In New York, there’s so much to see, do and, let’s be honest, eat that it’s hard to find time to work off last night’s cheesecake. But one of the best things about New York is its amazing public spaces that take your workout outside and combine history, culture, nature and physical fitness! In this post, we’ve combined historical Manhattan parks, crisp fall weather, and all kinds of different activities to jump-start your calorie burn.
Central Park
Central Park is the grand-daddy of public spaces and was America’s first major public park. City planners knew that open space would improve public health and civic society. Opening in 1858, this urban park runs between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and from 59th Street to 110th Street. Central Park is home to 58 miles of pedestrian paths and an additional 4.5 miles of bridle trail. If the obvious solo run or walk isn’t your ideal exercise, there are many group classes and events in Central Park. Choose from yoga, running groups, pick up basketball games, or even bouldering. The options are pretty much endless.
The Hudson River Park
The Hudson River Park is the longest riverfront park in the entire United States. Its creation transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots along Manhattan’s West Side into a beautiful recreational paradise. Running from W. 59th Street to Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip, this 500 acre, water-front park and marine estuary is chock full of things to do. Options include tennis, baseball, kayaking, and for the more adventurous, trapeze. If you can brave the fall temperatures, go barefoot for a game of beach volleyball on Pier 25’s sand courts.
The High Line
New York’s newest smash hit park is the High Line. This park sits on what were formerly New York Central Railroad elevated train tracks dating to the early 20th century. By the 1990s the tracks were abandoned, in serious disrepair and slated for demolition. Luckily In 1999 the Friends of the High Line, a non-profit conservancy, stepped in to save the space and repurpose it as a park. Today the High Line is an elevated 1.45 mile-long greenway featuring over 500 species of plants and trees. It stretches from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District – through Chelsea to the northern edge of the West Side Yard on 34th Street. The park’s long and elevated stature makes it ideal for jogging or walking uninterrupted through the middle of the bustling city. Love to dance? Don’t miss “Arriba!”. The salsa music and dance events bring out the sounds of local salsa legends and masterful dance teachers who give lessons, turning the park into an open-air dance floor. Or if you’re craving more mellow activity, each Tuesday evening the High Line organizes “Stargazing” a romantic walk along the park and a chance to take a closer look at the stars.
https://www.thehighline.org/
Bryant Park
While its geographic size may be diminutive by comparison to other NYC parks, Bryant Park knows how to pack a punch. Manhattan’s Town Square, aka Bryant Park, first became a public park way back in 1870. Adjacent to the New York City Public Library, this 9.6-acre gem is located between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas, and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown. Surrounded by skyscrapers and famous for its lush seasonal gardens and free activities, Bryant Park is a true urban oasis. Get your sweat on with a massive range of guided activities. Choose from boot camp, yoga, Capoeira, fencing, Pilates and more. Starting October 31, Bryant Park is also home to NYC’s only free admission ice skating rink, so don’t forget to bring your skates!
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel is just as iconic to Midtown Manhattan as many of the other historic and cultural attractions in the area. Not only are our rooms comfortable and tasteful, we provide amenities such as a full salon, coffee shop, and exercise room. We also host the American Cut Midtown steakhouse, perfect for a business lunch or dinner on a special occasion. We look forward to hosting you.
