NYC's 5 Best New Fitness Classes For Fall 2013
If this summer's backyard cookouts and rooftop happy hours had you packing on the pounds, there's time to get back into a workout routine this fall before the holiday rush of parties and indulgent dinners sneak up on us. Add variety to your sweat sessions with these new New York City boutique fitness classes for your best bet to get into shape this season. By Sarah Shaker.
After making a name for itself in the European fitness scene, this results-driven cardio workout is available in the US for the first time, exclusively at Superstar Gym in Tribeca. The Fitwalker is a self-powered treadmill designed with group exercise in mind. Led by an expert instructor and set to a motivating soundtrack, you'll follow along with fun moves to increase balance, coordination and stamina. Both intense cardio and strength training intervals mix up the class, so you're never bored!
Grow up dreaming of becoming a Rockette or just love dancing in your PJs alone in your apartment? This dance party workout is for you! Powered by awesome music and inspirational coaching, Dance Motivation Fitness (DMF) will drive you through 50 minutes of heart pumping cardio and strength exercises leaving you empowered, strong and happy. Created and led by Lindi Duesenberg, a fitness instructor and professional dancer, DMF is fun for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, focusing on easy to follow dance sequences providing modifications for those with limitations and challenges for those that want to take it to the next level.
Parkour is a great outdoor workout for those who want to build both strength and self-confidence. You'll be encouraged to interact with others and your environment as you overcome physical obstacles both efficiently and creatively. This playful class encourages curiosity and experimentation as you run, jump, climb, crawl, balance and vault around New York City parks and playgrounds.
Fit Minute: Surfset Workout at Chelsea Piers
After setting up shop at Crunch Gym earlier this year, SURFSET Fitness is the perfect way to continue one of your favorite summer water sports indoors this fall at multiple NYC locations. The surfing-inspired workout, which includes paddling and popping up on a destabilizing platform simulating ocean waves, is a great routine for your whole body. The mix of strength training and cardio leads to lean muscle without bulking up as you get stronger.
With the CrossFit craze sweeping the country, one of the city's newest locations is Crossfit East River. This 2,500-square-foot CrossFit "box" in the East Village is fully equipped for CrossFit "and nothing else." You won't find treadmills or other cardio machines in this gym with their proud motto, "We are the machines." Runs and circuits along the East River and throughout the neighborhood are also added into the always changing routine for both indoor and outdoor sessions.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
