Everyone loves to workout right before summer to try to get that perfect "summer body," but let's be honest, do we ever actually get where we want to be before summer starts? I know I don't, so this article gives you 10 different ideas of ways to stay active and workout in the city, while taking in all the beauty of the outdoors that this summer in has to offer! Some of these are free and are actual classes you can attend, and others are things you can do on your own without having a specific time you need to show up!
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1. Morning/Evening Yoga
There are so many different classes that are available in the mornings during the week, and also in the evenings and on the weekends that are completely free to go to! All you need is your own yoga mat and a good mindset, and you've got it under control! Make sure to look up the times first. Both Bryant Park and Central Park offer different types of yoga.
2. Hot Yoga
If getting up early isn't your thing, and maybe you work during the evening, then hot yoga may be what you find yourself getting into. There's a lot of research that says yoga done in a room with higher temperatures helps the body to detox and get a better workout, so with that being said, using the nature, sunshine, and heat is definitely an organic and free way of getting in your own personal hot yoga session!
3. Core Body Boot Camp Workout
If you are looking for something a little more intense, a group called The Rise holds free workout sessions all around the season that work different parts of your body. On Wednesday mornings, they hold a core body boot camp workout at Bryant Park. Just a disclosure, drink your coffee first, because it's at 6:30 AM! Even still, it's an amazing workout, and you won't regret starting off your day with these workout instructors! If the whole core body thing isn't what you're looking for, head over to therisenyc.com to see the other classes they offer.
4. Beach Jogging
5. Running at Chelsea Piers
6. Biking Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Running not your thing? Grab your bike or rent one from Citi Bike. They are everywhere! It's a great workout, and it will be pretty quick, so if you live around there, it's a great way to get outside but not go to too far from home. On top of it all, you'll get quite the view! Just make sure that if you want to take a selfie or a pano, you get off your bike and move to the side. Never forget, safety first folks.
7. Tai Chi
If you're looking to try new things or have already done Tai Chi before, there are free classes held at Bryant Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings from 7:30-8:30.
8. Swimming
There are so many different ways to go swimming. If you don't have the hook-up with a friend who happens to have a pool on their rooftop, then you can always look up some of the community pools that the city has to offer in the burrows. Most of them are not in Manhattan, but if you are wanting to swim in actual lanes, Chelsea Piers may be your best bet. This activity won't be free, unless you go the public pools. Chelsea Piers requires you to have a membership, and some of the other pools in the city may also require some form of payment! It's worth it, though, if you grab up some friends and make a day out of it. After all, everyone can use a cool down in the pool with this kind of summer heat!
9. Hiking/Trail Running
If you want to get away from the city for a little while, head out to Long Island or go to Upstate New York, and you'll found yourself with so much nature, you won't know what to do. You can easily find places to go hiking or running on trails, and it's completely free, so you can go as much as you want. Just pack your lunch and bring friends!
10. Golfing
Last but certainly not least, golfing is such a fun activity during the summer for people of all ages. If you want to do the full golf experience, you can go to Central Park or to the public golf courses in Queens or Brooklyn. If you want to just hit the range, you can head over to Chelsea Piers, which has a golf range that overlooks the Hudson River and gives an amazing view during the day and at night to make your experience a little more incredible.
Let this summer be the first of many to try new things, and wake early just to do yoga or tai chi with 100+ people you don't know! It'll be an experience you'll never forget and your body will love and appreciate all the energy you're giving it to make it easier to beat the heat in the concrete jungle!
