10 Free Outdoor Fitness Classes in NYC This Summer
When the weather heats up, it’s time to make NYC your gym. Whether you’re looking for a full workout or just something to unwind, we’ve rounded up 10 free outdoor fitness classes in the city to help you stay in shape. All levels are welcome and registration is not required, unless stated. Check websites to learn more about your favorite class and to know about rain and weather cancels. Choose comfortable clothes, bring water and enjoy!
MANHATTAN
Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park
Every Tuesday evening through September 10, Sweat Sessions hosts a variety of free 45-minute classes, including kickboxing, bootcamp, yoga, pilates and more. Plus, classes are offered at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm, so you can make it from work on time. The park is located on 10th Avenue between 14th and 15th streets.
Bryant Park
The menu of 10 different classes include yoga, pilates, fencing and capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, self-defense, and acrobatics. Some activities require in-advance registration, while others welcome walk-ins. Until August 29.
Riverside Park
Every year, Summer on the Hudson offers a mix of concerts, movies under the stars and wellness activities in the park, from 59th to 153rd street. On Wednesdays, at 6:30 pm, get your dose of vitamin D in the yoga salute to the sun (The Plaza at 66th Street). On Saturdays, have fun with the dance fitness class, at 11 am (West Harlem Piers Park/West 125 Street). Through October.
Fort Tryon Park
Head to Inwood for sunrise Tai Chi, on Wednesdays, at 6:30 am. Not an early riser? No problem, there is lot to do through the day. The highlight: Parent and Me Yoga, a yoga session for kids and their parents or caregivers led by certified children’s instructor Christina Shablak. On Saturdays, at 9 am.
BROOKLYN
Prospect Park
Park Slope yoga studio Bend & Bloom, among other partners, offers vinyasa series on the park’s expansive Long Meadow. The event takes place every Thursday from 7 to 8pm through August 29.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The park hosts a summer series known as Waterfront Workouts, where you can enjoy yoga, dance, pilates and much more with one of the best views of the city. Trough October 12.
Grand Army Plaza
Every Tuesday, starting at 6:30 am, The Rise NYC hosts its free circuit training. The group also holds running routes in some of the most iconic New York City views, including the Williamsburg Bridge, and workouts in other boroughs.
QUEENS
Socrates Sculpture Park
Through September, the park offers a range of activities that includes yoga, tai chi, meditation sessions and kayaking. On Tuesdays, 7 pm, meditation starts with an intro to practices such as mindful breathing and mindful walking, followed by 20-30 minutes of guided meditation. On weekends, LIC Community Boathouse hosts its free kayaking and canoeing from Socrates’ beach at Hallets Cove (enter at 31-10 Vernon Blvd). No prior boating experience required. All ages and even well-behaved dogs welcome – minors (under 18 years old) must have a parent/guardian present.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The park hosts Yoga and Zumba classes until mid-August. On Fridays, at 6 pm, and Saturdays, at 9 am and 10:30 am.
RANDALL’S ISLAND
Randalls Island Park
Stretch, breathe, and find your inner peace in evening yoga classes with waterfront views. Through October 31. Or join running coach John Honerkamp for a track workout, aimed to improve participants’ speed and fitness. For runners ages 18+. Pre-registration suggested. Thursdays, 6:30pm, through September 26.
Do you go anywhere else? Leave a comment and help us keep this list updated!
