A lot of people see the start of summer as a time to start hitting the gym fast and furiously to get that ever-elusive beach body. Not us. We see the season of gloriously great weather as a chance get out of the gym and get outside. And hey, if there’s a chance to work out while we’re out there under the sun, even better. Here are five outdoor workouts that will get you focused on getting fit in the fabulous fresh air.
Yoga on the Lawn at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
This once a summer yoga event has grown into a great kick off to summer over the past 5+ years. Definitely the most fun way to get your ohm on and enjoy the outdoors, the 75 minute yoga sesh combines great instruction, tons of swag and bonding with fellow yogies. Grab your best gal pal or even your daughter or son for some healthy bonding time and bring your mat to the J. It's FREE and open to the community!
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly, Sunday, June 10th 9am-10:30am, RSVP recommended by clicking here
Cyclists of all levels can join one of the weekly Sunday morning rides that start in Franklin Lakes. The ride kicks off at 8am, runs two hours and will have you cruising by parks, lakes, and landscapes while pedaling your butt off. And if you don’t belong to Life Time, don’t worry. Non-members are welcome as well. Just bring your bike and helmet. If a multi-mile ride is too much of a commitment, you can take one of the gym’s many indoor cycling classes. (But that’s so not as fun!)
Rides start at 8am on Sundays. Contact the Montvale location for deets.
If biking isn't your thing, Life Time has an easy going social run every Tuesday night where participants of all ages and abilities can choose various routes that will have you clocking between 1.5 and 6 miles in an evening. It’s an excellent way to train for a 5K, a marathon or anything in between. Running with a group is a big-time motivator and the club's coaches teach runners everything from strategies to race-training tips.
Life Time Run’s social runs take place Tuesday nights at 6:30pm at various area clubs.
Genuine Self Wellness Outdoor Club
If you're thinking "Me? Rock climb? No thanks," then you haven't met climbing and fitness extraordinaire Anyssa Lucena. She's all about teaching women about the thrill and the inspiration of pushing past their pesky little comfort zones (and rock climbing is usually well, well, past it). Anyssa offers weekday and weekend climbing and hiking trips for all ages and experience, and abilities and makes sure that the focus is on the rock and the natural movement so that all those other worries seem to melt away. (Sounds dreamy, actually.) Climbers meet in the morning and carpool to together and Anyssa provides all of the gear and equipment in addition to instruction during her guided climbs. Here's hoping by end of the summer we can call ourselves rock-climbing rock stars.
To get the scoop on future climbs or to register, contact Anyssa Lucena at 917.363.0640 or [email protected]
Powerflow Yoga’s “Yoga Under the Stars”
After a day of work, taking care of the kids, or just running a million errands, does anything sound better than some breezy yoga after the sun goes down? Led by top instructors from nearby Powerflow Yoga, this weekly summer series is held outside of the studio on Friday evenings where yogis guide you through a hot Powerflow Vinyasa class for just $10 a pop (or you can use a PFY session if you belong to the studio). They turn up the music, come up with a different and fun theme each week and then it’s time to get your downward dog on. Just bring your mat, towel, and water and get ready to feel the ohm all night long.
Hour-long classes run every Friday night at 8pm through August 31 at Powerflow Yoga in Clifton. Register here.
TailorMade Bodiez Bootcamp on the Waterfront
This team of professional trainers with studios in Edgewater and Cliffside just kicked off their summer outdoor bootcamp classes with (bonus!) water views on Saturday mornings. The hour-long sessions are meant to help you cut body fat, tone, and shape, and trainers promise personalized attention meant to get you closer to your fitness goals. Well, whatever happens, any bootcamp classes we’ve ever tried have kicked our butts, so chances are you’ll get something out of it.
Email them for info on signing up at [email protected] or find details here. $20 per class or $75 pre-paid 4-class pack. Sessions start at 9:30am on Saturdays.
