Whether you’re a life-long New Yorker or someone who just moved to the big city- one thing that may surprise both groups is the variety of fitness options in the city. It’s amazing how many unique boutiques there are; if you’re into a type and form of fitness (or not even sure what kind you’re into yet), you best believe it’s waiting for you in the city somewhere.

Part of getting the most out of the New York lifestyle is finding your form of fitness. This will keep you physically and mentally balanced, healthy, and energized as you compete with the chaos of city life, work, and crazy New Yorkers.

Believe me- as someone who’s lived his youth and early adulthood here: if you want to live a happy life in New York City, look at fitness as a necessity and not a luxury.

That being said, what people don’t understand is that the cookie-cutter, commercial gym scene isn’t for everybody. Here in the city they are definitely the most accessible (they make up about 70% of gyms here), and most affordable. However to stay engaged and motivated in your fitness journey long term, you may need to take the unconventional approach.

In this article we’ll explore some of the best up and coming (and highly rated) fitness studios, offering an idea of the variety available in the city. Hopefully in the process you find one that fits your New York lifestyle perfectly!

The Tracy Anderson Method

241 E 59th St. New York, NY 10022

Between 2nd & 3rd Aves

 The Tracy Anderson Method is a fitness program coined by (you guessed it) Tracy Anderson- A well-known trainer who’s instructed numerous stars such as Shakira, Penelope Cruz, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Her approach to training is focused on strengthening smaller accessory muscles in order to sculpt a leaner, more defined physique- not unlike that of a dancer. 

Her studio encompasses dance-cardio classes and strength-training mat workouts designed to define the muscles using muscle endurance techniques (light weight, high reps). While not as intense as most courses, Tracy Anderson’s Method is ideally performed 6 days a week for at least 1 hour each day. Any way you slice it, her program(s) require a time commitment, some classes ranging from 4 to 7 days a week. While to some this may seem excessive, Anderson stands by this level of frequency, claiming the consistency and results clients achieve are hard won.  

This training definitely has its fans, many clients claim that it’s their “happy place” finding both fun and focus in this unique form of fitness. If your goal aesthetically is the physique of a dancer, and are willing to commit to an upscale, effective form of fitness- The Tracy Anderson Method may be a great place to start.  

Body Evolutions

East Village - 266 East 10th Street New York, NY 10009

Created in 2001 by Billy Macagnone), the Body Evolutions studio in the East village boasts one of the largest and well equipped Gyrotonic studios in Manhattan. After studying closely under Juliu Horvath, the creator of the gyrotonic system, Billy brought this unique style of training to the Big Apple in an upscale, newly renovated studio.

If you’re not familiar, Gyrotonic exercise focuses on movements that progressively challenge joint mobility. Ultimately the circular, multi-directional exercises keep you better protected from injuries and micro-traumas by improving the spine's functional capabilities.

Body Evolutions has over 12 tower stations, 2 jumping stretch boards, leg extension units, a GYROTONER, and “the Perfect Archway”. 

If you’re interested in strengthening your physical foundation, Body Evolutions may be for you. Their focus isn’t on breaking the body down but rather opening it; actively promoting awareness, fun, physical relaxation, and greater acquaintance with nature.

Tone House

 32 E 31st St New York, NY 10016

Tone house is a great experience for any with aspirations of bringing out their “inner athlete”. They’ve perfected the art and science of athletic-based, strength conditioning training. At their modern, spacious facility you can enjoy team-oriented, challenging, fun group fitness classes designed to improve your fitness level- no matter which level you start from. 

Tone House offers strength programs that utilize traditional compound exercises (squat, bench, deadlift, etc.) for strength, endurance and mass.

Their conditioning program targets movement training in different planes of motion, creating a dynamic workout that expends considerable amounts of energy in a short amount of time.

Tone house offers much more; they have annual challenges (TFRT: Train, Fuel, Recover Transform), Turf Wars, and the Lift Off weightlifting competition. 

This studio offers ample opportunity to connect with others through intense athletic group training- take a trip downtown and unlock the faster, stronger athlete in you!

Lyons Den Power Yoga

267 W 17th St  2nd Floor New York, NY 10011

Lyons Den Power yoga is one of the premier hot yoga studios in New York City. This studio comes highly recommended for many reasons; it’s a very well heated studio, with great playlists, challenging flows, and an upbeat energy. 

Just as important as the class itself are the instructors who have been described as very thoughtful and patient. They will take the time to walk you through each pose while making you feel like a pro- even if you’re new to hot yoga. 

Lyons Den is a good opportunity to fully experience the benefits of hot yoga such as increased flexibility, stress reduction, high calorie expenditure, and much more.

Because of limited studio space it’s highly recommended that you book your class in advance, however if there is space walk-ins are welcome.

CrossFit East River

 647 E 9th St New York, NY 10009

CrossFit East River is a gym located in the East Village neighborhood of New York City. The gym is equipped to introduce rookies to the world of CrossFit or provide vets the tools they need to progress in their fitness journey. 

They boast a 2,500-square-foot facility that offers CrossFit classes, personal training, and nutrition coaching. Crossfit East River has a heavy emphasis on community. Many gym-goers have been thoroughly surprised by how extremely warm, friendly, and kind the coaches and regulars are. 

The coaches in particular are very attentive, patient, and knowledgeable, and they provide personal attention to each athlete. The gym offers great equipment belts available for heavier lifts and PRs. CrossFit East River offers a variety of classes, including CrossFit, Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and mobility. Regardless of the form of fitness you choose, the training is intense and WILL get you results. The best part is that you’ll do it alongside a group of athletes who’ll support you all along the way.

If you’re looking for a positive, inclusive group fitness setting that motivates you to get stronger and become your best athlete, Crossfit East River may be the perfect fit for you.  

Mile High Run Club

 NOMAD 24 W 25th St. New York, NY 10010

Mile High Run Club is a running studio that cardio enthusiasts would call a runner’s paradise. The studio has the formula to keep runners engaged; the energy is always high with pulsing lights and a solid playlists all synced to your pace. The workouts are specifically high intensity intervals designed to get you fitter and faster. The coaches and fellow gym-goers are positive and supportive. And ultimately while you’re enjoying yourself you’re getting results in the same breadth. 

Certified trainers will take you through intervals, hills, and strength training during classes of various lengths. The run club also promotes a weekly 90-minute outdoor run, with pace groups of varying levels, planned routes, and turnaround points for those looking for shorter runs.

If you also like cycling, the Run Club has Ride & Run classes that push your cardio limits with 30 minutes of indoor cycling followed by speed-work and drills on the treadmill. Mile high literally has everything you need to get in the best cardiovascular shape of your life. They offer Marathon and half-Marathon programs to help you improve your run times, 45 minute cardio/ strength training, quick 30 minute speed sessions and more. 

The gym have multiple locations throughout the city; NOHO, NOMAD, even one in Montvale NJ. 

Aqua Studio NYC

 12 W 27th St #10 New York, NY 10001

The last fitness center on this list is certainly not the least, but maybe the most unique option for sure. Aqua Studio NYC is a boutique fitness studio in TriBeCa and as its name suggests, it offers unique workouts in saltwater pools. It’s a tri-level boutique that offers high-performance fitness with all the comfort and atmosphere you’d expect from a modern, health-conscious club. Prices for a single session is $35 for first-timers, which is a steal for this form of fitness.

The most popular (and unique) workout is Aquacycling, which is a cycling class performed in four feet of water. Aqua Studio incorporates custom spin bikes designed to give gym-goers a total cardio experience with all of the advantages of aquatic fitness.  It is an intense full-body workout with the added benefit of low-impact, making it easy on the joints.

 If you’re not into cycling, the studio has multiple other classes such as Aquabarre and AquaHIIT. On top of the equipment and classes, this gym has a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, along with a commitment to making cardio exercise accessible to everyone. 

 These options only scratch the surface of what’s available in the city for staying active, healthy and social. There is something for everyone- whether you prefer something budget friendly or a luxurious studio, you can find the fitness that suits your ideal lifestyle.