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How To Lose Weight And Stay Active As An NYC Family

After having worked in the fitness field for 20 years, I have found that finding an activity that is fun and engaging can lead to success when trying to get ourselves active, especially in these winter months when the couch seems so comfortable and the T.V. is calling our name (not to mention that bag of chips on top of the fridge).  By Leslie Thompson.

The Field House at Chelsea Piers

chelseapiers
Chelseapiers.com

Between Piers 61 & 62
23rd St. & Hudson River Park
New York, NY 10011
(212) 336-6500
chelseapiers.pth4.com/fh/index.cfm
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The Chelsea Piers complex is the epicenter of sports and fitness in the city. They have so much to offer and they now have classes designed for parents and children to join together. In their "Veterans and Rookies" class, families learn proper technique and practice playing various sports like basketball, baseball and rock climbing. If you like climbing, you can also try the Parent/child Rock Climbing Classes where you can learn to scale walls with proper technique and have a lot of fun playing games.

YMCA


Multiple NYC Locations
ymcanyc.org
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The YMCA is a great place to get started. Not only do they offer classes for adults and kids, but they also offer several family classes. These include swimming, yoga, basketball and Zumba. The cost is moderate for a family membership, and they offer financial assistance thanks to their Strong Kids Campaign.

Karma Kids Yoga


104 W. 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
(646) 638-1444
karmakidsyoga.com
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Bija Kids
412 Waverly Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
bijakids.com

Yoga is great for toning muscles, improving flexibility and for increasing focus. All of the fun-named positions, like "downward dog", it keeps the kids interested and entertained which is an added plus. Often the family classes teach many tools, poses and games. They can then be practiced at home, so the family can turn off the TV and dive into their dolphin pose. For more on family-friendly yoga programs in and around the city, click here.

Shape Up New York


Multiple Locations in NYC
nycgovparks.org/shapeup

Shape up New York is a great resource funded by the city. It offers free fitness classes in your area. Yes, you read that right - free!) Just enter your zip code to search for nearby classes. There are a wide range of classes the whole family can enjoy together including aerobics, yoga, Pilates and Zumba.

A Nutritious Life


353 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 414-40077
nutritiouslife.com

Along with living an active lifestyle, it is important to live a nutritious one too. To get you and your family on the right track, try meeting with one of the nutritionists at A Nutritious Life, founded by Keri Glassman. They offer many services including meal planning, nutrition education, grocery store tours (to help you navigate healthy choices while shopping) and ideas on how to get the kids involved in the cooking process.

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Lesley Thompson is a blogger for Mom in the City.
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