nyc fitness classes

Surf’s always up at SURFSET NYC. (Photo: Courtesy of SURFSET NYC)

New York City

5 Unique NYC Fitness Classes to Join When You’re in the Big Apple

Sick of treading on the hotel gym treadmill but want to stay fit while on vacay? Here are five unique fitness classes to take while visiting New York City. You’ll feel hip, have fun and … yes, get a workout, too.

“Surf’s” Up

Learn how to surf the waves (even in the winter) from the comfort of an NYC studio at SURFSET NYC. You’ll be privy to a SURFSET custom-designed surfboard that rests about a foot off the ground and emulates an actual board’s use and movements (such as side-to-side) in the ocean.

Paddle with your arms and legs and pop-up abruptly when you’re ready to ride, working your flexibility, cardio, core and balance all at once for a challenging but fun workout. Once you master it, who knows? You may just go from being a novice to an expert surfer — before even touching the water.

The session lasts 45 minutes, but your body may be feeling the workout for a good while after.

Hip-Hop Yoga

nyc fitness classes
Find your groove during hip-hop yoga. (Photo: Courtesy Y7 Studio)

Spice up your yoga routine at Y7 Studio, where you can experience Hip-Hop Yoga. Do the downward dog to DJ Khaled, side stretch to Sia, and more. Situated in candle-lit studios without mirrors, the hour-long, heat-filled sessions will relax and unwind you while you get a great workout. After all, the hectic city can be stressful; sometimes you just need to recharge those batteries.

Soar Sky High

Ever think of joining the circus as a trapeze artist? Now you can — sort of. Fly high through the sky at Trapeze School New York.

Classes range from begin from a rope), Lyra (in which you do aerial motions from a metal circle in the air) and Static Trapeze (using a bar tied to ropes that you hang from in the air).

You’ll test gravity and strengthen your balance and core muscles, all while having a memorable experience. Indeed, you’ll work muscles (and joints) you didn’t even know existed before.

The school offers two locations: a year-round facility located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and an outdoor facility that’s available from May through October in lower Manhattan above Pier 40 in Hudson River Park.

Get in Formation

nyc fitness classes
Dance like a star. (Photo: Courtesy of Banana Skirt Productions)

For those who hate the thought of working out on vacation, but LOVE the thought of getting in “Formation” … enter Banana Skirt Productions. You’ll learn the latest moves from top stars like Kanye, Britney and (of course) Beyoncé. The classes, taught by dance professionals, are for the pop star in everyone. But sign up in advance; classes have a tendency to sell out.