Remembering Fitness and Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day Weekend

by Anna Petruncio Nelson

Women's History Month women history military african american GIF

Memorial Day Weekend is here! This weekend has come to represent the unofficial start to summer, ushering in endless BBQs, parades, and memorial services.

An extra day off means extra time to fit fitness in. There are plenty of free and low cost activities to pay our respects in Philadelphia this year. Start your Saturday morning off with this Free Introductory Bands Boot Camp with Coach Lez.

BBQs are an excellent opportunity to engage in group fitness activities disguised as fun! Gathering with friends and family gives us a chance to play games like tag, frisbee, kickball, soccer, bocce ball, bean bag toss, badminton, volleyball, piggy back races, and horse shoes. Hula hoop, jump rope & double dutch are other fun fitness activities enjoyed in a festive atmosphere.

While BBQs come to mind for many, it is still an important national holiday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The 1st observed Memorial Day dates back to May 30, 1868 to honor Civil War Soldiers who lost their lives in battle. It became a national holiday after World War 1, and in 1971 Memorial Day was established to be officially observed nationally on the last Monday in May every year. Take this one hour Walking Tour: “Honoring the Fallen: Heroism and Sacrifice in Philadelphia During Wartime” starting at Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, across from Independence Hall.

In the spirit of fitting fitness in, we present a 10-stop walking tour of War Memorials in Philadelphia. The entire tour is 6.8 miles, helping you reach a 10,000 steps a day goal. If you are just starting to get back into exercise, start small and pick a few stops. If you like a challenge, take the whole tour. If you are a seasoned exerciser, you can kick it up by making it round trip, or running it!