Plus, why mailboxes are taped.
 
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83º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. | Sunset 8:01 p.m.
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💪🏼 Let’s get physical

Break a sweat to classic workout tapes
Two people working out to a video playing on a projector.
The VisArt Fitness Potluck allows participants to workout to classic VHS tapes. | Photo via VisArt Video & Cafe
Nestled in an east Charlotte shopping center is a nonprofit video rental store with the largest video collection on the East Coast (a full story on the nonprofit coming soon.) VisArt Video & Cafe provides more than video rentals, it hosts weekly workouts to classic VHS tapes.

Think: Olivia Newton-John, Jane Fonda, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Richard Simmons.

Some of these celebrities with classic tapes have since moved on from VHS tapes to TikTok. Yet, the 1980s workouts are going strong thanks to the video sharing platform, putting VisArt ahead of the curve.

“It’s never not fun because there’s something to laugh at,” explained Abrianna Lynch, the instructor for VHS PotLuck Fitness. “You’re always moving and it’s just a good way to end your week.”

How does it work? Every Saturday at 10 a.m., the class selects a collection of fitness tapes + sweats (and laughs) in the establishment’s on-site black box theater. Lynch enjoys dressing up, donning leg warmers and a unitard, and encourages participants to do the same.

A person wearing a teal "VisArt Video" tank top holding VHS tapes in a black box studio.

Instructor Abrianna enjoys dressing for the workout classes every Saturday and encourages participants to do the same.

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Photo via VisArt Video & Cafe

“I don’t do the moves perfectly. It’s genuinely about having fun,” added Lynch.

The class setting is unique — VisArt Video thrives on community support through donations and video rentals. But it’s that community aspect that keeps customers returning.

“It’s a lighthearted class, a way for people that maybe aren’t fitness experts to get into it or that are looking for something a little different,” said Lynch.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable clothing + bring water and a yoga mat. If you don’t have a mat, one can be provided for you.
Asked

What’s the best accessory for 80s-themed workouts?
A. Neon anything
B. Leggings
C. Leg warmers
D. Cycle shorts
Feel the burn
 
Events
Friday, Aug. 23
  • Laughter for a Cause | Friday, Aug. 23 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Independent Picture House | $20 | Laugh during this improv show benefiting Circle de Luz, a group empowering young Latinas through mentorship and scholarship opportunities.
  • River Jam: The Greenliners | Friday, Aug. 23 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | $12 | Soak up the evening breeze while jamming to live music by the rapids.
Saturday, Aug 24
  • Rise and Ride | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 9-11 a.m. | Harris Teeter | $4.50 | Join Sustain Charlotte + City Council members to learn how to navigate the bus system.
  • WDAV Record Sale | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Book Buyers | Cost of purchase | Flip through thousands of vinyls and CDs in this one-day-only sale.
  • Piedmont School of Music & Dance Open House | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Piedmont School of Music & Dance | Free | Groove through trial classes for students of all ages + refreshments provided.
  • Shop the Yard! | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12-6 p.m. | Victoria Yards | Free | Shop local vendors + savor fresh pastries and egg rolls at this new pop-up market.
Sunday, Aug. 25
  • Party in the Park | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 1-5 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph | Cost of purchase | Enjoy the sunshine surrounded by art, food trucks, and live music.
  • Carolina Ascent FC vs. Lexington SC | Sunday, Aug. 25 | 2:30 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $22+ | Watch Charlotte’s only women’s professional sports team take on Lexington (hey, LEXtoday) in the team’s second home game.
Monday, Aug. 26
  • Ohm at the Garden: Free Yoga Series | Monday, Aug. 26 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Charlotte Beer Garden | Cost of purchase | Find zen after your Monday workday + the chance to win prizes and a trip to Mexico.
  • Green Day - The Saviors Tour | Monday, Aug. 26 | 6:45 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $49+ | You’ll have the “time of your life” as this iconic rock band jams in the Queen City.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Civic
  • The City of Rock Hill is considering eliminating unnecessary parking spots. The decision comes as more businesses move to the downtown area. City leaders will vote on a proposal Monday, Aug. 26. (WCNC)
Community
  • Crosland Southeast was chosen to develop the Destination District Central property near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The 40-acre property will be at Wilkinson Boulevard and N. Josh Birmingham Parkway. A site plan has not been finalized. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Development
  • Speaking of the airport... Construction on luxury apartments near CLT will begin next month. West CLT, the $70 million project will feature 280 units with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom options. Construction is expected to take two years. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Answered
  • Have you seen this? Several large mailboxes in Matthews were covered in tape. Residents wanted to know why so WCNC’s Verify team looked into it. (WCNC)
Coming Soon
  • Peruvian cuisine is coming to South End. La Lima will open at 131 E. Park Ave. this fall. The restaurant will serve sandwiches with Andean, Spanish, Italian, and African flavors. An exact open date is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Health
  • Doctors at Atrium Health are using robots to help treat lung cancer. The Ion Robot is already credited with performing a biopsy on a patient’s lung. (WSOC)
Festival
  • Mark your calendar. Art Walk on Union returns to downtown Concord on Saturday, Sept. 7. Vendors will be selling goods along Barbrick Avenue SW + live music, and food. The annual event begins at 11 a.m.
Feel Good
  • Thanks to Concord Mills and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas, Cabarrus County, 40 children are able to head back to school with all the essentials. The nonprofits and mall partnered to provide gift cards for a shopping spree for the kids.
Sports
  • If the Panthers starters don’t play in the preseason final, how will the team come together in the season opener? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
  • If lifestyle changes aren’t making the meaningful difference you hoped for, bariatric surgery can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Speak to a Novant Health weight loss specialist and see how this effective + sustainable treatment can be life changing to your health and everyday activities.*
Shop
  • These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Finance
  • Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*
 
Shop

🛍️ Support local vendors

New pop-up market coming to Charlotte
A person looking at a table of homemade wares and mini plant vases.
Pop Up Gallery USA began in Argentina in 2017 before expanding to the US. | Photo via Pop-Up Gallery USA
Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, now Charlotte. Pop Up Gallery USA brings its international brand to the Queen City on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The company originated in 2017 in Argentina before expanding in the US + Europe, Australia, and Switzerland.

“Back in 2017, it wasn’t very common to find that kind of event,” said Sofia, an organizer with Pop Up Gallery USA. “What really inspired us to begin was the idea of an event that brought together local brands and creators, while providing a safe space for pets.”

The 20+ vendors featured in the market are local + applications are still available.

Editor’s note: Interested vendors must message Pop Up Gallery to apply.

“Whether it is tarot readings, artisan handmade products, or vintage goodies, Pop Up Gallery is the right place to find it,” said Sofia. “This will be our first time in Charlotte. We expect to have an amazing market day that will be enjoyable for everyone.”

Mark your calendar. The market is Saturday, Aug. 31, at Legion Brewing.
The Buy

The Buy 8.23.24 (Affiliate)
REI’s Labor Day sale is here. It runs until Monday, Sept. 2 + includes deals like:

⛺ $60 off the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent

☀️ 25% off the ENO SingleNest hammock

🥾 20% off the Danner Mountain 600 insulated hiking boots
More REI deals worth The Buy
Answered

Yesterday, we asked “How far would you be willing to run in a race?”
A runner sprints up a forested hill.

Runners in the Sweaty Backyard Ultra Cox raced the clock to complete a 4.167-mile loop in the woods of Concord each hour until only one runner remained.

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Photo by CLTtoday

It’s always rewarding to see new events take off, like the Sweaty Backyard Ultra Cox in Concord. We wanted to know if you’d rather lace up your shoes or cheer on your fast friends.

53% — Running just isn’t my thing
24% — 5K — 3.1 miles
18% — 10K — 6.2 miles
6% — Marathon — 26.2 miles
6AM City In-house
 
The Wrap
 
Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado

Today’s edition by:
Maria
From the editor
This week, I had lunch at The People’s Market in Elizabeth for the first time. The food was delicious, the pastries were mouthwatering, and the Coconut Dream iced latte definitely hit the spot. Highly recommend checking it out — keep an eye on our Instagram.
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