HEAD START
Everyone knows about the virtues of shared work spaces, but it’s no longer relegated to the freelance desk job set. Image Studios 360 (imagestudios360.com), a leader in the salon and spa studio space, is opening six new Philly-area locations—including Bryn Mawr, Berwyn and West Chester—in early 2020. Each outpost will house roughly 25 mini “studios,” where hair stylists, estheticians and other beauty wizards can work their magic. The biggest name to jump on board thus far is Main Line hair legend Raya Yukhimov of Raya Coiffure, who’ll be moving her award-winning salon to the Bryn Mawr location. But to Image Studios 360 owner Robert Keyes and managing partner Sue Jacquette, it’s not justabout creating an environment where creatives can do their work, but also providing startup funding, business mentorship and professional development. “I’m so excited to bring this incredible concept—part salon and spa, part business incubator, and part co-working space—to market,” says Jacquette.
FIGHTING CHANCE
Starting that new workout routine come January isn’t so hard to do, but keeping it going is a common challenge. Life Time Athletic (lifetime.life) gives health-seekers a fighting chance with Ringside, a new class at its swanky Suburban Square outpost as well as at the three other locations. A boxing-inspired workout sans the bags, it’s designed to bring a gritty, athletic, nontraditional feel to thestudio. The main body of the workout combines three “rounds”of shadowboxing and three main sets, and culminates with one last round of shadowboxing focusing on reaction time and cognitive training, followed by a final knockout round for total body conditioning. You’ll be a real-life Rocky in no time.
A WALK IN THE PARK
Valley Forge National Historical Park (valleyforge.org) is known as the go-to place for weekend warriors to get their sweat on during the warmer months, but it’s a little known secret that, every week, the park holds Trail Tuesdays, where people of all fitness levels converge together (dogs and strollers allowed too) and walk through the gorgeous expanse of land that is Valley Forge. The last walk of every month is on the Grand Parade Trail and is a must-attend for anyone who wants some history with their fitness.
