Well hello summer, how we’ve missed you. For most of you, summertime in New York offers multitudes of fun and relaxing activities. However, on the days that you don’t want it to be so relaxing and lazy, and you want to get up and do something active with your summer days, New York is offering a variety of outdoor fitness classes that fit every New Yorker’s preferences.
While fitness gyms are all fine and dandy for the winter months, I am guessing that, when the weather permits, most of you would rather be outside soaking up the warm weather. So, get up out of bed on those lazy weekends and choose not to make them so lazy and attend one of these outdoor fitness classes that New York has to offer. Downtown has the insight on all of the hard-core fitness classes in NYC where you can get your fitness on while also getting your summer tan.
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1.) Beastanetics: In northern Brooklyn, New Yorkers can get their kick-butt workout on in McCarren Park. This twice-a-week class taught by instructor Tim Haft combines calisthenics, plyometrics, running, and other drills into a high-energy hour-long workout that is beneficial for increasing speed, agility, strength, etc. Drop-ins are welcome at this class although there is a sign-up for an eight-week session. Beastanetics will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:45-7:45am. Single classes are $15, the eight-week session which includes 16 sessions is $160. Advance registration is recommended and runs through November 12th.
2.) BodieSynergy: New Yorkers can meet at Prospect Park West and 15th St for some “organic fitness.” BodieSynergy, founder and New Zealand native, Joanna Paterson promotes organic fitness by guiding clients through Prospect Park’s geographical features— grassy hills, stone steps and picnic tables that visitors love to lazily enjoy—to add resistance to simple body-weight movements and make use of fresh oxygen while jogging. No two workouts are the same as every session utilizes a new space, and Paterson urges clients to leave the park exactly as they found it. In addition to its signature boot camp, BodieSynergy also offers stroller-friendly workouts for parents, plus kettlebell training for extra strength conditioning. Single classes are $20 and various times are available. Check out BodieSynergy’s website for more information.
3.) Brick New York: Located at 257 W 17th St. For those of you who are on a budget, Brick New York offers free classes for New Yorkers. Get into CrossFit and combine fast-paced cardio with weight training. These hour-long workouts will be announced a few days ahead on social media. Patrons can meet at the specific site or the studio before jogging over as a group, although past destinations have included Bethesda Fountain, Pier 26 and Randall’s Island where the instructors have lead all-levels of workouts that incorporate CrossFit and B/X moves with modifications for anyone. Again, these classes are free and do not require any advance registration. All you need to do is show up. Check out Brick New York’s website for various times and locations or call 646-692-4005.
4.) Circuit of Change: This Chelsea wellness studio located at Pier 46, West St. at Charles St. offers the chance to experience its popular Mind Body Bootcamp while surrounded by nature in the waterside expanse. These outdoor workouts require sneakers and are broken into intervals that combine cardio, yoga, boxing and martial-arts moves—with hydration breaks. Bring your own mat and water, and be sure to register in advance as the boot camps cannot accommodate drop-ins. For more information visit circuitofchange.com or call 212-255-0053. The classes will be available Mondays-Wednesdays at 6:45pm. Single classes are $29 and classes will last until October.
5.) NYC Endurance: For all of you marathon junkies, these classes located at the Olmsted Flower Bed at Central Park are based on stamina and endurance. Run by a trio of lifelong athletes, this program is built on a foundation of running and CrossFit methods. You’ll be treated to 60 minutes of challenging intervals, plus targeted exercises to improve performance—everything is done at your own pace, so newbies and seasoned marathoners alike are promised a pavement-pounding good time. For more information visit nycendurance.com. Classes are Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Single classes are $20 and advance registration is recommended.
6.) The Rise: If you’re morning person and are looking for a free class to attend, then you and The Rise are a perfect fit. These crack-of-dawn workouts meet every weekday in various locations: Monday HIIT in Washington Square Park; Tuesday “Brooklyn Body Circuit” at Grand Army Plaza; Wednesday core workout in Bryant Park; Thursday “Kings of Queens” boot camp in MacDonald Park in Forest Hills; and Friday hill running on the Williamsburg Bridge. You’ll get your heart pumping before the sun even comes up and who knows you might transform into a morning person through the process. For more information visit therisenyc.com. Again, classes are Mondays-Fridays at 6:30am and all classes are free.
7.) Train P3: These group session meet Saturdays in Central Park featuring dynamic movements using your own body weight, drawing fro diverse disciplines including martial arts. For example, handstands, plank variations, and core balance exercises. Meet at the Central Park Bandshell or Bethesda Fountain. For more information visit Train P3’s website. Classes are on Saturdays 11am-12:15pm. First classes are $25 for a single class. Four class price range is $157. Advance registration is required and classes move indoors in November.
8.) Yo Yoga! For all of you yogis out there, perfect your warrior two pose at Midtown East studio where you can keep your hatha or vinyasa practice in Yo Yoga!’s outdoor sessions on its private roof deck. The slightly uneven surface creates an extra challenge for your planks and chaturungas. And forget about any flimsy weather excuse; in the event of inclement weather, classes will move indoors. Classes are located at 344 E 59th St, third floor. For more information visit Yo Yoga!’s website or call 646-490-7790. Single classes are $20.
9.) Yoga at Brooklyn Grange: Work on your sun salutations while taking in the actual sunset at the rooftop farm’s Monday evening yoga series. Bring your own mat and head up to the open-air patio, where Sarah Schumann, owner of Shambhala Yoga & Dance in Prospect Heights, leads you through a 60-minute all-levels asana practice. Through meditation and movement, you’ll work out the day’s stress as the sun drops behind the Manhattan skyline. Want to go even deeper with your practice? You’ll have three chances during the season (July 15, August 19 and September 23) to attend special sound-meditation classes, each dedicated to a different chakra. Classes are located at Brooklyn Grange in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 63 Flushing Ave, Building 3. For more information visit Brooklyn Grange Farm’s website. Mondays at 6:30pm; single class $16, six classes $75. Advance registration is required and photo ID required for entry. Classes last from June 1–Sept 28.
-by Albany Reed
