We know working out isn’t the most exciting activity for most people. No need to dread your workout anymore, as New York City has so much more to offer than just your standard gyms, weight-training, and jog in the park. Get ready to get fit, and have tons of fun while doing it, with these unique and crazy ways to exercise in NYC.
Verboten Yoga
PC: edmnyc
Not about the zen in your yoga sessions? Maybe you’re not in the right yoga studio for you. Verboten has your typical yoga classes, but with a twist. Stocked with a high-tech sound system, fun video projections, flashing colored lights, and even a disco ball, this class is sure to be unlike any you’ve attended before.
Studio in the Sky
PC: TimeOut
Go get your flip on at the 92nd Street Y’s rooftop gymnastics facility. The center offers three different classes aimed at adults.
For newbies, there’s cardio tumbling, teaching the basics on trampolines, spring floors and tumbling into the foam pit, gymnastics conditioning bootcamp with circuit-style training and rope climbs, or an all-around gymnastics workout if you want to up the ante and test your skills on the floor, balance beam, uneven bars, and vault. Trust us, sticking the landing is a harder workout than you think.
Trapeze School
PC: Godaddy
If your childhood dream was to be in Cirque de Soleil, check out a trapeze class and swing to circus stardom. Beginner classes start out with basic moves on the ground before you take to the sky. As fun as it is, you’d be surprised at how sore your shoulders and core will be the next day.
The Cobra Club
PC: Brownstoner
The Cobra Club mixes two of our favorite things, yoga and drinks, for the ultimate workout experience. Classes take place in a special studio, then after you’ve loosened up your limbs, you can loosen up even more with a refreshing beer or cocktail. But hey, it’s all about balance, right?
Shake Shack Track & Field
PC: Shake Shack
If you’re looking to mix your fitness plan with your guilty pleasures even more, then you have to try Shake Shack’s free workout club!
Participants meet at the joint’s Battery Park location, for a three to five mile run on the second Tuesday of every month.
Alternatively, on the third Saturday of every month you can meet in front of the original Shake Shack at Madison Square Park for a free yoga session. To cap it off, each workout ends with some food along with a complimentary drink. What’s better motivation than a juicy burger and fries at the end?
Swerve Fitness
PC: Swerve Fitness
Are you the friend that makes everything into a competition? If so, this is the cycling class for you.
Each class is divided into teams that race during set intervals. There’s a scoreboard and everything included, displaying each team’s rank and progress as they ride.
After you’ve pedaled to your gold medal, stop by the smoothie lounge to gear up for your next class.
Virtual Surfing
PC: racked.com
Hang lose while tightening some of those muscles. Get all the benefits of surfing without the daunting paddle out into the waves.
During the class, surfboards are balanced on three different exercise boards to mimic the real-life motion of the ocean. You’ll improve your balance and tone muscles without the sand, salt, and killer sunburn.
Barre Class
PC: Racked NY
Not sure about you, but we know we get some ballerina body envy every time we visit the New York City Ballet. Now, we’re in luck.
These ballet-inspired workouts will have your legs burning, and heads turning, from all the yoga, pilates, and weight training incorporated in these tough classes.
The Hoop Movement
PC: Boulder Daily Camera
If you haven’t picked up a hula hoop since your days on the playground, now’s the perfect time to re-incorporate it into your fitness routine.
These classes use weighted hula hoops to tone your thighs, arms, abs, and of course glutes while you twirl your hips to your favorite pop songs. You wouldn’t believe the levels of difficulty and fitness the instructors can work into a single plastic hoop. Happy hooping!
305 Fitness
PC: The Business Journals
Have you ever woken up sore after dancing the night away? 305 Fitness takes this concept to a whole new level. With easy-to-follow dance routines, and a real life DJ, why wouldn’t you want to break it down while breaking a sweat too?
If traditional workouts have run their course for you, the great thing is you don’t have to pick just one of these. Give them all a try and let us know what you think! See you at trapeze school!
