything we have ever experienced so let me start off by saying we sincerely hope you and your loved ones are well, and have found ways to stay positive, active and hopeful during this challenging time,” said Miami Marathon founder, Frankie Ruiz in an open letter on the Miami Marathon’s website. 

*RELATED 5 People Who Forever Changed the Miami Fitness Scene in the Last Decade

Ruiz continues, “the decision to cancel weighs heavily upon us. It is our pride and joy to host thousands of runners from all over the world each year here in our magical city. But we must each do what is necessary to protect our community and ourselves. Remember that we will get through this together and we can’t wait to see you again at our Miami Famous start line.”

The pandemic has challenged families as a whole this year, and Life Time acknowledges that and wants to get the whole family active and running in January with the Life Time Kids Run Miami Virtual 5K. Youth, ages 4-12 across the country are encouraged to complete their own virtual 5K between January 10 - 31, 2021 – the same time frame as the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon virtual event, #VirtuallyMiamiFamous – either all at once or across multiple days. Students will be provided an online training program crafted by Ruiz, that they may follow to build up to the virtual 5K in January. Plus, all finishers will earn their own medal.

For more information on the #VirtuallyMiamiFamous wired by the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon presented by cbdMD, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Miami/VirtuallyMiamiFamous.

Follow the Miami Marathon on social media:

• Instagram: @themiamimarathon
• Facebook: @Miami Marathon
• Twitter: @RunMiami
• Hashtags: #VirtuallyMiamiFamous / #KidsRunMiami
  

The City of Miami Beach announced the launch of Race to Trace, a new program intended to provide focused COVID-19 contact tracing and other health resources to Miami Beach hotels, restaurants as well as cultural venues. Funded under a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation, the program will provide businesses with a dedicated strike team of seasoned contact tracers from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Miami-Dade County to keep employees and patrons safe.

“Our hospitality industry has gamely addressed these challenges but needs tools better suited to its unique profile,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber explained. “This partnership will elevate our contact tracing efforts to give us the best opportunity to cabin this virus and provide a safer environment for our guests and workers.”

Starting this week, Race to Trace teams will proactively reach out to target businesses citywide to establish relationships — aiming to alleviate the burden that business owners and managers face by quickly responding to COVID-19 issues as they arise.

“The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade is looking forward to working with The Rockefeller Foundation and the City of Miami Beach in this innovative, multidimensional approach to combating COVID-19 in our community while preserving our economy, hospitality industry and protecting our public health,” shared Administrator/Health Officer Dr. Yesenia Villalta of DOH-Miami-Dade County. 

The Rockefeller Foundation awarded grants to the City of Miami Beach and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to further the goals of its National COVID-19 Testing & Tracing Action Plan. The Plan supports reopening the economy through a combination of effective testing, contact tracing and strengthening of data platforms and public education campaigns to better track and monitor the spread of the disease.

“A strong contact tracing program is a critical component to suppressing an outbreak, especially where people come and go, and ensuring that the trail of infections stops quickly,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “We are proud to support the efforts of Mayor Gelber and the Florida Department of Health to protect the hard-working women and men who are the backbone of Miami Beach’s dynamic tourism and hospitality industry, alongside the millions of visitors to the region, through this innovative contact tracing and public education program.”

Miami Beach businesses will be invited to further demonstrate their commitment to following COVID-19 best practices by participating in the city’s Pledge to Protect initiative which will be rolled out later this month.

For more information, visit www.Race2Trace.com.

It has been an extremely tough year for the fitness world, with many studios being forced to close for months. According to a recent ClassPass survey, 95% of studios around the world closed their physical spaces, ClassPass helped 5,000 studios to add livestream and on-demand workouts, and 81% of ClassPass customers reported that they worked out using digital options.

The survey goes on to reveal that of the different workout options available to consumers, Yoga reigned supreme as the "top digital workout of 2020," closely followed by HIIT and Pilates.

*RELATED No Surprise, Survey Says Miamians Are Afraid to Commit... to a Workout

While fitness persevered , here are seven ways the pandemic impacted 2020 fitness trends.

1. Yoga increased in popularity by 25% as members called for ways to manage pandemic stress. Yoga was also the most popular workout for someone taking their first livestream class.

2. HIIT’s share of all workouts increased by 26% and Pilates’ share of all workouts increased by 16%. 

3. Restorative fitness was also very popular in 2020. Meditation and Stretching both rank in the top 10 on-demand activities booked through ClassPass.

4. At home classes that require less equipment are more popular. Classes that require bodyweight only pulled in double the number of bookings as classes that require equipment. 

5. When members found a strength training workout they loved, they repeated it. Strength training was the on-demand workout most likely to be replayed.

6. There was a 400% increase in the number of outdoor classes being offered by studios this year as many closed studios moved outside, taking advantage of fresh air and room to socially distance. 4 in 5 surveyed members reported a willingness to attend these classes, and we anticipate this will be a lasting trend into 2021.

7. Transparent safety information is a key factor in the decision to return to studios, according to more than half of ClassPass members. To help, ClassPass added a feature that allows members to preview the specific safety and sanitation precautions of every studio, from distanced bikes to contactless check-in. 

For more of this year’s fitness trends, check out the full survey here.

We don't think anyone could have predicted 2020 fitness trends would have taken the turn that they did this year. COVID changed the way we workout and now ClassPass is taking a stab at predicting 2021 trends. Here's five things they think will define fitness in the coming year - what do you think?

‍1. Taking A Crunch Break For Lunch Break:

• For the first time ever, 12pm is the most popular time to work out during the week. 
• Lunchtime workouts have seen a 67% increase in popularity. This shift can largely be attributed to a rise in remote work, and the ease of no-shower required virtual meetings. Even as people have returned to studios, the 12pm weekday time slot for in-person classes is more popular now than it was before lockdowns.  

2. Fitness Travel Is In, No Passport Required:  

• With digital options, you are no longer limited to your geographical location, so it’s the perfect chance to take a dance class with a friend across the country or revisit a studio you loved on vacation. More than half of members are chiming in regularly for classes taught from other cities.
• New York and Los Angeles studios are getting the most attention from international members. Fitness fans based in cities such as London and Singapore are eager to try top US studios.
• Members already based in North America are most likely to take a class streamed from London (UK), Sydney (Australia) or Amsterdam (Netherlands). 

3. Open Air Gyms Are a Breath of Fresh Air:

• Outdoor workouts first emerged in Europe and have continued to grow in demand throughout the US. 4 in 5 surveyed ClassPass members are willing to try outdoor classes -- ClassPass has added a search for “Outdoors” classes to support this trend and the number of outdoor class options has increased by 400% in 2020.
• Many studios are getting creative with outdoor classes including using beautiful city backdrops for class. One studio in Amsterdam even rented out an underutilized wedding venue!

4. Corporate Wellness Benefits Have Become a Must-Have for Companies: 

• 25% of professionals are exercising more now than at the start of COVID-19, with 1 in 5 using their previous commute time to exercise
• 4 in 5 professionals say fitness activities have been crucial to establishing a new work-from-home routine. 96% of professionals say they feel more motivated and less stressed after exercising, with 89% of professionals saying they feel more productive during the work day after exercising.
• 3 in 5 professionals who have participated in a team workout report feeling more connected to their team afterwards. Teams are most likely to book a private HIIT or yoga class to stay engaged and workout together, and hundreds of private classes have been booked.

5. People Will Head Back To Studios Once They Feel Safe

• 92% of professionals hope to return to fitness studios and gyms in 2021, with 40% planning to return exclusively to in-studio workouts when they feel safe to do so (source: Nov 2020 study of 2,185 professionals from 19 countries)
• ‍After attending their first indoor class since the start of the pandemic, 89% of subscribers responded they would go back as or more frequently to future classes.

For more on the fitness trends of 2020 and 2021, check out the full survey at https://classpass.com/blog/classpass-wellness-fitness-trends-2020/

ClassPass released their annual data-driven trends report today and Miami takes the top prize for … booking a workout at the last minute. Is anyone truly surprised?

Using their robust database of fitness and wellness search behavior, ClassPass compiled insights from 30,000 boutique studios, gyms, and wellness partners across 30 countries to determine 2020 fitness trends.

Miami is awarded the "Wildcard" title for being most likely to book a class minutes before it starts. Last year, we were honored as Night Owls for being "most likely to book a class later than 8 pm," so we already the "Early Bird" award wasn't happening this year.

Here are some more interesting stats from the ClassPass survey, including the most popular days and times to break a sweat in 2020.

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To read more of ClassPass' survey results, click here.

If ever there was a time to stand up for Greater Miami, it’s now. Due to the pandemic, local nonprofits are seeing significantly increased needs while facing decreased revenues. Starting today, November 19, it is our turn to give back to these charities and organizations during Give Miami Day 2020. A record-breaking movement in previous years, Give Miami Day is the chance to support nonprofits. Hosted by The Miami Foundation, the goal is to connect philanthropy with the community's needs and make Miami a greater place to live.

While there are over 850 deserving nonprofits participating, here are six health and fitness related organizations to check out and support.

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1. Empowered Through Fitness

The mission of Empowered Through Fitness is to provide tools and interventions for empowering women and girls through access to community resources that will aid them in creating and sustaining an active lifestyle. Empowered Through Fitness has brought various fitness instructors to Chapman Partnership monthly through the Empowered TRY program. During these events, participants engage in a confidence-building activities and experience fitness modalities like yoga, dance, and bodyweight movement.

2. Miami Marlins Foundation

The Miami Marlins Foundation makes a positive impact on South Florida by creating opportunities for youth to stay active, achieve academic success, and build leadership skills. Their sports-based youth development programs focus on wellness and empowerment, utilizing baseball and softball as the vehicle to provide kids with life-changing social and emotional learning experiences.

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3. Special Olympics Florida

The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

4. The Underline

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The goal of The Underline is to deliver and activate a 120-acre, world-class linear park spanning 10-miles below Miami's Metrorail that will transform regional mobility and celebrate diversity, culture and lifelong learning.  When we are able to gather once again, The Underline will offer free, year-round health and wellness, art and culture, education, civic engagement and volunteer programming to connect and serve our community.

5. Smoothies 4 Students Inc.

Smoothies 4 Students combats diet-related illnesses and problems in K-12 education caused by food deserts around underfunded schools, and underserved communities. By providing healthy options and nutrition education to students with limited access to quality foods, Smoothies 4 Students empowers young people to reach for the stars while providing them with the fuel to do so.

6. The Warrior Flow Foundation

The Warrior Flow Foundation ignites social change by bringing trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, sound therapy, and stress reduction programs, among other modalities, to places where they are most needed. This including hospitals, homeless shelters, schools, police stations, first responders, and more.

Miami Beach has announced a Shores Forward partnership with the Ocean Conservancy that will support the city’s #PlasticFreeMB initiative and other environmental programs intended to protect and preserve local waterways and beaches.

“The economic fate of our city is inextricably tied to our success in keeping beaches and waterways clear of trash and other pollutants as we prioritize the protection of our marine habitats,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber observed. “This partnership will make the city a better steward of our world-famous backyard.”

Shores Forward is an Ocean Conservancy initiative to protect Florida’s ocean and coastal areas in partnership with local governments. The Ocean Conservancy will partner with the City of Miami Beach to address areas impacting ocean health, such as ocean debris, marine wildlife, water quality, carbon pollution, climate change, education and outreach. Miami Beach will benefit from project funding, increased expertise, project management capacity and connections to relevant partners.

“Ocean Conservancy is thrilled to have Miami Beach join Shores Forward,” Chief of Strategy for Ocean Conservancy Kacky Andrews said. “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. Protecting Florida’s coasts means we all have to work together.”

The city hopes to collaborate with Ocean Conservancy on various city projects involving green infrastructure, living shorelines, bioretention cells, blue and green roofs as well as natural and artificial reefs.

Ocean Conservancy along with local nonprofit Miami Waterkeeper is assisting the city with its first fertilizer ordinance. Ocean Conservancy will help promote alternatives for turf lawns to further improve Miami Beach’s environmental stewardship. The organization plans to work with other South Florida stakeholders to develop local seagrass nurseries and provide specimens for plantings with the goal of providing abundant seagrass coverage throughout Miami-Dade County.

“The addition of Miami Beach to our Shores Forward is big news for South Florida and Biscayne Bay. These partnerships with local governments are crucial to the health of our ocean and the communities that depend on it,” J.P. Brooker, director of Ocean Conservancy’s Florida Conservation program added. “This partnership is just the first step in a long journey. We look forward to beginning our work with Miami Beach on the many new projects in store.”

If there is one thing we all learned this year, it's that you can truly workout anywhere. As long as you have a computer or smartphone, you can also participate in a workout class or have a trainer telling you what to do. Sweat From Home offers live-streaming, interactive workouts for everyone, wherever you are.

Launched during the pandemic, trainers Brendan Bellantoni and Kyle Bergman started Sweat from Home when they lost their job as fitness instructors. With their love of coaching and fitness, they decided to create a virtual workout community. Sweat From Home currently offers over 40 classes per week from a growing list of coaches across bodyweight, bootcamp-style, strength, spin, yoga, and shadow boxing.

There are a couple things that set Sweat From Home apart from other online fitness classes. Sweat From Home has two trainers per class, one demonstrating the workouts and one watching participants and coaching for form. Interaction and personal connection is very important to the team. For that reason, coaches will also utilize breakouts rooms through their Zoom classes to split the class in half for a bit and allow for a more intimate vibe similar to what people would experience in-studio.

Each month, Sweat From Home partners with different organizations to give back. Their goal is to make fitness as accessible to as many people as possible, especially since boutique fitness is known for being pricey on a per class basis. During the month, they hold weekly donation-based classes where 100% of the proceeds are given to a nonprofit partner. In addition to collecting donations, Sweat From Home also donates a class for every class purchased, helping an individual or community in need of a great sweat.

"Our mission is to deliver the world’s best live-streaming, interactive, and inclusive workout with coaches that SEE and care about you; and a giveback promise in each class designed to give everyone and anyone the an incredible workout. Every time."

Online fitness is here to stay. Check out Sweat From Home and book your first class today. A drop in class is $10 and a 10-class pack is $90. They also offer an unlimited membership for $149. Learn more at sweatfh.com or check them out on Instagram at @sweat.fh.

The Miami Marlins are hiring Kim Ng as their new general manager, making her Major League Baseball’s first female GM, the team announced Friday.

Ng, 51, has most recently served as MLB’s senior vice president of baseball operations for the past nine years, when she was the highest-ranking Asian American female baseball executive. She has also served as assistant general manager for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, working with teams that made the playoffs eight times and won three World Series titles.

“On behalf of Principal Owner Bruce Sherman and our entire ownership group, we look forward to Kim bringing a wealth of knowledge and championship-level experience to the Miami Marlins,” Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement. “Her leadership of our baseball operations team will play a major role on our path toward sustained success. Additionally, her extensive work in expanding youth baseball and softball initiatives will enhance our efforts to grow the game among our local youth as we continue to make a positive impact on the South Florida community.”

New Marlins general manager Kim Ng will be the highest-ranking woman in baseball operations among the league’s 30 teams. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/USA TODAY SportsNg, who broke into baseball as an intern and also spent time in the Chicago White Sox front office, will be the highest-ranking woman in baseball operations among the league’s 30 teams and is believed to be the first female general manager in any of the major North American men’s sports leagues.

“I entered Major League Baseball as an intern and, after decades of determination, it is the honor of my career to lead the Miami Marlins as their next General Manager,” Ng said in a statement. “We are building for the long term in South Florida, developing a forward-thinking, collaborative, creative baseball operation made up of incredibly talented and dedicated staff who have, over the last few years, laid a great foundation for success.”

“This challenge is one I don’t take lightly. When I got into this business, it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a Major League team, but I am dogged in the pursuit of my goals. My goal is now to bring Championship baseball to Miami. I am both humbled and eager to continue building the winning culture our fans expect and deserve.”

Ng will be the fifth person to lead the Marlins’ baseball operations. She succeeds Michael Hill, who was not retained after the 2020 season.

“All of us at Major League Baseball are thrilled for Kim and the opportunity she has earned with the Marlins,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Kim’s appointment makes history in all of professional sports and sets a significant example for the millions of women and girls who love baseball and softball. The hard work, leadership, and record of achievement throughout her long career in the National Pastime led to this outcome, and we wish Kim all the best as she begins her career with the Marlins.”

A Zoom introduction for Ng has been scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Monday.

Jeter became baseball’s first Black CEO after his group bought the Marlins in 2017. He then hired Caroline O’Connor, who as senior vice president is one of the highest-ranking women in professional sports.

The Marlins achieved surprising progress in Year 3 of Jeter’s rebuilding effort, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card round. They were swept by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series.

The Marlins have never made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and they did so in 2020 with the worst run differential (-41) of any team in the postseason. Ng inherits a roster that has the lowest current payroll for the 2021 season at $46.5 million and only one player, shortstop Miguel Rojas with a $5.5 million club option, under contract for the 2022 season.

Ng started her baseball career with the White Sox and rose to become assistant director of baseball operations. She worked for the American League for one year and then joined the Yankees, becoming the youngest assistant general manager in MLB at 29 and only the second woman to attain that position with a major league club. She was the Dodgers’ vice president and assistant general manager.

With MLB, Ng directed international baseball operations, working with the front offices of the major league clubs and many other baseball leagues and entities around the world. She led a team that set policy for and enforced international signing rules, established MLB’s first system for registering international players for signing, managed protocols for signing international players and negotiated agreements with international winter leagues.

Ng graduated from the University of Chicago, where she played softball and earned a degree in public policy.

This story was originally published on ESPN.com.

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Club Pilates Brickell is hosting two donation-based classes this week to benefit Miami Waterkeeper. The studio is celebrating four years by giving back to the Brickell community.

Club Pilates Brickell partnered with Miami Waterkeeper to raise funds toward keeping South Florida water clean and safe for this community. Miami Waterkeeper works to ensure swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all South Florida through community outreach, education, science & research, legal advocacy.

There will be two donation-based classes. A donation of $25 is suggested, however, any amount is appreciated. Click below to register and sign up for classes.‍

Thursday, November 12 at 4:30 pm ‍

Saturday, November 14th at 2:30 pm ‍

Contact Club Pilates Brickell for more information about either of these two classes at brickell@clubpilates.com.