New York has it all, including plenty of options for staying fit beyond fluorescent, clanging gyms. Dare to explore one of these alternative fitness classes—each offers a fun and unique way to workout. From hot yoga to Broadway-style dance and burlesque-style booty exercises, Manhattan has plenty of ways to make up for indulging in the city.
Alternative Fitness New York: Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga Website
With locations in the Flatiron area, midtown, Upper East Side, and Upper West Side, Bikram Yoga is convenient for those seeking a hard-core experience. The rooms are intentionally heated to warm the muscles and allow those practicing to work deeper. Beyond healing, the heat helps prevent injuries and promotes sweating, which flushes toxins from the body. Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures and two Pranayama breathing techniques and is designed to provide a challenging yet invigorating, rejuvenating, and effective experience. During the class, every muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, and internal organ is worked out. Each studio is equipped with a full locker room and shower facilities. Nearly 300 classes are offered per week and drop-ins are welcome. bikramyoganyc.com
Alternative Fitness New York: Broadway Bodies
Broadway Bodies/Facebook
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your kicks on a Broadway stage or starring as a dancer in a pulsating music video, Broadway Bodies is the fitness of choice for you. The classes, which are held at Chelsea Studios, offer a high-impact, dance cardio workout to the tune of famous shows and movie musicals, as well as engaging pop videos. Incorporating basic and challenging dance movements with high-impact aerobics, Broadway Bodies is a fun cardio class that encourages guests to sing along as they sweat. A variety of ongoing weekly classes are offered, which include Michael Jackson on Mondays and Saturdays, Broadway Cardio on Tuesdays, Zumba Broadway Bodies Style (a great beginners class), and the Glee-Based Dance Workout on Wednesdays. Drop-ins are welcome. broadwaybodies.com
Alternative Fitness New York: Foxy Fitness and Pole Training Studios
Foxy Fitness & Pole Facebook. Photo by Karolina Nepaite.
Get a foxy body! This midtown fitness and pole training studio educates workout enthusiasts about the artistic and athletic aspects of professional pole dancing. Let your inhibitions go: classes are designed to enhance the physique and boost ability through muscle strengthening and toning, flexibility, and cardio. It's open to all skill levels and guests progress at their own pace. Prior experience isn’t necessary. Classes are small and allow a maximum of six people, so reserve your place in advance. If space is available, walk-ins will be accepted. foxyfitnessandpole.com
Alternative Fitness New York: The New York School of Burlesque
New York School of Burlesque/Facebook
Whip your butt into shape at this fun, booty-centric workout class inspired by the art of burlesque. Beyond the super-fun workout, you’ll elevate your confidence as you learn sexy moves from a New York City burlesque dancer. The Burlesque Booty class is designed to work out the lower body. It incorporates burlesque moves, shimmy, and exotic dance with jazz dance and pilates training. The class kicks off with a complete workout focusing on abs, legs, arms, and butt. Following the warm up, elevate your heart rate with some high-energy booty twerking (beginners are welcome—ideal for any level of dancer from beginner to professional). You’ll also practice other booty-centric movements such as popping and bouncing. It’s best to register in advance. schoolofburlesque.com
Alternative Fitness New York: OmFactory
OmFactory/Facebook
Those who love yoga and have a dash of dare in them should explore aerial yoga. With the support of a soft suspended fabric, aerial yogis can fuse classical asanas with the elements of aerial acrobatics. Students of all levels are welcome to learn to flip, fly, and flow through these fitness oriented sequences. There are two locations, one in Midtown West and the other near Union Square. omfactorynyc.com
