You may think of Manhattan as a concrete jungle, but it’s actually home to some great fitness opportunities. Whether you’re new to the city or on vacation with time on your hands, here are seven places that will help you get into shape in Manhattan.
Central Park
Whether you’re looking for a run, a bike ride, or something more intense like rock climbing, Central Park has something for everyone. If you’re new to the city or haven’t been there since you were a kid, head over during the day and check out what’s going on around town (or join an organized group activity).
The West Side Highway Bike Path
The bike path runs north/south along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side, from Fort Tryon Park in the north all the way down to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. It’s a great place to work up a sweat on two wheels. If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent one with either Citibike or the NYC Bike Share program.
Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Park has walking and biking paths for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge. A 31-mile bicycle path circles Manhattan Island as part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. It is one of three in the area and has the shortest and most unobstructed path.
Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club
Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club has a great variety of classes, from yoga and Pilates to circuit training and Barre3. The facilities are also amazing — you can get your hair done while you work out! The only downside is that it’s a little pricey ($35 per class).
Harlem Yoga Studio
Harlem Yoga Studio is a great place to start your fitness routine. It’s a small, intimate studio that offers many different classes, including yoga and pilates. The atmosphere is welcoming, the instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, and the classes are affordable. The studio also hosts special events like movie nights and wine tastings. The studio is located near 125th Street on Lenox Avenue in Harlem.
Blink Fitness
Blink Fitness is a great place to start your fitness routine in Manhattan. The gym is located near Columbia University and the 125th Street subway station, making it convenient for most people to get there. The facility is open 24 hours a day, making it easy to schedule your workout around your busy schedule.
The gym also offers free weights and cardio equipment, so members can work out at their own pace without paying extra fees for these items or using machines that require payment (such as ellipticals). In addition, Blink Fitness offers personal trainers who can help members set goals and achieve them while working out in the gym.
55th Street Tennis Court
This tennis court is located in Central Park and offers free tennis lessons for adults and children. There are also drop-in clinics, lessons, and leagues for all skill levels. If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out the Central Park Running Club. They offer runs every day with varying distances and speeds, so you can find one that suits your needs.
There are plenty of places in Manhattan to find health or fitness-related activities. There are dozens of parks, bike trails, yoga studios, dance classes, and fitness centers to keep you busy during your stay in the city.
I know about these great places and there more in the other boroughs of NY. The only one I have tried is Central Park