Former Girl Scout and lifelong nature aficionado, Kaitlin McGovern, doles out tips on how to enjoy the great outdoors in any urban environment. This week, she talks about getting some exercise for free in NYC.
One of my absolute favorite things to do outside is pretty simple: exercise! As a young professional on a budget, I know joining a gym can be costly. Instead of going through the hassle of committing to a yearlong gym membership, I choose to get my daily dose of exercise outside (and for free)! There are practically an unlimited number of ways to make NYC your gym.
Let’s start with the things you can do almost anywhere: go for a run or walk! Every borough of New York has diverse and interesting neighborhoods. If you like to run, try heading to unfamiliar places on your route. You’ll get some exercise and get to explore! If you’re like me and prefer a nice jog (or, let’s be honest, a brisk walk), grab a pal and survey the city while working out. In addition to staying healthy, you’ll get to people watch and bond with a friend. If the city streets are too crowded for your taste, you can walk or run in one of the city’s beautiful public parks.
Parks are also a great place for a bike ride. If you don’t have a bike but want to ride one, there is a simple solution: every Friday in the summer, Governors Island has an event called Free Bike Friday. For up to one hour, you can rent a bike (and helmet) free of charge. If you need a specialty bicycle, they also rent those for a moderate fee. Oh, and did I mention the ferry to Governors Island is free, too? Click here for more information.
After you ride your bike, why not sit on the grass and play a game with some friends? You can bring some simple sporting equipment like Frisbees, balls, and jump ropes. This is an awesome way to exercise because you’ll be having so much fun, you’ll forget you’re working out!
If you’re alone, why not try some outdoor yoga? I love it when I can stretch my muscles and enjoy the sunshine. It’s the perfect way to relax and exercise at the same time. Grab a mat, or sit on the grass, and strike a pose!
With so many different options, getting an outdoor workout is simple. There are a ton of options and there is definitely something for everyone. The hardest part about exercise is starting, so pick a day and time and commit to getting outside. Once you’re there, the possibilities are endless!
