Stay Active and Work Out in New York: The Guide for People Who Hate to Work Out

By Caitrin Sneed on February 2, 2015

As a life-long dancer I love to be active, use my body and sweat. The second I enter a gym all three of those loves go away. I thoroughly believe that working out should be a rewarding experience focused on connecting to your body and being healthy–not just focusing on attaining a body aesthetic.

In New York, it is easy to be a floating head, rushing around with a to-do list and existing from the neck up. Here are some activities to get you active in New York and connect back into your body and your surroundings. Most are fun as solo activities or with a friend!

1.THE HIGH LINE

The High Line is my favorite place to go in New York, partly because of the mind-clearing view and walking path that keeps your body busy while giving your mind space for great conversations and partly because it is free.

This re-purposed above-ground freight rail line features art work, plant life, creative seating areas and an inspiring perspective to watch New York from. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, according to the website.

While the High Line is open year round [7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and then 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in warmer weather], it’s a good activity to save for spring months when walking the near 2 miles will leave you refreshed instead of frostbitten.

The High Line, nyc

Photo via Caitrin Sneed

2. ICE SKATE

I might be biased because I grew up ice skating on a daily basis, but I stand behind this activity for everyone! Whether you are reliving some childhood fun or trying a new activity as an adult, ice skating gives you a surprisingly intense workout and is perfect for all seasons.

It seems so right to be doing your best Tara Lipinski impression when there is snow falling outside and it feels so refreshing to be on that cold ice rink when it is sweltering outside.

The rink I recommend is City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City, Queens–which is incredibly easy to get to off of the 7 train.

3. WALK THE RESERVOIR LOOP

Walking through any part of Central Park can be fun but Carrie Bradshaw walked around the reservoir. Enough said.

But in all seriousness, while other paths in Central Park might lend themselves more to a comfortable stroll, the reservoir is great for a brisk walk, jog or run. The hardcore runners sharing the path with you will inspire you to keep the pace up.

Also, the lack of seating or exit pathways from the reservoir loop will make you at least finish one almost 2 mile loop before strolling back to the subway or finding a park bench to read on.

4. DANCING

People in the ’70s all looked amazing. Coke might have had something to do with this but drugs are expensive and bad for you so just don’t.

One thing you can bring back without major life regrets is dancing. Nothing makes you connect to your body and enjoy your surroundings like dancing the night away. Make your date nights fun and burn calories. By dancing guys, come on …

5. SEXY TIMES

But seriously, I don’t see why this shouldn’t count. In order to follow Cosmo’s Kama Sutra you need to be a yoga master so I feel like I should get workout points for my efforts. Just use condoms–the point of this article is to improve health, not being safe would defeat the purpose. Also, stretch first.

6. KAYAKING ON HUDSON

Pocahontas canoed a lot. Pocahontas had great arms. You should canoe … or do the closest thing to it at your disposal: kayaking! Again, this is a weather-dependent activity but waiting for the perfect day is so worth it.

Paddling around in the Hudson River will connect you to that whole nature thing you kind of forgot existed while living in the city and will be a great workout.

The Manhattan Community Boathouse is amazing and lets you kayak for free! If rowboats are more your thing, check out Central Park for some rowboat fun.

Central Park rowboats, summer

Picture via Caitrin Sneed

7. DAY TRIP – HIKE

Hiking is the best. It may take a little more preparation and unlike other activities you can’t exactly rent gear, but it is a great way to escape the city, see a new place, spend a day in nature and work out.

Make a sandwich and some trail mix, be sure to wear SPF and bug spray, bring extra water and hit the trail! There are tons of places to go but for a fun, easy place to start check out Bear Mountain. You can get there easily and cheaply using MetroNorth!

CAMPING

Photo via Caitrin Sneed

8. FRISBEE IN THE PARK

Frisbees are cheap, but if your college is anything like mine you can probably get a free frisbee at some school event where they are handing out swag. Grab people, lunch, cold drinks and head to Central Park for a game of frisbee and a picnic on Sheep’s Meadow.

The more competitive you are with your friends the better. I have done ridiculously athletic things to catch a frisbee to beat my friends, in a loving way. And yes because you asked, I totally did win.

9. ROLLER SKATE IN BROOKLYN

Prospect Park is an awesome place for frisbee, walking, jogging, biking if you are lucky enough to own a bike, but did you know they also have an outdoor/indoor roller rink!!!

In the winter the rink doubles as an ice rink but in the summer grab your four-wheelers and let your middle school dream come true: roller skating with friends and leaving whenever you feel like it to grab a beer and a slice somewhere in Brooklyn.

Roller Skate Prospect park

Photo via Caitrin Sneed

And if all else fails you can totally count running to catch the bus, getting off at the wrong stop and having to walk 10 extra blocks, seeing a show at the Met and walking up all those stairs to the affordable seats, and dodging kids on scooters on the sidewalks as your weekly exercise.

 

x Caitrin Sneed.

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