Free Adult Summer Fitness Programs
Photo by Etienne Frossard
This program has ended for the year. Please check back in Spring 2010 for updated information.
Take advantage of the coolest parts of hot summer days—mornings and evenings—to get fit in a park near you. Beautiful scenery mixed with free, fun fitness: Opportunities like this are what makes New York the finest city around!
Classes are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Please call ahead to confirm.
Shape Up New York
July 6 through August 22, 2009
Join our free fitness program for the whole family. There are various classes and activities to choose from. No pre–registration is required. All classes are one hour in length.
Step Out, New York City
May 4 through August 28, 2009
Participants in this fitness program for individuals and whole families meet at locations around the city to take part in organized 1 1/2– to 2–mile walks. They receive a pedometer to track their mileage and a t–shirt to highlight their commitment to fitness.
Adult Lap Swimming
July 6 through September 4, 2009
Monday–Friday
Early Bird Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Night Owl Hours: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The 27th annual outdoor adult lap swim program will give adults the chance to take to the water for health and fitness without interruption from other swimmers. Participants who swim 25 miles or more over the summer will receive a free t–shirt, and prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women distance swimmers at each pool program.
Senior Splash Summer Program
July 7 through August 28, 2009
Times Vary by Location
Sponsored by Parks & Recreation, Catholic Charities, and Queens Community Board #1, this program offers water exercise classes, swim instruction, water ballet, and special activities for senior citizens and mentally and physically challenged persons. The program is open to everyone over the age of 55, as well as those with physical and developmental disabilities.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront Workouts with the Fitness Guru
July through August 2009
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
The Fitness Guru returns with Pilates Mat classes! Join Guress Lawson Harris and her team as they teach you to properly activate the muscles of your abdomen and back to create an incredible amount of stability in your torso. Pilates is designed to restore the natural curvature of the spine while rebalancing the muscles around the joints.
Bryant Park
Tai Chi
April through October 2009
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
Tai Chi and Eternal Spring are instructed by members of the Tai Chi Chuan Center. Classes are for all ages and experience levels. Classes are rain or shine.
Yoga
May through August 2009
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Awaken the body’s potential with revitalizing movement, stretching, breathing, and poses. Some of yoga’s benefits include weight loss, deeper sleep, release from pain and arthritis, and a more youthful appearance. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Mats are provided.
Fort Tryon Park
Sunset Qi Gong Classes
June 1 through September 14, 2009
Mondays, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
With experienced instructor. Wear comfortable clothing.
Sunrise Tai Chi Classes
June 1 through September 14, 2009
Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m.–7:30 a.m.
With experienced instructor. Wear comfortable clothing.
Sunset Yoga
June 10 through September 2
Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m.–8:00 p.m..
With experienced instructor. Please arrive early, wear comfortable clothing, bring a towel or yoga mat, and water.
Weekend Fitness Walking Program
Year–Round
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Join us for one hour of walking, stretching, strengthening, and body toning using only the park, our own bodies, and gravity. All levels welcome; we modify to meet your level of ability. These walks are year–round.
Riverside Park South
Kayaking on the Hudson
May 16 through October 11, 2009
Saturday & Sunday , 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join the Downtown Boathouse for 20–minute instructional paddles, and explore the Hudson River firsthand. Please wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t–shirt, and know how to swim!
Pilates–Mat Class
June 9 through August 25, 2009
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
This total body workout is a great way to develop superior muscle power and tone — all with a beautiful view of the Hudson! Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring your own mat.
Yoga–Evening Salute to the Sun
June 3 through September 23, 2009
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
End your day with relaxing Hatha Yoga in a beautiful sunset setting. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.
Fort Totten Park
Fitness Walk Along the Water
May through October 2009
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
Adults, please join us for a healthy way to start your day. We will be walking along scenic Joe Michael's Mile and participating in other fitness activities along the way. Sponsored by The Fitness Consultant. Participants will receive free pedometers (while supplies last).
Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk
Boogie Woogie Weight Loss
June through August 2009
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Cardio class for all ages and fitness levels designed to burn calories and get energized.
Wake Up and Stretch
June through August 2009
Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
This fitness class for all ages combines yoga and stretching to strengthen your core and improve balance.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Yoga in the Park
May 9 through September 19, 2009
Saturdays
First session: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Second session: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Socrates offers free Kripalu Yoga, a system of Hatha Yoga that integrates body postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation. Taught by Monique Schubert, participants are encouraged to integrate their yoga practices with this very special waterfront environment of nature and art. Suitable for all experience levels. Participants should bring a mat or towel. Rain or shine.
Capoeira in the Park
May 9 through September 19, 2009
Saturdays, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Capoeira is a lively martial art that originated in Brazil over 450 years ago. Self–defense techniques are concealed by graceful dance moves and spectacular acrobatics set to music. Taught by Professor Abará, classes are designed for all experience levels. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Rain or shine.
Pilates in the Park
May 10 through September 20, 2009
Sundays, 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.
Classical Pilates encourages proper breathing, spinal alignment, core strengthening, muscle flexibility, and balance in the body. Taught by Courtnie Vitali participants will leave feeling empowered and stress free. Rain or shine.
Tai Chi in the Park
May 10 through September 20, 2009
Sundays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Led by members of the Taoist Tai Chi Society, participants will have the opportunity to relax and exercise among the changing exhibitions of contemporary outdoor sculpture. Classes are designed for all experience levels. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Rain or shine.
Boating in Hallets Cove
May 17 through October 25, 2009
Sundays
In partnership with Long Island City Community Boathouse (LICCB) and Partnerships for Parks, Socrates hosts free boating in Hallets Cove run by LICCB. Participants are invited to kayak and canoe from Socrates Sculpture Park's beach. An adult must accompany participants under 18 years of age. For tide schedule and more information, check out LICCB's website, www.licboathouse.org or call (718) 228–9214 to reach the hotline. Weather permitting.