From The Straits Times    |

From pop-up boot camp in the city’s parks to cocktail-infused yoga, the Big Apple is never short on originality when it comes to getting fit.

New York City: How to work out like a local
Above: One of the most popular jogging paths in New York City; this route encircles the Central Park Reservoir

While tackling the city’s cornucopia of sights by foot could do the trick, here are a few fresh ways to work out like a New Yorker. 

1. Go bouldering
Hang by your fingernails at Brooklyn Boulders, a fully dedicated rock climbing gym. Or check out Chelsea Piers, the mega-sized facility on the West Side of Manhattan that reportedly has the largest indoor rock climbing gym in the city, with more than 10,000 square feet (roughly 3,000 meters) of craggy terrain. Outdoor bouldering? Head to Central Park.

2. Pop-up workouts
KiwiSweat is a new company that operates online and hosts “out-of-the-sweaty-box” workouts in different non-gym locales, such as Spinning classes in Chelsea Market. With motivational instructions and DJs and a continuous stream of new classes, you’re guaranteed to never be bored. All classes are on a pay-per-class basis with no membership fees.

3. Fusion fit
Flywheel has built its reputation on epic indoor cycling classes, but it has recently added something new to the menu at its Flatiron location: FlyBarre, a body sculpting class that combines dance, yoga, strength training, and Pilates.

4. Fly high
At the Heliummm Aerial Dance studio, you can take a beginner’s course to learn the art of aerial dance, all while giving your arms and abs a hardcore workout.

5. Brooklyn Bridge walk
Join the more than 6,000 people who walk or cycle across this historic suspension bridge every day. Start at the stairway at Cadman Plaza East near Prospect Street, Brooklyn Heights, and end at Broadway at Chambers (or do the reverse). Distance: Approximately 2km, each way.

6. Urban run
Leave your bags in the cubbies at the New York Road Runners office on E. 89th St. and take a spin with hordes of joggers in Central Park. The Niketown store on E. 57th St. offers group runs three days per week (plus a bag-check) and post-run refreshments. Another favorite running route is the 6.4km Riverside Park, as well as the elevated Highline Park (from W. 34th Street to Gansevoort Street).

7. Party workouts
Indoor cycling boutique SoulCycle‘s evening rides have live DJs, followed by champagne and smoothies. In Brooklyn, yogis can pop into the Cobra Club, a bar at night and a yoga studio by day. The club offers a 1pm weekend “Hangover Yoga” that serves bloody marys and mimosas to help take the edge off.

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