Attention Readers,
I will be filling you in on the best, and of course, my favorite spots to work out in New York City. As someone who’s lived in the city for 2+ years, and who frequently flies to the city, I know some of the best spots that you might not find from the get-go. Consider this your official New York City workout guide!
Rumble boxing is home to most models and actors in New York City and Los Angeles. It is a coveted spot, whether you’re a New Yorker or not. The studio is a high-end chain that features a training segment and a boxing segment. I personally take their boxing classes which are a combination of boxing and HIIT. Every class differs, depending on the instructor and the time you take it at. It might sound cliché but I loved everything about the class, from the dark rooms, to the powerful playlist, to the mirrors all along the studio to help you see your form. I’ve only had the chance to try two of their boxing studios, Chelsea and TriBeCa, and both are amazing. My favorite studio out of the two was the Chelsea location. If you’re thinking of taking a class, make sure to check out Terry’s classes. He’s my favorite instructor; Terry just radiates happiness and motivation. When someone is genuinely passionate about something you can feel it, and it makes the experience or class all the better. His IG handle is @Momenterrylee .
As a pilates advocate, I have never taken a pilates reformer class as good and soul-filling as the one I took at Avea Pilates. I came across the class through Classpass and I don’t think it was a coincidence. I went to their West Village studio which is located on a second floor and it was amazing. The class was everything I have ever wanted in a pilates class, relaxing, difficult, toning, meditative, and to top it off, with New York City views. The movements were no joke (as they shouldn’t be), and the instructor’s voice was so peaceful, guiding you through every step. It was a tower class, so I got a lot of stretching and balance work in. I was in awe because of the technique and pace of the class, I really can’t recommend it enough! I felt like I was floating when I left the class. The instructor made the experience come full circle. If you want to book her you should really check out her IG and follow her class schedule @Erikalago .
After hearing a lot of talk about Barry’s from my friends here in the states and in the UK, I finally decided to take their class in Chelsea and it did not disappoint. What I didn’t know was that I was signing up for a class half made up of running and half of HIIT but it was great, especially in the morning as a wake me up. Barry’s is famous for their intense “go, go, go” workouts. The crowd was tough, especially in Chelsea, but the workout was so good. It’s not hard to keep up with, especially if you workout often, but the one mistake I did make was picking a heavy set of dumbbells in the beginning of the bench portion since it was mostly upper body. It definitely made that segment of the workout the hardest for me.
Another coveted gym in New York City, but rest assured this one is like none you’ve ever experienced. Switch is a HIIT gym with a live DJ that plays while you workout. The experience feels like a fueled-up workout, and they create an ambiance that makes you want to come back. Similar to Rumble, Switch Playground is also home to many models and actors in New York, and their classes are different every time. They create a vibe there that is unmatched. How could you not want to keep coming back? They’re currently closed due to the COVID situation in the city, but if you want to find them on IG and stay connected for future classes, their handle is @Switchplaygroundnyc .
Jabs by Gina is a HIIT boxing class created by an Equinox instructor who had a big idea and ended up opening a location in SoHo. During the pandemic I took Gina’s JABS class online and I ended up loving it. She now also has in-person classes as well as online classes, and every so often does a free class. Each class is beat-based so you air jab to the beat of the music with an instructor guiding you. Taking multiple classes will surely get you toned. There is a core and glutes section aside from the boxing segment. The energy in these classes is so high and positive, and everyone is glowing at the end of the class. It really is a beautiful experience. Gina has a no negativity policy and if someone defies that, she will surely ask them to leave. She is someone who believes in her practice, and who loves what she does and to me, there is nothing better than that. Follow Gina on IG @jabsbygina .
CitySweat was founded by Meghan, a trained dancer in New York City looking to incorporate dance and working out into one. I took Meghan’s CitySweat class on the top of the Refinery Hotel in March of 2020 right before the pandemic took over everyone’s lives, forcing everything in NYC to shut down. Meghan’s class was a HIIT dance inspired class with the best cardio beats and so much positive energy. Meghan now offers online classes as well as in person classes. Most of her in person classes are on hotel rooftops, which have a sense of magic to them. She was smiling through most of her class, grinning from ear to ear. You can tell that she wanted everyone to be their best and have fun, but most of all, it showed that she loves what she does. I’m going to be taking her online class in the next week and I am absolutely stoked for it! Meghan’s IG handle is @Meghanmcmcferran .
One thing I love the most about working out in New York is the view. Working out with a New York view comes with a sense of freedom and independence. I always feel so free and untamable. It’s always comes with nostalgia, which has made me feel like I’m in a movie living my New York dreams. It’s something I recommend to everyone. There is nothing like taking a class in this city, whether it be indoors with the lights off and the music blasting, or with a city view. The city offers a strong sense of power, and it’s always present, no matter what you do in New York.
What are some of your favorite places to workout in New York City?
-XX,
Keren Nicole