A monthly digest from Asphalt Green bringing you resources and news from the world of sports, fitness, and play.

VOL. 17 // SEPTEMBER 2025

PREVIEW 

Here's what we've kept an eye on in the worlds of sports, fitness, and play:

• AGUA Masters swimmer Fleur Sohtz prepares to take on the English Channel in support of free swim for all. [READ]
• Why the hamstring curl and leg extension machines should be your leg day essentials. [READ]
  
• Join Asphalt Green's Big Kick soccer festival for a day of family-friendly, community fun! [WATCH 2024 HIGHLIGHTS]

SPORTS

MONUMENTAL SWIMS, AWARD- WINNING COACHES, AND LESS SCREEN TIME 

AGUA MASTERS SWIMMERS TAKE ON ENGLISH CHANNEL, 20 BRIDGES SWIMS

Across the pond, longtime AGUA Masters swimmer Fleur Sohtz is preparing for the ultimate achievement in open water swimming. After previously swimming Manhattan's 20 Bridges Swim and California's Catalina Channel, Fleur is taking on the English Channel to complete the triple crown this month and raise funds for Asphalt Green's swim scholarships and inclusive programs!

While Fleur trained for her swim, fellow AGUA Masters swimmers Barbara, Jessie, Christina, Lori, Georgie, Coach Stacey, and Colleen, known as the "Ladies of Lane 3.5", also took on the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan in support of our free learn-to-swim programs.

JOHN ALAIMO NAMED TOP 5 COACH IN THE COUNTRY

Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) Coach John Alaimo was recognized as one of the top five coaches in the country by the American Swimming Coaches Association. See his reaction, plus his hopes for the future of AGUA and AGUA Swim Academy. 

CAN'T KEEP KIDS OFF PHONES? GET THEM ON THE FIELD

Studies show that kids and teens ages 8-18 now spend an average of 7.5 hours on screens daily. Here's how sports can help.

FITNESS

LEG DAY ESSENTIALS & PILATES FOR SWIMMERS

THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE LEG EXTENSION AND HAMSTRING CURL MACHINES

If there are any machines to learn for your leg day, it should be these two. See how you can use the leg extension and hamstring curl machines to hit your fitness goals. 

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SWIMMING? TRY PILATES. 

PLAY

BIG KICK & BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS

JOIN US AT BIG KICK

Asphalt Green's annual Big Kick soccer festival is coming up this weekend! Come kick it with thousands of New Yorkers for a day of community fun. 

CROWN HEIGHTS BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO HELP KIDS THRIVE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Last month, Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center welcomed Brooklyn families for its annual Back-To-School event that featured backpack giveaways, active play, music, arts and crafts, and plenty more to get hundreds of  students ready for the school year ahead. 

RECESS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS

Asphalt Green REP Coaches know that staying active can help kids thrive in school. See their tips on how to make this year your child's best school year yet! 

COMING UP

EVENTS & MORE

• SEPTEMBER 1-30 // Join Asphalt Green with an annual contract and enjoy $0 initiation + five free guest passes for the year! Or, join as a no-contract, month-to-month member and pay just $199 $25 initiation. Get started.
• NOW-SEPTEMBER 3 // Use code LDW2025 to get 10% of all personal training packs and buddy training packs at our Upper East Side and Battery Park City campuses, plus Pilates training and small-group Pilates at our Upper East Side campus. 
• NOW-SEPTEMBER 5 // Join us for the last of our free outdoor HIIT this summer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7am and 6pm through September 5.
• SEPTEMBER 6 // Our fall sports and swim programs kick off! Spots are still available for our full-season and Term 1 offerings including youth and adult swim classes, youth basketball, youth tennis, youth martial arts, and so much more. Explore all classes.
• OCTOBER 24 // Mark your calendars for Asphalt Screams, our annual, family friendly soccer festival! Learn more.