By Elizabeth Smislova
At the two-month mark of the school year, new semester resolutions to head to the gym and to explore New York City start to fade away as fast as the leaves from campus trees. So, why not kill two birds with one stone? The city offers countless unexpected ways to get active that keep exercising and exploring exciting. Be sure to check them out before the temperature drops and exercise begins to consist of reaching for another hot cocoa mix.
1. Steep Rock Bouldering
Rock climbing is an unparalleled way to relieve leftover midterm stress. On the Upper East Side, oyu can go bouldering, which means there are no harnesses or ropes. It is an adrenaline rush that guarantees you will forget all about whatever embarrassing thing happened last weekend. Plus, it offers a student discount, so entrance is only $23.
Located at 1506 Lexington Ave.
2. Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
You have probably seen these huge piers on the Hudson River, as they take up 28 acres next to the Chelsea neighborhood. They offer virtually every sport and feature drop-in classes for many different activities, such as gymnastics, hockey, golf, bowling, basketball and more. There are also a spa and restaurants to relax in, after an endorphin-filled workout.
Located at 23rd Street & Hudson River Park, 62 Chelsea Piers
3. Self-Guided Walking Tours
Take yourself on a free tour to avoid the embarrassment of following a flag on a stick with a group of annoying tourists. You will get a great walk in and explore new parts of the city or even parts you thought you knew about. There are apps that make this easy, so there is no excuse not to go. Check out the “New York Map and Walks” app on iTunes or Google Play.
4. Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges Running Route
Everyone knows that the path along the Hudson River is a scenic and easy place to run, but in a city as large as New York, your running route should be varied, too. Mix it up by running across the Brooklyn Bridge, around the beautiful DUMBO area and then across the Manhattan Bridge back to the island. This is about a six mile run, and has many obstacles to make working out interesting! Bonus: gorgeous sunset views if you go later in the day.
5. Yoga to The People
Not all hot yoga classes are created equal. This one has six locations throughout the city, but the easiest to get to is in Bryant Park on 38th Street (just take the Metro North). The studio tries to make yoga accessible to everyone, so classes cost only seven dollars and are usually an hour long. It is okay, everyone else is just waiting for Savasana too.
Located at 1017 6th Ave. on the corner of 38th Street, Third Floor
6. The High Line
Many New Yorkers tend to dismiss the High Line as a tourist attraction, but it has a lot to offer. Walking the entire High Line is the same as walking about 24 blocks but is more interesting due to the constantly rotating of art and events. There are even coffee stands along the route, but order skim milk so you do not discount all your hard walking efforts.
Goes from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues
7. Jazzercise
Jazzercise is basically a dance party with workout gear and major calorie burning. Different classes target different areas of the body, and also help to switch up your routine. The drop-in class costs less than Soul Cycle, and there are membership programs and a special deal in October. Plus, you can make your friends jealous when you show off all your new moves at Mugz’s.
Jazzercise Flatiron Located at 22 West 19th Street, Basement
