Time to face the facts. Gym memberships are expensive. With monthly rates averaging well over $100 per month at some of the top gyms in New York, memberships can burn a nice hole in your wallet. New Yorkers are already amongst the most active people on the planet, but they require a cheaper alternative for working out then walking 50 city blocks. Good news is there's plenty of options at your disposal for affordable, enjoyable workouts all throughout the city, if you know where to look. That's where we come in.
We've compiled some of the best and cheapest fitness options as your fingertips around NYC. Staying in shape should be fun without effecting your monthly budget. Throw away those hefty membership bills, here's How to Get Fit on the Cheap in NYC.
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Practice Yoga For Next to Nothing With Yoga to the People
Where: 5 locations
Cost: Donation based
Best For: Yoga
If your a seasoned yogi or just someone looking to try something new, Yoga to the People could be just what you need. The donation based organization operates in 5 locations throughout NYC, including studios in Brooklyn, and St. Marks, and offers 60 and 90 minute power vinyasa classes, seven days a week. For those looking a more intense class, YTTP also offers hot yoga classes at three of their studios. Check out the full schedule and locations of YTTP, and make sure you show up early, as roughly 50 people people show up for classes.
Experience a Premier NYC Gym for Free With SoulCycle's Community Ride
Where: 7 locations
Cost: Free
Best For: Cycling
SoulCycle is one of the leading gyms around NYC and is rapidly growing in popularity. Classes can get pricey, but with the SoulCycle Community Ride, everyone can get their spin fix for free. Each week throughout the city, SoulCycle offers up a free 45 minute class taught by their trained instructors and you don't even have to spend a dime. Hit up the SoulCycle schedule to find the Community Ride closest to you.
Train For Free on Wednesdays With NYC Adventure Boot Camp
Where: Central Park
Cost: Free
Best For: Core conditioning, Circuit training
Every Wednesday, one of the top boot camp programs in NYC is offering a free class. Taught by Stacy Papakostas, voted as "New York City's Top Fitness Expert. " the class is designed to help you achieve work health, fitness and weight loss goals through a high intensity boot camp workout. The program consists core conditioning, functional training, short distance running , jumping rope, circuit training, hiking, obstacle courses, pilates, and much more. Classes are only for women and are usually held in Central Park, but are subject to change. Get the full details on the program and set your alarm, boot camp starts at 5:30am.
Get Free Classes Throughout the City Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg's Shape Up NYC
Where: Parks throughout the city
Cost: Free
Best For: Aerobics, yoga, pilates and zumba
Mayor Bloomberg went on a huge health kick during his time in office, which led to some awesome health initiatives around the city including Shape Up NYC. The free program offers classes in aerobics, yoga, pilates and zumba, all taught by Equinox trainers at parks throughout the five boroughs. Many of the classes occur in recreation centers, with some happening outside during the warmer months. Head over to Shape Up NYC for the full schedule and details to find the class nearest you.
30 Days for $30 At New York Sports Club
Where: Throughout the city
Cost: $30
Best For: Circuit training
If you want a membership without committing long term, try out NYSC's trial program. At just $1 per day, you'll get full access to all the gym's equipment and amenities (excluding outdoor pools). With over 150 locations throughout New York, and dozens within the city, the trial is a good option for beginners and can help get a better grasp of what type of workout your into. Check out the details and club locations by heading to NYSC.
Sculpt Those Abs For Just $10 at CorePilates NYC
Where: Union Square
Cost: $10
Best For: Pilates, Core training
Pilates is one of the hottest buzz words in the fitness world, and just about everyone is joining in. CorePilates is offering a discounted class so you can try the workout for yourself, and get those washboard abs you've been dreaming of. The hour-long class is taught by some of the top trainers at the studio, and will run you just $10. Early birds will love this because classes start at 7am, and you get an extremely beneficial workout. For the full details and information on classes, head over to CorePilates NYC.
Luxury Amenities at Discounted Prices with Boom Fitness
Where: 2 Locations
Cost: $20-$30
Best For: Spin, Weight training
Monthly rates for top tier gyms can easily run over $100 per month. What if you could find a luxury gym atmosphere at bottom dollar prices? Boom Fitness is the place for you. With two locations in NYC (4 Park Ave, 1438 Third Ave), Boom Fitness has everything you need to get in shape on the cheap. Monthly memberships run from $20-$30 depending on which location you choose, and over a full range of classes including yoga, spin, and boot camp. Hit up Boom Fitness for the full schedule and pricing details.
Stay in Shape Over the Winter with $15 Memberships from Blink Fitness
Where: Throughout the city
Cost: $15 per month
Best For: Weight training
With membership rates starting at just $15 per month, Blink Fitness has everything you'll need to stay in shape over the fall and winter months. With over 150 pieces of cardio and strength equipment and full locker room and showers, Blink covers all the basis for your general workouts, and even offers personal training sessions for a small price. Head over Blink Fitness for the full details and locations.
Time to Finally Use Those Beautiful NYC Parks
Where: Throughout the city
Cost: Free
Best For: Running, basketball, biking
The simplest and most easily accessible way to stay fit in New York this fall is to hit up one of the hundreds of parks throughout the city. Most of the parks offer a multitude of facilities including basketball and tennis courts, pools, bike trails, running trails, and much more. For a full listing of parks and the amenities of each, head over to NYC Parks and start putting in work.
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