GET FIT AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

Submitted by ub on

When the weather heats up, it’s time to make NYC your gym. Whether you’re looking for a full workout or a relaxing class, the city’s outdoor spaces offer hundreds of events each summer to help you stay in shape.

NYC Parks & Recreation now features an updated Outdoor Fitness section on its website, a tool that makes it even easier for New Yorkers to discover free and low-cost ways to stay fit in their big back yards.

The calendar offers a wide variety of activities like Zumba, Fitness Walks and Tai Chi, which means something for everyone. Activities include:

Yoga at the Market: The Open Space Alliance, Community Markets, and Sapere Studios present Yoga at the Market, which takes place every other Sunday from noon - 1:00 p.m. at Cooper Park, Brooklyn (between Olive Street and Morgan Avenue)

Family Capoeira: Family Capoeira provides children and adults with the opportunity to experience this unique Brazilian art form – a celebration of martial arts, dance, and acrobatics – which takes place every Wednesday from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan (located at Indian Road Lawn).

Shape Up NYC: Zumba: Get your body moving for fitness and fun at J. Hood Wright’s outdoor Zumba this summer. Classes take place at 351 Fort Washington Avenue Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. through September 19.

The Department of Parks & Recreation hopes to help New Yorkers stay active, while having fun and enjoying the outdoors. Programs like Shape Up NYC offer free fitness classes every week at dozens of locations across the five boroughs. Shape Up NYC classes are taught by expert fitness instructors who know how to make fitness fun. No membership or registration is required.

For those who like to take the scenic route to get in shape, Parks once again offers Walk NYC this summer. With funding provided by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Parks hosts free one-hour fitness walks in locations throughout the city, led by trained walking instructors.

Visit www.nyc.gov/parks keyword: “Outdoor Fitness” to learn more.