Ways to stay fit and healthy for free in NYC

Fit NYC Cheapos Guide to NYC Fitness | Free Fitness Classes NYC

Once the bitter winter cold has faded and it comes time to show off that ( not so ) beach body, one can work a sweat by dishing out on a pricey gym membership OR if you rather spend the hard earn cash on your next dream holiday then these free and cheap options will help you maintain your slim physic without sacrificing doing the things you love.

1. NYC Downtown Boathouse Ø Free kayaking has been a long standing tradition here and are offered in three locations, pier 40, pier 96, and West 72nd St. Free Sunday classes are also available for anyone who wish to improve their rowing skills, as well as, a 4 – 5 mile guided trek to enjoy the Hudson River.

2. Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse Ø The wait can be long at times if you are not early, but you will be able to glide along beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Free launch of your kayak is available between pier one and two throughout kayaking season.

3. Long Island City Community Boathouse Ø For twenty minutes at a time you can kayak for free or sign up online for free organized trips for a longer session.

4. Red Hook Boaters Ø An all-volunteer group, offering free kayaking from May through September twice a week on Thursdays after work and Sundays. While you are waiting for your turn to kayak you can help clean up the beach.

5. Kayak Staten Island Ø This is another limited oaring experience that is convenient to access if you are in Staten Island. You are able to kayak in a designated area for 15 minutes at a time.

Ø Swimming is a great way to keep in shape, but most of us do not have access to a pool when a dip is in order. Ø NYC offers a great deal of free outdoor pools to keep you cool, hydrated, and fit all summer long. Ø All of these pools have standard rules and regulations.

Yoga has grown exponentially in the past decade and has become a great way to stay in shape while honing your internal energy and relieving stress. Cost of Yoga classes can add up, but if you are willing to give up the comfort of an air conditioned yoga studio and be out in the open, there are many free yoga classes offered all over NYC. Ø 14th St. Park Yoga Laughing Lotus Yoga Center brings its sweaty, spiritual brand of vinyasa every Saturday at 9am until August 25th. Classes are open for yogis of all ages. Ø Bryant Park Yoga As long as you arrive early to this outdoor yoga class, you do not even need your own yoga mat. Classes are offered twice weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 11am and Thursdays in the evenings from 6pm to 7pm. Ø Hudson River Park Sacred Sounds Yoga at Greenwich Village hosts free vinyasa classes on the new Charles Street pier. Every Wednesday 6:30PM June - August

Ø Target Community Garden Yoga From 10am to 11am May thru September yoga instructors are on hand to help you achieve your yoga goals. Located at 117th St between 1st and Pleasant come out and enjoy yoga in a beautiful garden setting. Ø Tompkins Square Park, East Village The Lower East Side’s Stanton Street Yoga hosts donation-based Bhakti yoga classes on cobblestones, beneath a towering tree at this popular park. Donationbased, June–September, select Sundays 11:30 a.m Ø Union Square Park Summer in the Square is back, and it includes a morning dose of Jivamukti Yoga, the (life) style loved by celebs like Russell Simmons. Stop by the studio’s JivamukTEA cafe after for a smoothie. FREE, June 13–August 15, Thursdays 8:00 am Ø Prospect Park Bend & Bloom teams up with lululemon Brooklyn to bring a summer of free yoga in the park. An open-level outdoor class in Prospect Park every Thursday night from 7-8pm beginning May 28th and ending September 10th.

People have used running as a great way to exercise for years. A run club offers you the ability to run and challenge yourself with a certain amount of accountability, motivation and learn proper techniques. Run clubs are popping up all over NYC and it is a great opportunity to meet people you would otherwise not have come in contact with.

Here are a few free ones you might like to try. Ø Jack Rabbit Stores This is not merely a shoe store. If you are in the market for a long 10 mile run, the UWS store on 140 W. 72nd St. meets on Sundays at 8am. They have an additional run on Wednesday at 6:30 am. Ø Lululemon Stores These stores allow you to keep your belongings in the store while you run. They offer 5 different runs at 5 of their locations. Ø New York Running Company They offer 2 locations to fit into anyone’s schedule. The Columbus Circle location has a wide variety of times they run. You should call the store to check times as they are subject to change.

The internet is full of great information on any subject that may interest you. You can find great source of workout videos on Youtube. People from around the world post workout videos to the site and are completely free to use. Many are not professionals, but it is easy to find credible videos to use as a guide to your fitness routine. Ø Dennis James He is a professional bodybuilder and offers hours of videos for those of you who are looking to bulk up and stand out. Ø 8 Minute Ab Workout This video offers a quick workout for the busy individual. In 8 minutes it shows you how to get the abs you want. Ø Zumba Dance Workout If dancing is the way you like to get fit, but you are slightly embarrassed to dance in front of others, there are countless Zumba videos you can do right in the comfort of your own home and away from prying eyes.

NYC is filled with beautiful parks throughout the city that offer different free workouts.

Fitness instructors are now realizing that to truly inspire fitness in their community requires them to leave their indoor studios and get out where the people are. Ø McCarren Park Saturdays at 10 am Thrive in the Park meets to offer a workout for all. The fitness routine varies every week and consists of push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and sometimes even the use of exercise bands. Ø Central Park Known for being one of biggest attraction of New York, Central Park does not disappoint when it comes to ways in which to stay fit. All classes fill up fast so it is recommended that you show up early. Ø Fitness Equipment in the Park In addition to cardio, you can strength and tone at these fitness equipment installations in the parks through out New York City.

Bryant Park at Rockefeller center offers free ice skating for all age groups. You do have to provide your own skates or rent one (not free), but this is another great way to have fun and stay conditioned at the same

A gym membership can be almost as much as a cable or phone bill. There are, however a great deal of gym options popping up in the recent year(s) that cost very little and still include all the bels and whistles as the large expensive gyms. Ø Blink Fitness NYC This gym offers 35 locations and a base membership costs anywhere from $15 to $25 per month. There may be a joining fee associated but it is insubstantial compare to traditionally established gyms. Offering the most fundamental fitness needs including weight machines, cardio equipment, and plenty of space to workout in. Ø Planet Fitness Starting at $10 per month this gym is by far the best value. That is the beginning rate, but for just $10 more per month you will receive a great deal more amenities including tanning booths and massage chairs.

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Fit NYC Fitness should be a part of everyone’s lives no matter what their financial status is.

No need to dish out for high price to stay healthy when so many options are available throughout NYC to keep your health goal.