10 Summer Body Fitness Classes to Try in 2017
Summer is officially upon us - which means beaches, barbecues, and bathing suits.
It’s hard to resist burgers, ice cream, chips, and margaritas (and the new mega-hit Frosé) when out with family and friends. And you shouldn’t have to totally abstain. But if we want to keep our summer bodies in check, we might have to up the ante when it comes to our fitness game.
Whether you’re in the city or spending time out East, here are 10 summer fitness classes to try in 2017.
5 NYC Outdoor Classes to try this summer:
The Meatpacking District’s Hudson River Park in New York City brings al fresco fitness classes nearly every Tuesday night at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm May through August. Sweat sessions are located at the Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park. Professional classes from top studios such as Exhale and Rebecca Kennedy ACCESS are part of the series, and appearances can be made by professional trainers (“Hollywood Hino” made an appearance last summer).
Rotating instructors from Pure Yoga, one of Manhattan’s premier yoga studios, teach classes every Saturday at 9am in the summer at Mr. Purple, Hotel Indigo’s posh rooftop spot.
Ariane Hundt, founder of Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp, offers a number of high intensity programs including running intervals, push-ups, and a number of other strength-training workouts. Exercises incorporate resistance training and use the structures and benches on and around the Brooklyn Bridge.
One of the best kept secrets about Mile High Run Club is their outdoor runs. I signed up last summer and ended up training with one other girl and two coaches, so we got really personalized attention with boot camp exercises, running sprints, and longer distance running at the East River Park Track.
Dr. Jordan Metzl is a nationally recognized sports medicine physician, author, and sought after fitness instructor. He often holds free classes outdoors in New York City during the summer everywhere from Central Park to the Intrepid. His Iron Strength program provides strength training and injury prevention techniques for athletes of all ages. Another great reason to try one of his classes is that every fourth class asks for donations to a non-profit that promotes health and wellness.
Heading to the Hamptons? Don’t Miss Out on These 5 Beach-front Fitness Studios:
Known as the “go-to” TRX fitness studio in the Hamptons, there are plenty of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes to choose from, including one of my personal favorites, intenSati (which I’ve been taking for years). The class is high energy and combines empowering affirmations (actually spoken out loud - but don’t worry, you don’t necessarily have to) with interval training, martial arts, dance, and yoga. You will definitely break a major sweat and burn tons of calories. Make sure to check this one out with superstar instructor, Natalia Petrzela, on Saturdays at 10:30am through August 12th!
2. Physique 57
The intense barre studio brings waterskiing and thigh dancing indoors out East for a fat burning workout that will be sure to sculpt and tone your entire body. It also doesn’t hurt to strengthen your core and thighs before hitting the surf or boogie board.
3. SoulCycle
Sometimes there’s nothing better than diving deep into a really intense and sweaty 45 or 60-minute cycling workout. This Montauk location is usually packed, but the instructors are highly energetic and the classes are fun with great music. Just make sure to reserve early!
This premiere hot yoga studio in the Hamptons offers Bikram and hot vinyasa yoga classes 7 days a week. Detox your mind and body from the night of partying and before heading to the beach for the day.
If you’re in for a bit of a wilder ride this summer, check out the classes and fitness adventures led by the group at SYB. Destinations range from the Hamptons and Hudson Valley all the way to the Caribbean. There are plenty of weekend adventures to choose from, filled with sweaty workouts, recharging, and social bonding. A weekly class schedule (including a run club, yoga club, and surf club in New York City) is also available for folks who want to stay local.
Can’t stand the heat? Check out a variety of fun aqua classes like surfboard yoga and synchronized cardio at TMPL Gym.
Of course, everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to fitness goals. Some may prefer the high-intensity aerobics involved in circuit training while others may prefer yoga or Pilates for more low-impact, controlled movements.
The above suggestions are just a little sneak peek into how I could help you choose the best workout for your lifestyle and needs. I also offer mat Pilates sessions (private, duets, and/or group classes) and can come to you if you live in or around New York City.
If you want to go for it and sign up for a session or package (after a free 30-minute phone consultation), and once you’ve trained your mind and body with these fitness programs, enjoy 50% off a hair or make-up trial with Once Upon A Bride OR a complimentary gloss and blowout at Loft 26. Once Upon A Bride is one of the best teams of on-site wedding hair stylists and makeup artists, led by Stacey Weinstein.
And subscribe to my mailing list for a free wellness guide (including various exercises, fitness studio recommendations, nutrition ideas and recipes, self-care techniques, date night ideas, and more)!
