Maybe it is because the summers in NYC can be unbearably hot so the city is trying to reward us for putting up with it.
Or maybe it is because from food to fitness, NYC prices are on the high side so they are cutting us some slack.
But whatever the reason, one of the major perks of living in the city during the summer months is the free fitness opportunities. It is the best way to get fit all summer long without paying a dime.
If you live in the area then plan your schedule around these free summer fitness events:
1. Hudson River Park Summer of Fitness
Get fit for free several times a week with the Hudson River Park’s fitness series.
Every Tuesday from June 4th through August 20th Lolë and FITiST will be joining forces with Hudson River Park offering a wide range of classes to 75 fitness nuts from 6:30-7:30 pm. To RSVP and get additional details visit facebook.com/loleshowtiquenyc
On Wednesdays and Thursdays you can join Shape Up NYC for Pilates and Nia—a sensory-based movement practice that mixes martial arts, dance and yoga. Take advantage of this free fitness opportunity here.
2. Free Outdoor Yoga with Exhale
Exhale Spa is hosting a donation-based yoga class once a month on the cobblestone streets of the Gansevoort Plaza. All of the proceeds will go to the Meatpacking District Improvement Association. Class times will range from 7:15 am to 6:45 pm. Pick a time and date that works for you here.
3. Solstice in Times Square
Every summer you can find calm in chaos with a free yoga class taught on the streets of infamous Times Square. Join the fun of Mind Over Madness on June 21st with registration here.
4. Outdoor Rise NYC
June 17th through June 30th you can experience the great outdoors in the big city. The week-long festival will feature over 60 events across the boroughs from yoga to kayaking and paddle boarding. Discover all that the outdoors has to offer here.
5. Kung Fu in Riverside Park
Take a stress-reducing fitness class with Shaolin Five Animal Kung Fu every Saturday from 1 to 3 pm. You will learn traditional and modern approaches to martial arts and have a butt-kicking good time. Visit Shaolin Five Animals for more information.
6. Bryant Park Yoga
Bryant Park is celebrating their 10th anniversary of free yoga on the park. This season, the park teamed up with Athleta and Alignyo with free classes led by YogaWorks instructors. Classes are held June 4th through September 17th at morning and evening time slots. Join the fun here.
7. Head to Central Park
Central Park Conservancy and Equinox have partnered up to play in the park, fitness style. You can do an upbeat strength and cardio class or a yoga-inspired workout several days throughout summer. Learn more about the Central Park Circuit.
8. NamasDAY
The end of summer is celebrated yoga style with Exhale’s day-long yoga event featuring several outdoor classes in the meatpacking district on September 19th. Expect yoga, healthy snacks, giveaways and DJs all in one place. Find out more at Exhale Spa.
For the BSW readers who don’t have access to some of NYC’s best summer fitness events, be sure to do some digging in your area. There are lots of fitness studios who host free classes in hopes of stirring up new business and the summer is a great time to add a new workout to your routine. And if you can’t find any get a group together and make your own workout in the park!
Do you know of any free events in NYC and beyond? Share your ideas below.
