Sure the New Year is upon us, and we’ve all been promising ourselves to resolve a few things. The most popular one by far has gotta be staying in shape (we’ve all got that pinch of vanity in us). To help you out with getting your booty in gear, here are some nearby resources we encourage you to try:
New York Sports Clubs – It’s been in the neighborhood for years, and my personal choice for sweating it out, they have great classes (even Vbarre!) and new, state-of-the-art machines. To help you with your decision, they’re throwing in an incentive of a free month of January to start off your yearly membership. 38-11 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.932.1400
Cross Fit – For something really intense (and effective), CrossFit offers the structure of small group classes that focus on building strength and endurance to maintain a healthy shape. They’ll also teach you helpful things about healthy nutrition, keeping your motivation up throughout the year. Packages start at $150. 18-31 27th Avenue, Astoria. 646.801.4237
Anthea Yoga – After all that sweating, your body also needs relaxation and recuperation, and yoga is the way to do it. Aside from active as well as more relaxing classes such as Ashtanga, Power Flow, Vinyasa or Alignment, they also have special workshops, such as an upcoming one on abundance meditation. 34-01 45th Street, LIC. 718.606.0049
Simply Fit Astoria – If Zumba and dance are more your speed, Simply Fit has four different Zumba options and other styles of movement such as Piloxing, Bokwa, Cardio Kickboxing, and even Boot Camp. They’re running a special promotion on the latter right now, so if you’re looking for motivation, this is a 6 week intense 45 minute program, which runs for $60-$100. 37-16 Astoria Blvd, Astoria. 347.639.0489
Pink Sneaker – Another great place to look into if you love dance, the Pink Sneaker, an all-women studio features active classes such as Zumba, Belly Dance, Cardio Kickboxing, Cardio/Abs and more. Open on Saturdays and otherwise all week except Sundays, it’s a great way to let out your energy and learn some new moves. Classes are priced at $12 for an individual class or $50 for a 5-hour package. 46-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.866.8181
Image credit: The Pink Sneaker; ilanharelphotography
Really? NYSC gets a mention but not Planet Fitness? If we’re going for big names, as opposed to specifically Astoria based gyms, you gotta mention Planet Fitness. It’s RIDICULOUSLY cheap. If classes are your main focus then you’ll be disappointed. However, if you want a gym with a decent amount of cardio and weight machines that won’t cost you a ton they’re a great option. Also if you do the $19.99 a month black card option you get unlimited tanning, massage chairs, and daily guests. If you’re a couple, or have a good friend, and always go together to the gym that’s a great deal. It’s also open 24 hours a day during the week.
CrossFit Dynamix is another great gym on 20th Ave and 36th Street. There are packages that are a great deal for a CrossFit gym and the community is amazingly tight, welcoming and encouraging. Constantly varied functional movement done at high intensity has never been as much fun.
Also Astoria Sports Complex– when I joined, it was $99 for a year’s membership plus a $60 joining fee. $159 FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. Their facilities are clean, they have some classes (I don’t really take advantage of them), and they have plenty of equipment.
They also have a pool for an additional $365 a year.
Thanks for your enthusiasm, guys. Planet Fitness is a good one for sure – I just go to NYSC so it’s the first one I thought of. All good ideas above, thank you!