Allison Sobel, Radnor, Owner, Focus Fitness
With three fitness studios and three kids, how does Allison Sobel maintain her sanity—let alone her figure? With yoga, Pilates, spinning and barre work, of course. All are offered at her Focus Fitness locations in Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Center City.
Favorite town on the Main Line: Bryn Mawr, but my children’s answer would be Wayne. They went through Radnor Middle School and, on Fridays, everyone goes there to frequent the shops.
Best-kept secret: Aroma Nails & Spa in Villanova. It’s a great manicure, and the owner, Susan Choi, does a lot of work with local charities.
Must-do outdoor activity: The Haverford College loop. I run or walk.
Coolest special event: The Philly Shakti Chant Festival [2], which has yoga, kirtan, dance and music performances. This year’s event is June 14.
Best thing to do with the kids: We love Jules Thin Crust Pizza [3] in Wayne and Ardmore.
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The last thing she ate that she loved: I’m eating—or drinking—it right now: a smoothie from the juice bar at MOM’s Organic Market in Bryn Mawr. Mine has apple, parsley, cucumber, kale, carrot, ginger and lemon.
Favorite local restaurants: Fuji Mountain in Bryn Mawr and OOKA, which has three locations in our area.
Favorite place to grocery shop: Wegmans. The prepared foods are great—even my kids think so.
Favorite place for exercise clothes: Lululemon. I’m an ambassador for the company and carry their clothes in my studio shop.
If she needs a fancy dress, she’ll shop at: Nordstrom or Ella’s Grove in Bryn Mawr.
Perfect date night: Ekta Indian Cuisine [4] in Bryn Mawr. When our kids have somewhere else to be, my husband and I get takeout and eat in front of our fireplace.
If she had 30 minutes to herself, she would: Meditate. It helps me be a nicer wife, a better mother, and a kinder, more creative person.
Worst traffic headache: The potholes on Montgomery Avenue.
If she didn’t live here, she’d live in: Carlsbad, Calif. The Chopra Center is there; the local yoga is fantastic—as is the weather.
