Active Spaces is a guide to worthwhile workouts and fitness studios. Active Spaces help us stay sane, healthy, and let loose with friends. Your city is full of Active Spaces. We’ll help you find them. 

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Bethany’s class feels accessible and manageable. Their warmth and positivity is contagious, to the point where you’ll be asking *how do I channel this kind of energy all the time?*  The body-weight-only exercises in this class will leave you sore, but they'll also leave you energized.


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The Class is not a low-key workout, but it will leave you feeling deeply energized and a lot more present in your own body. We think it should be one of your first stops when you’re reluctant to move or when you need to change your mood.


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There aren’t many places where it’s acceptable to cry in public. Tears tend to be reserved for personal late night viewings of Love Actually, expensive therapy sessions, or the very unplanned mini breakdown in Ikea. And now, there’s The Class by Taryn Toomey. It’s surely audacious to call your workout “THE Class,” but it’s also audacious to offer the overworked and overwhelmed a place to cry, scream, and sweat without pretense or judgment.
 
If this sounds to woo-woo to you, fear not. No one enters The Class with plans to shed tears. But somewhere in this HIIT-yoga-pilates fusion with repetitive calisthenics and burpees that last an entire song, things can happen. At the very least, you’ll get a really good workout and leave feeling a little more present in your own body. 

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Sure, it’s easy to make fun of The Class. And it’s easy to write it off as another pretentious experience that’s great for someone who’s fancier than you. But take it from us, The Class doesn’t feel exclusive, so maybe those crystals underneath the floorboard and the palo santo in the air are serving their purpose. 

It’s a rarity in New York City to find a place that strikes the balance of Goop vibes without feeling cult-y, and with a truly grueling workout sans being yelled at. The vibe is very “you do you.” Foggy mirrors and blasting music help to create a safe space where you can get in your own zone. It feels as effective as a really productive session with your therapist, for a fraction of the cost, and with the added benefit of sore muscles the next day. And to top it off, when all is said and done, there’s Chanel face wash.


The Class is a workout started by Taryn Toomey.

The Class

Sky Ting is one of our favorite yoga studios for a reason. The second you walk into one of their spaces you’ll feel instantly at ease—you’ll be glad you decided to show up. You can’t go wrong with any instructor here, and their non-dogmatic approach is much appreciated when you’re not in the mood to hear woo-woo phrases with little substance.


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You know that one classmate who was beautiful, smart, sporty, and also kind? She was popular and stylish...but also really, really nice. You wanted to hate her but you couldn’t. Because you also maybe wanted to be her? That’s pretty much Sky Ting, personified. 

Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan opened their first space in Chinatown in 2015. The studio has since expanded to Williamsburg and Tribeca. 

If you haven’t already, we’re here to tell you to give Sky Ting a try. It might be our favorite yoga studio in NYC and we don’t say that lightly. Like that classmate, you’ll soon realize that there’s more than meets the eye. [[1]] Sky Ting moves past the dogmatic approach of traditional yoga studios—and with a giant stuffed giraffe on display in their Chinatown location, you know they don’t take themselves too seriously.

“Sky Ting Yoga” is a unique blend of yogic traditions, including Katonah Yoga, which is all about alignment and making space for your organs. In layman’s terms, this means you might really like it even if you don’t typically like yoga. It also means you’re less likely to get bored and that teachers are free to create their own blend. There’s no dogma, overheated rooms, or instructors babbling on with strange analogies.

What we love most about this flow is the gradual build. Your warm-up will last long enough to fool you into thinking this was a piece of cake. Unlike some studios that launch you right into chair pose, you’ll be more than ready by the time the real work starts. 

The poses are all very much beginner-friendly, but you’ll have plenty of time (and space) for inversions and advanced movements, if that’s your M.O. The classes are designed for all-levels and the knowledgeable and friendly Sky Ting teachers will meet you where you are. You can expect some hands-on adjustments from your teacher, but they definitely don’t overdo it.
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In general, we love consistent studios; it’s nice to know what to expect. Sky Ting’s main offering “Sky Ting Yoga” manages to be consistently really high quality while still allowing instructors to infuse their own personal teaching style. Our recommendation is to give a few instructors a try—everyone loves Krissy and Chloe, but just about all of the instructors here have fan followings, too. We’re confident that if you don’t jam with yoga you still might like Sky Ting, and if you do jam with yoga, there’s a teacher here who you’ll love above all others.

Sky Ting also offers other styles of yoga and workshops on occasion. We recommend taking a straight Katonah Class. They’re run workshop-style and you’ll get to dig in to the intricacies of the poses. You can’t go wrong with Restorative Yoga or Yoga Nidra, either. Both are all about the chill.

As for the audio effects, the music is so good: You’ll hear Blood Orange, Robyn (new and old), some instrumental-electronica, and dainty covers of old classics. In other words, you’ll be asking your instructor for their Spotify playlists after class. 

So, just like your high school classmate who you grew to love, go ahead and give this cool-kid spot a chance to prove you wrong. Sky Ting is a great go-to for the yoga averse, those who want a rad local studio, and those who are looking to try different styles of yoga blended into one class with no pretension.

A must-try yoga studio with its own style feat. locations in Tribeca, Chinatown, and the 'Burg.

A must-try yoga studio with it’s own style featuring locations in Tribeca, Chinatown, and Williamsburg. Sky Ting is known for their gorgeous spaces, strong community, and incorporation of Katonah Yoga.

Sky Ting Yoga

Sky Ting

Mile High Run Club is a great way to commit to running for a set amount of time to the best of your ability. You’ll likely do intervals, but not Barry’s style intervals where you feel like your only option is to fly off your treadmill. Serious runners go here, and while we think the quality of the class depends on the music and instructor, going here generally leaves us feeling accomplished and happy even if we were not initially looking forward to it.

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Mile High Run Club

Forward Space is the ultimate place to dance, even if you don’t know how to dance. It feels much more like your best night out than a fitness class. The easy to follow choreography feels manageable even if you’re not having an “on” day, and the music is so good that it’s a mood lifter in and of itself.


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Many workout studios claim to be just like clubs. Have a DJ? Wow, just like a club! Have a dark room? Look at you, giving Marquee a run for its money. A place where people dance? Consider us sold.

Despite every best effort to create a space where people can let loose, a lot of dance studios are still fitness studios first and foremost. People show up in workout clothes and instructors say things like “reach for your summer body.” That last one fools absolutely no one—and also just sucks. 

Forward Space is a newcomer to Nolita, and while it’s definitely still fitness, it’s the closest fitness-y thing we’ve found to a proper night out. The kind of night out where you had so much fun dancing that you forgot all about your outfit or who you were (or weren’t) going home with. 


When you walk in, the staff greets you with high fives and smiles that make you feel like they were waiting just for you. Everyone here has a perma-smile and it doesn’t even feel *that* cheesy. The studio sports lots of black, white, and concrete, with nods to disco and street style cool. It’s a laid back and gender inclusive vibe—men dance, too!

The room itself is dark with lots of strobe lights. The instructor is on a platform so you can actually see what they’re doing. Most importantly, the music is consistently really good, which makes it a million times easier to move.

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All of these components create a space where you’re really happy to be, and that seems like a major pre-req for \*dancing like nobody’s watching.\*

Forward and Forward+ are structured so that you’re doing easy-to-follow repetitive motions to the beat for most of class. But, you can really get into it and add flair if you want to. The last portion of class is dedicated to learning a super short “routine” and then “performing” it over and over again to the beat. It’s definitely beginner friendly, but if you’re just looking to move and hate being told what to do you might like it less. It’s only about 10 minutes though, so no harm, no foul.

Our favorite instructors are the founder Kristin Sudeikis (yes, sibling of that famous actor) and Rachel Warren, but you can’t go wrong with anyone here. And despite Forward+ being the slightly more advanced version of Forward, both are beginner friendly. Some people who come here clearly have some serious dancing chops, but it’s just as cool to come as you are and flail around. 

Forward Space is a great escape that’s more like your best night at Paul’s Baby Grand, and their ethos matches that as well. We attribute this partially to their decor but mostly to their language and energy. It’s subtle but powerful when a dance studio is more focused on the dance then the cardio. Tuning into the beat and the energy rather than the particulars of a move or the reasons you might be dancing is possibly the best escape of all.

Forward Space is the ultimate place to dance and let loose (that doesn’t serve alcohol).

Forward Space is a new dance studio in Nolita serving up great music, low lights, and super fun moves in their 50 minute class Forward.

Forward Space

Stretch\*d Space isn’t really a workout, but it is doing something good for your body. If you’re not in the mood to workout because everything feels tight, or you just feel exhausted, we think a 25 minute stretch here will help move things in the right direction.


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Generally, it’s nice when other people do things for you. It’s especially nice when they do things that you otherwise would have neglected to do yourself. It could be the dishes, laundry, drying your hair, and now, it can be stretching, too.

Yes, you can actually pay a (trained and vetted) stranger to methodically stretch you out. Aside from just feeling really good, recovery is also Big Business because stretching is crucial to lengthening muscles and preventing injury. And also because the fitness industry pummelled us with more HIIT than we can handle and now it’s trying to course correct.

The space is the brainchild of Vanessa Chu and her business partner, Amanda Freeman, who previously brought us SLT. The concept is fairly simple: a certified bodyworker provides one-on-one dynamic stretching in a semi-private vestibule. When you arrive, you fill out an intake form that asks everything from the body parts you’re looking to work on to whether or not you want to make conversation with the person who’s stretching you. The survey is easy to fill out and it asks the important questions. We like this part.


The stretching itself is obviously nice, too. Your Stretch\*r will stretch each muscle out a few times, gradually going deeper, but never in a painful way. It definitely feels good, which is kind of all you can say about someone stretching you out. And because your Strech\*r is an expert, they’re careful not to overdo it—making injury less likely.

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Stretch\*d offers 25, 55, and 75 minute sessions. The longer the session, the more of an opportunity for your stretcher to work on spots that are particularly tight. They also offer a bunch of add-ons (all of which will cost you) like compression boots, a hypervolt gun, or plain old additional time. It’s a nice way to treat yourself, especially if you sit at a desk all day.

If we had to make a comparison, we’d say Stretch\*d is kind of like Drybar…for stretching. If you just want to feel a little better, go here. Just like Drybar won’t give you a cut or color, Stretch\*d won’t make any serious problems or injuries go away. You should go to a doctor for that. And once you get done with tax and tip, the 55 minute option is pretty comparable to the price of a physical therapy session, so that’s something to consider. 

Stretch\*d is a fun thing to do with a friend and it’s a good gift for someone who works out a lot. There’s not much to dislike about this experience as long as you don’t go in expecting a massage or physical therapy. This is different, but it’s still very, very nice.


The benefits of a deep stretch without any of the work.

Experts at Stretch*d Space offer customized personal stretching sessions based in Flatiron.

Stretch*d Space

If you’re not in the mood to workout, but you’re also generally a little pissed, Hit House is a great option. Throughout class, you’ll throw punches and kicks at your own personal Bishop. In other words, you punch a uniquely shaped stationary bag and no one will get in your way.

Hit House Gloves

It’s easy to bundle Hit House in with all the other kickboxing and boxing classes, but we’re going to be as direct as a sharp jab to the chin—we think it’s a must-try even if punching stationary objects isn’t your typical go-to.

Hit House centers around Muay Thai, Thailand's traditional martial art also known “The Art of the Eight Limbs.” For reference, kickboxing utilizes only four limbs and boxing a mere two. We’re not saying that numbers matter, just that elbows and knees are limbs, too. 

The class feels individualized, with your attention focused on your personal “Bishop.” This uniquely shaped, human-like, soft foam, non-judgemental punching bag is there to absorb both head kicks and emotional baggage. Its material will also result in fewer bruises post-class and its cover is washable, making this studio cleaner than most other boxing spots. 

Since everyone is focused on their own Bishop, you don't have to worry about being party to your classmate's experience—or Instagram story. The only thing that will break your focus is the instructor as they wander through the class to offer well-meaning tips. And speaking of instructors, Tyler, the founder, is awesome and very knowledgeable. Take a class with him if you can. But no worries if you end up in another class, as all of the coaches are clearly experts in the field, and you would never catch them dead doing a made-for-Instagram workout.

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While Hit House attracts some dedicated Muay Thai kickboxers, the class and the studio are welcoming for beginners. The learning curve is shallow; the first portion of class is dedicated to learning, and you’ll pick up all the basic moves in no time. If you feel like you’re lagging in getting the combos down, just fake it till you make it and go with the extremely rhythmic flow. Regardless of ability, it’s definitely still a full body workout.

The class culminates in a three minute, knock-em-out round, which is very, very fun—it’s just you making up combos using the moves you learned during class. When you put your eight limbs to the test, you can envision your opponent as your coworker who always leaves you with their work at 5pm. But you can also just do it for yourself, knowing that you’re moving a step closer to become a Muay Thai Kru. 


Hit House is a kickboxing class different from all other kickboxing classes. 

A 50-minute Muay Thai style kickboxing class in Nolita that is different from all other kickboxing classes. The studio sports luxurious bathrooms as well as early morning classes.

Hit House

Lifting weights is hard, but leaping across a dance studio is not. Ballet1 is all-levels and it’s a real opportunity to express yourself. This class is uplifting and everything about it will make you glad you went.

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It’s 2019. We’re keeping up with the Kardashians (even if we don’t want to), we follow pro-athletes, sure, but also celebrity chefs and doctors and lawyers and fitness instructors. The cult of personality is everywhere and you can’t really unsubscribe.

There are plenty of great people who have managed to build up a following. And there are plenty of reasons not to listen to the majority of those people. Did you find your doctor on Instagram? We’re worried.

Which is all to say, we review experiences and not the people who started them. So here’s an exception to the rule: Ballet1 is really great, and it’s really great because of Eva Alt.

A lifelong dancer, Eva knows what it means to dance professionally, but also knows what it’s like to be a young professional in New York who needs a break from the internet and the constant internal dialogue that plagues us all. No, seriously, because when she’s not dancing, Eva is a Social Media Editor at Glossier.

Dancing classes can be intimidating, even ones that are billed as beginner-friendly. Ballet1 is all levels and it’s filled with Eva’s friends and friends of friends, so it feels more like you’re being welcomed into a dinner party with a bunch of people you actually want to get to know rather than just taking a class with extremely talented dancers—you’re doing both!

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The class itself starts with pliés to warm up your calves and feet, a bit of skipping and leaping, which will make you feel like a kid again, and ends with a short routine. The skipping and leaping is the ultimate icebreaker and it’s pure joy. 

The class is educational, too; Eva manages to share facts and stories about ballet that you didn’t know you wanted to know, like the meaning behind certain poses or the inspiration behind the choreography. In a city of harder, better, faster, stronger, Ballet1 is a great place to move intentionally with like-minded people. 

No one here is judging and it’s totally cool if you mess up the moves. Eva’s kindness and warmth translate into true permission—permission to dance around, get into it, and give it your best go. Eva bills Ballet1 as “ballet for fun, ballet for exercise, ballet for learning about yourself, ballet for learning about other people, ballet for poetic expression” and honestly, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. It’s truly an opportunity to move freely.

The class happens once a month, which makes it a real treat. Rearrange your schedule and leave class feeling like a happy camper, knowing you live in the greatest city in the world where people are doing cool things, having fun, and want you to join them.


A monthly ballet class led by Eva Alt worth rearranging your schedule for. 

Ballet1 is a monthly ballet class by Eva Alt that’s a ton of fun for dancers and self described non-dancers alike.

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Ballet 1

The best places to move when you're sort-of not in the mood.

Where to Work Out When You Don't Feel Like Working Out

Early Morning Classes

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Late Night Classes

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Tribeca

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Good Move is a new dance-based studio on the edge of Williamsburg. You'll feel welcome here regardless of age, ability, size, race or gender -- this place is all about fun and self expression. Good Move offers a wide variety of classes from "Ballet Class + Ass" to "Adult Beginner Dance (hot bitch)." Being here is a joy even if your dance skills start and stop at the Cha Cha Slide.

Good Move

Reset is a new wellness studio in the heart of Nolita. It's a gorgeous space featuring soundbaths, breathwork, and coaching and leadership workshops. And while personal growth can range from woo-woo to a WeWork seminar, we find Reset to be holistic without being too out there. We highly recommend a Friday Night sound bath.

Reset NYC

Outer Reach is a stretching studio in Tribeca. They offer both assisted stretching sessions (aka people who will stretch you) and group stretching classes where you stretch yourself. The exposed brick and light wood feel like a real retreat from the city.

Outer Reach

Good Day Pilates is a light filled studio in Soho featuring small group classes (capped at six people) as well as private lessons. The founder's physical therapy background shines through as do the hands-on adjustments.

Good Day Pilates

GRIT BXNG features just about every buzzword in town: CBD! Bitcoin! Booze! and....Pitbull! Every GRIT class also features time on the floor, time on the treadmill, and time to punch it out. Think Barry's plus boxing, but a much larger class and a lot more lights.

GRIT BXNG

Jane DO is a total body workout started by two former Radio City Rockettes. They have a few studios in New Jersey and have now landed in Flatiron with their signature sculpting, dance cardio, and trampoline classes. 

Jane Do

Racked Stretch is unlike other stretching studios. Rather than trek to a location just to be stretched, Racked exists within other fitness studios. If you find yourself at Merge New York in Soho, or Mile High Run Club in Noho or Flatiron, Racked will be there to help you recover post-workout.

Racked Stretch

Our updated round up of the NYC's newest fitness studios.

Looking for a new place to work out? Here's a list of the best new boutique fitness studios in NYC. We've got your back.

New Fitness Studio Openings in NYC

Stationary Bike

Swerve has studios in Midtown and Flatiron. Rides here are team-based. It’s perfect for people who are motivated by competition. The shoe rental is included and there's an on-site smoothie bar.


Swerve Cycle

Cycling in water is different from cycling on land in that water forces you to engage your core. It turns out that having a strong core is pretty fundamental to lots of fancy workout moves. It feels nice to be in water and it’s a good workout. Win win.

If you haven’t heard, Equinox bought SoulCycle a while ago and now everyone is trying to be the SoulCycle of ‘X’. SoulCycle of Boxing? Rumble. SoulCycle of HIIT? Switch Playground or Fhitting Room. SoulCycle of your life? WeWork. (Or that’s their hope anyway.)

So when we heard about Aqua Studio, our first instinct was that it was going to be SoulCycle: But In Water. While it’s not far off, we were pleasantly surprised to find out this place has a few other things going for it.

First, no one here is screaming, “TURN UP THE RESISTANCE. TURN THAT KNOB TO THE RIGHT.” Actually, no one here is yelling at all, because there is no knob and the water is the resistance. As a result, you’re forced to really use your core. It’s a bit harder than you’d expect and if you’re a cycling veteran, it will take a little time to get used to. But ultimately, it’s pretty fun.

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Second, you are in an 84-degree heated, 4-foot deep pool, so you don’t really sweat. The gloriousness of this really cannot be overstated. Let’s be clear here: it’s totally a cycling workout. But it bears repeating—it’s not sweaty.

Speaking of speed, Aqua Studio offers four main classes—Blend, Restorative, HIIT and Interval—and the options are exactly as you’d expect them to be. Restorative is really great if you’re looking for active recovery. No matter which option you choose, the water is no joke and that resistance is real!

As part of the workout, the instructor will ask you to use your arms to make circles in the water, and the next day you might feel like you just used your shoulders for the first time ever. There’s also some sitting and standing in the saddle, as well as a seriously awkward position called “position four” that has you clutching your seat for dear life while you try to bike *behind* your bike. It will give you a wedgie. 

The instructors here are fine and so is the music, but both get drowned out of by the noise of your neighbor splashing water in your face. It’s not a competitive place and you’ll see people of all shapes and sizes, which is almost as refreshing as being in a pool. And there are single sex classes if that’s more your speed.

Aqua Studio calls itself a “wellness sanctuary” and that might be a bit of a stretch but all in all it’s pretty nice. It's a fun place—if a bit pricey—to try something new, and if you really hate sweating or are looking for low-impact cardio, it is a very good option.

A cycling studio in Tribeca where the bikes are in a pool (!) and the water is the resistance.

Aqua Studio is a cycling studio in Tribeca where the bikes are in a pool (!) and the water is the resistance.

Aqua Studio

SYNC is a Williamsburg-based studio that offers training, yoga, and SYNCCYCLING®. The class takes place out of the saddle—or in layman’s terms, in a standing position with your butt above the seat. Bikes aren’t pre-assigned here, so be sure to arrive in time to nab your desired spot. This is a good spot to know about if you’re looking for a slightly more incognito place to spin in Williamsburg.


SYNCStudio

Cyc is a spinning studio with four locations in Manhattan: Astor Place, UES, Hell’s Kitchen, and Chelsea. With good amenities, a dynamic vibe, and class prices at $22 (shoes included!) we think it’s the best alternative for those seeking SoulCycle on a budget.


Chalk is an all-inclusive, affordable gym in Williamsburg. Classes are included in membership, though at $25 for a day pass, this is a good spot to know about if you're trying to budget around the L train (maybe, maybe not) shutting down. They tend to offer cycling classes everyday.


Some things are worth leaving your neighborhood for: dinner at your favorite restaurant, a concert you bought tickets to three months in advance without realizing it was at Forest Hills Stadium, a first date with someone totally out of your league.


Some things are not worth leaving your neighborhood for: like your dry cleaner, the $1 slice shop around the corner, or the dive bar that always seems to be packed despite the fact that it’s kind of gross and they serve mediocre beer. They’re all fine. But you wouldn’t go out of your way for them.

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That’s exactly how we feel about Chalk Gyms. It’s fine—good even—if you live or work in Williamsburg. 

In terms of pricing, Chalk Gyms occupies the rare space between Blink and Equinox. It’s $99 a month and there are no fees for anything, which is always a win.  They have a ton of classes, too, and, again, they’re nothing to go out of your way for, but if you’re already in the neighborhood and you like classes, they will do the trick. [[2]] Chalk offers bootcamp, cycling, yoga, barre, boxing, HIIT, and mat pilates. 


The space is clean and nice, and the locker room has blow dryers, a couple of showers, and a small sauna. There’s a lot of orange and the stairs say “harder, better, faster, stronger.” We assume that’s supposed to be motivational. We’ll leave that up to you.


What’s clear is that there is a ton of equipment and it’s all on the newer side. All of the standard equipment you would expect from a gym plus two small studios for group classes. It’s never so crowded here that you can’t do your thing. That’s another win.

Chalk is a good place to know about, especially with the L (maybe, maybe not) shutting down. And their free two-day trial doesn’t hurt either. It’s a premium, but not luxury, gym that fills a need. So if you’re looking for affordable classes and an upgrade from Blink, meet Chalk. 


A fairly priced, all-inclusive gym in Williamsburg.

If you’re looking for a solid gym with a bunch of classes in Williamsburg, Chalk Gyms is a good bet.

Chalk Gyms

BYKlyn is a Park Slope based cycling studio that offers a variety of class types. Their trial membership—three classes for $25, including shoe rental—will allow you to try a few. This is a neighborhood studio best for Park Slope and Prospect Heights residents. Just make sure to bring any precious belongings into the studio. No lockers here.


BYKlyn

Peloton probably requires no explanation. It’s a luxury in-home fitness experience. Peloton Studio on the other hand is a place in Chelsea where you can ride a Peloton bike with a live instructor. Relish in the fact that you can take a live class for $26 while your uncle in St. Louis had to buy a $2,000 bike to experience the same thing,


Peloton Cycling Studio

Maybe you're avoiding SoulCycle or Flywheel because they're intimidating or maybe you just don't want to run into everyone you've ever met while you're pushing pedal to the metal. Here are some alternative spin studios.

Places to Cycle Besides SoulCycle and Flywheel

Summerbod

be.come’s founder Bethany Meyers is all about body neutrality. They’re a leading voice in fitness, especially as it pertains to inclusion. Their class strikes all the right chords, while still being surprisingly effective considering the small, body-weight-only, movements.


The Class says that there is “grace in release.” So yeah, they’re definitely not talking about a summer body here. It’s more of a “do it for yourself” vibe. We’ve found it to be a spiritual experience, even for non-believers. Instructors here go through a serious teacher training process, and, as a result, the workout is well constructed while also deeply liberating.

Tangerine Hot Power Yoga is all about the good vibes. They’re about chilling out, while sweating profusely. The hot yoga is a workout, but it doesn’t feel fitness-y, and the language matches up.

When it comes to yoga, there's a big gap between studios focused on physical fitness and those offering "spiritual enlightenment." Tangerine’s strength-based hot yoga classes are definitely a workout, yet they still manage to go against the fitness-obsessed culture that misinterprets the original context of yoga: a practice to train the mind and body to become more aware of ourselves, and to cultivate discernment, awareness, and higher consciousness through intentional movement. 

At this cozy Brooklyn studio, the interpretation is traditionally-rooted, with a modern twist: chill out and quit being jerks. Meaning, the classes focus heavily on your mental experience, which helps you connect more calmly with the physical (a 90-degree room full of sweat-drenched, wobbly bodies). The music is so low-key you hardly notice it, and the instructors manage to be knowledgeable and totally unpretentious. For what they lack in hands-on instruction, they make up for in humor. 

As for the types of classes, if you’re a pro, you’ll probably want to opt for the Tangerine Flow+ or the Slow Burn over the basic flow. While still great, the moves in the flow class are very much entry to intermediate level, and there isn’t a lot of time or space created for inversions and personal practice. In either class though, you can expect a good amount of attention paid to all the core muscle groups: abs, arms, and legs. 

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Inside the studio, your mats will be laid out for you, and blocks and towels are provided. The mats have pretty good traction, though you can pay to rent a special non-stick towel if you need it. As for the temperature, 90-degrees is warm, but the radiant heating panels, which simulate the heat of the sun, actually feel kinda great. It’s like a taking a tropical vacation in the middle of winter. 

The space itself is small and often overpacked. During peak times, expect to be two inches away from your neighbor. The sense of community is palpable; we just wish they would cap classes instead of maximizing every square inch. 

We think Tangerine’s delightful blend of modern LA crunchiness and traditional yogic teachings is worth the trek, just keep in mind the whole hot-yoga-no-shower thing. Our recommendation is to take a class on a weekend, sweat out the night before, and then head to Mile End or Shelsky’s for a quality bagel.

A hot yoga studio for those who value good vibes, peace of mind, and free almonds.

Tangerine Hot Power Yoga is a hot yoga studio with very chill vibes in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn.

Tangerine Hot Power Yoga

Hit House is a great place to punch it out, but it’s also a very legitimate Muay Thai Fitness Studio. The instructors here are so knowledgeable—especially the founder, Tyler—and, as a result, you’ll feel like you’re both learning and accomplishing something. It’s definitely fitness, but we’ve found them to be mindful with words.

We’ve found Pilates Rebels instructor, Helen Phelan, to be really honest when it comes to the fitness industry, body image issues, and the like. Plus, she’s a really good pilates instructor. If you’re in Brooklyn, you can find her at Session NYC. If you’re in Manhattan, take her class at Project by Equinox. She’s a gem.


Pilates Rebels

Instructors at Forward Space are extremely conscious about their language, and that’s a welcome relief from the too-many-to-count dance cardio studios where phrases like “reach for that six-pack” are on heavy rotation. Forward Space is all about the beat, the vibe, the dark room, and moving for joy.

Studios that are mindful with their words and intentional in their ethos.

Places to Move When You Don’t Want to Hear the Phrase "Summer Body"

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Many of the best fitness studios are escapes that feel like a full-on luxury suite. You’re greeted the moment you walk in, the spaces look like they’re out of Architectural Digest, and the amenities are good enough to almost make you forget how much you’re paying for a 1-hour fitness class. Plus, it’s New York City, and it’s always exciting to go to a place that features a bathroom bigger than your entire apartment. 

So, hear us out when we say one of the best fitness escapes in New York City costs $10, takes place in a public school—a park in the summer—and still maintains a solid cool factor.

Downtown Girls Basketball, a roving basketball team for self-identified women, meets up once a week. Led by Aria McManus, a super skilled and very encouraging coach, Downtown Girls Basketball is a barebones operation with just a couple of basketballs and a portable scoreboard for equipment.

For what the experience lacks in pizazz, it makes up for in community, energy, and the opportunity to truly move around. It’s exhilarating to run around the court when ~fitness~ so often occurs in your pre-assigned spot in a small studio.

The group attracts a wide variety of skill-levels and players: there are women who played in college and women who last played in their middle school rec league. Aria’s warmth and the all-female nature help to create a camp-like atmosphere where everyone is playing to win, but with the kind of down-to-earth spirit you’d want. You’ll never feel like you’re letting the team down if you aren’t the MVP, or if you’re objectively the LVP.

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Downtown creatives, models, and Cool People make up Downtown Girls Basketball, but pretty much everyone here is down to make new friends. After all, they’re showing up to ball with strangers. In other words, the group isn’t clique-y in a way that your high school team may have been.

The 90 minute sessions start with warmups and then moves on to drills, before a series of five on five games, lasting five minutes each. The evening ends with a sudden death challenge: you shoot baskets and only one woman ends up with the final rose. You’ll see a lot of the same faces week after week, but there’s no commitment involved and team players are free to attend when they can. Plus, Downtown Girls Basketball has been around since 2013, which by NYC standards basically makes it an institution. 

If we had to describe the vibe it would be shooters shoot. Show up and do your best, just be sure to be nice to people. Everyone is here to have fun, and it’s hard not to have fun when you get to run around and throw a ball in the air. There’s no heavy handed instruction, no fitness goals, just a space and time to ball. Of course, there’s always the woman who takes things a little too seriously and thinks they’re auditioning for the WNBA, but she’ll get the hint eventually.

You’ll leave having worked up a real sweat, so get ready to sport flushed cheeks and a dose of humility. Shoot hoops and let down your guard, unless you’re on guard. In which case, keep your man in check.

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Downtown

Downtown Girls Basketball is like recess for adult women.

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Downtown Girls Basketball is a team for self-identified women, led by Aria McManus, that meets once a week to shoot hoops.

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Forward Space

Downtown Girls Basketball

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Places to Move When You Don’t Want to Hear the Phrase "Summer Body"

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The Class

Recent Reviews

Ballet1

Forward Space

Downtown Girls Basketball

Skip the gym:Where to Work Out When You Don't Feel Like Working Out

Recent Guides

The Play List: New Fitness Studio Openings in NYC

Spin: Places to Cycle Besides SoulCycle and Flywheel

Places to Move When You Don’t Want to Hear the Phrase "Summer Body"

Stay active. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay Active. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Skip the gym:
Where to Work Out When You Don't Feel Like Working Out

The Play List:
New Fitness Studio Openings in NYC

Spin:
Places to Cycle Besides SoulCycle and Flywheel