Get Fit In NYC!
Published: June 15th, 2016NYC is once again bringing fitness to the parks to help you get in shape without having to trek to the gym. This summer, enjoy the beautiful weather with an outdoor workout and meet new friends who share your love for making workouts fun. Whether you prefer yoga, dance or cardio, there’s a class for everyone so just pick your park, grab your gear and get in shape with your fellow NYC fitness fans! Classes are free and open to the public, and all fitness levels are welcome. Here are a few of our favorite classes being held at NYC’s parks this year:
Central Park Circuit (Central Park)
Tired of your standard gym routine? Kick it up a notch with Central Park Circuit, where you’ll climb, jump and tone your way into shape using the natural features of the park as your makeshift gym. You’ll view the park in a whole new way after top fitness instructors teach you how to transform the surrounding rocks, trails, stairs, hills and lawns into your own obstacle course. Classes are free but pre-registration is recommended.
Dates/Times: 6:30pm-7:30pm on Thursday, June 16, then Tuesdays/Thursdays from July 5-August 11
Location: North Meadow Recreation Center
Health and Race Walking (Central Park)
Join the New York Walkers Club and get your heart rate pumping on a brisk walk through Central Park during. All ability levels are welcome to come kick off the weekend with some light cardio and beautiful scenery along the way. This program is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is recommended.
Date/Time: Saturdays from 9:30am-11am
Location: North Meadow Recreation Center
Bryant Park FitClub: Pilates with Pilates on Fifth
Join the owners of Pilates on Fifth, Kimberly and Katherine Corp, for an hour-long class geared towards all age and skill levels so that everyone can see results. This class will help transform your body from the inside out by helping to improve your posture and sculpt lean muscle through core strengthening exercises. Some mats are provided but the instructors encourage you to bring your own.
Date/Time: 7:30am-8:30am on Mondays through September 22
Location: Fountain Terrace
Boot Camp in Bryant Park
Get an early start to your day with boot camp! Instructors from The Rise NYC lead a friendly, non-intimidating boot camp workout, which changes from week to week and ranges from circuit training to the popular “deck of cards” drill. In the”deck of cards” drill, each card’s suit and number corresponds to an exercise – i.e. push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, etc – so you leave your workout up to luck and let the deck guide you through a routine! These sessions are not your typical boot camp class – the instructors skip the intimidation and encourage you to achieve great results with friendly high-fives and positive reinforcement.
Date/Time: Wednesdays from 6:30am-7am
Location: Fountain Terrace
Summer In The Square (Union Square)
Thursday is fitness day in Union Square – start or end your day with one of the many classes offered throughout the summer! Morning classes are led by instructors at NY Health and Racquet Club and include yoga, cardio and dance class options. During the evenings, CRUNCH instructors lead classes ranging from specialized cardio and strengthening to yoga and dance classes. Check out the full schedule here to create your summer workout plan.
Dates/Times and Locations:
Thursdays at 7am, 8am and 9am on the South Plaza
Thursdays at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm on the North Plaza
Washington Square Park Yoga
Bring a mat and make your way to Washington Square Park for a morning yoga session. Instructors from Yoga Vida guide you through the fundamental postures and movements of yoga to help you build a solid foundation and start your day off energized. As with the other classes we’ve mentioned, these yoga sessions are free and open to the public, and no sign-up is required.
Date/Time: 8:30am-9:30am on Thursdays through September 8
Location: Garibaldi Plaza (East of the main fountain plaza in Washington Square Park)
Our concierges at the Hotel Elysee, Casablanca Hotel, Library Hotel, and Hotel Giraffe would love to help you plan your visit in NYC. Stop by the Front Desk for more ideas of things to do around NYC during your stay!