Fit and Healthy in NYC: Part 3 {The Lifestyle}

Well hello there!  I have to say that as the days get shorter and shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, I feel a little sad that it is going to be awhile before I can spend a lot of time outside again.  We have beautiful weather in the northeast provided it is not the winter.  My ideal situation would be to live here 6 months out of the year and live somewhere else during the winter.  Actually, it does not even have to be a full 6 months.  I can survive the holidays but come January/February/March and sometimes even April…get me outta here!  At least there are no polar vortexs predicted for this winter!

Anyway, with all that being said, when there is nice weather in NYC, we really luck out because there are so many great options to get outside and be active.  You might think that living in the concrete jungle means a lack of fresh air and nature, but in fact, there are plenty of things to do to stay active.  And luckily, even when its cold, there are some great indoor opportunities to stay active.  Join me in staying Fit and Healthy in NYC: Part 3 {The Lifestyle}. (P.S. If you missed Part 1 {The Food} and Part 2 {The Fitness}, check them out here and here!).

1.  Central Park– The most iconic and most obvious place to stay active in NYC. New Yorkers use this patch of green for everything from running, walking, cycling and rollerblading to tennis, baseball, frisbee and bootcamp classes.  Although it can be crowded, the park is so well kept and beautiful that it’s worth jostling for a position.

2. Palisades Park– Technically in New Jersey, the Palisades Park is a short drive (or run or bike if you are ambitious) over the George Washington Bridge.  While Central Park offers beauty and convenience, the Palisades are geared towards serious athletes.  The hills here are intense. Expect to see marathoners, triathletes and serious cyclists here. Know the road rules, bring water and sustenance and enjoy the views of the Hudson.

3.  Hudson River Park– The Hudson River Park stretches all the way up and down the West Side Highway offering virtually uninterrupted pavement for runners, walkers, cyclists and more.  The route is 11 miles from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge, where there are also tennis courts.

4. Chelsea Piers– Chelsea Piers is the largest sporting complex in NYC. Aside from a huge gym (which requires membership) offering a pool, running track, beach volleyball court, basketball court and boxing ring, the complex has a golfing range, a bowling alley and an ice rink to name a few things.  There is also gymnastics and baseball and so much more!

5.  Billie Jean King Tennis Center– You have to trek to Queens for this one but it’s well worth it.  Here you can play tennis on the same courts used by tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal during the US Open.  The complex is huge and while court time isn’t cheap, the facilities are fantastic.  Indoor and outdoor courts are available making it ideal for year round play.

6. Asphalt Green – A huge athletic center that includes an Olympic size pool, a large outdoor athletic field and track and a gym that spans several floors.  This Upper East Side location is great for families but has plenty to offer for adults as well.

Readers, what is your favorite park or other place to be active in your home town?  Do you spend a lot of time being active outdoors?