For New Yorkers, the city itself is an extended living room. This is particularly true during the summer season, when every inch of outdoor space is transformed into a sidewalk café, picnic place or even a workout studio. Outdoor fitness classes are offered throughout Gotham parks in the summer and for many of them, you don’t need to sign up or secure tickets; simply show up with a pair of comfortable shoes or a yoga mat. Here are some of our favorite ways to stay fit while having a little fun this summer:
Summer in the Square, Union Square
Fitness and dance classes are offered throughout the day on Thursdays in the South Plaza of Union Square. If the 7 a.m. morning running club or boot camp class is a little early for your vacation schedule, swing by for the 6 p.m. Zumba or salsa lesson to learn a few Latin-inspired steps. Check the schedule for corresponding live music and dance performances, too. And when you’re done sweating, celebrate your accomplishment over a cup of dairy-free, frozen goodness from Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co. Classes through August 15
Central Park Circuit, Central Park
Free outdoor classes at various spots in Central Park are designed to use the local landscape (such as steps, hills and benches) to inspire fitness. The Play Out class (Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.) focuses on cardio conditioning while the Bliss Out class (Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.) meets to practice yoga-inspired moves. Get to the park early if you want to be a part of the muscle-toning fun as the 20-person classes are only handled on a walk-up basis. Through August 15
Summer of Fitness, Hudson River Park
Set against the backdrop of the Hudson River (class location varies between piers in Hudson River Park), fitness classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday nights are for yoga (bring your own mat; this one requires an RSVP to reserve a free space in the 75-person class). Wednesday nights are for Pilates and Nia (based on martial arts, dance and yoga; bring your own mat for the first-come, first-served course). Thursdays are for sunset salsa, with a free lesson from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and open dancing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Through August 22
Waterfront Workouts, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront workouts take place on the edge of the East River, in full view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline of Lower Manhattan. Different classes are available throughout the week, including Outdoor Strength (focusing on strength training and aerobic intervals) on Mondays at 7 p.m. and Sunset Pilates (bring your own mat) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Through late August
Photos Courtesy of NYC Parks
