Have you been longing for a place to work out that is close to your home but haven’t been really willing to do the leg work (pun intended)?
The winter was long and cruel, we give you that. But with the temperatures rising, you have no more excuses not to be in the best shape of your life. So trade your pints for pounds of dumbbells at one of these sweaty establishments at least a couple of times a week, and we promise the results will be palpable not only on your body but also on your mind! Here’s our ultimate guide to fitness in Bushwick, East Williamsburg and Ridgewood!
THE CLASSIC: The traditional, zero frills type
#1 Richie’s Gym: The original
5419 Myrtle Ave, Bushwick
Richie’s Gym has a loyal, old-school following. It’s a classic in the sense that it has everything you need to get the job done and nothing extra, which is part of its charm. If pumping iron is your thing, Richie’s Gym is your place. In the words of one Yelper: “Everyone here is ripped…like prison yard at 12pm ripped….Oh and there is a sign refraining people from wearing timberlands on the treadmills, lol ”
#2 Planet Fitness: No judgement zone for a really great price
329 Wyckoff Ave & 777 Broadway
Planet Fitness is a great gym if you’re new to exercise or not ready to commit to a gym. The company proudly expresses its “judgement free zone” attitude towards exercise (Planet Fitness made news recently when they cancelled woman’s membership after her transgender complaint). The membership is only $10/month, which buys you access to a wide variety of exercise equipment 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. With two Bushwick locations, Planet Fitness is probably the gym with the highest number of members who have never actually been.
#3 Ridgewood YMCA: “It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A!”
69-02 64th Street, Ridgewood
The Ridgewood YMCA is housed inside a beautiful building dating back to the 1930’s when it served as the Queens Courthouse. This is a super-family friendly gym. The membership includes a variety of classes from cardio to yoga, as well as one free training session with a personal trainer. This location doesn’t have a pool but with an upgraded membership you’ll have access to other YMCA’s in Manhattan, many of which have pools!
THE YOGI: For the “om” within all of us. Bushwick is a yogi heaven.
#1 DAYA Yoga: Where kindness and compassion are essential
360 Jefferson St, Bushwick
Daya Yoga encompasses a variety of yoga classes with a strong focus on Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Anusara. They offer a new Student Special: 6 classes for $30, 2 weeks unlimited for $40, or 4 weeks unlimited for $80.
#2 The Loom Yoga: Weaving the mind, body, and spirit
1087 Flushing Ave, East Williamsburg
Loom Yoga provides a platform for every type of yogi to connect with likeminded individuals who want to enhance their practice. If it’s relaxation you seek check out their massage services. Newbies can enjoy four weeks of unlimited classes for $40.
#3 GoodYoga: Seriously good yoga right off Jefferson L train stop
36 Wyckoff Ave, Bushwick
A really convenient location (right off the Jefferson L stop) that offers Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Pilates Fusion classes. And the name, guys, doesn’t lie. Therapeutic and restorative are common elements at GoodYoga, to ease those aches and pains.
#4 Jai Yoga Arts: The friendliest studio on the block
47 Thames St, East Williamsburg
All Flow and Easy Flow is the primary yoga classes you can take at Jai Yoga Arts with an emphasis on meditation and breathing exercises. The studio has a fun, relaxed vibe, so it’s perfect for beginners. Newbie special: 3 weeks $30.
#5 Bhati Studio: Art, yoga, massage, events
1099 Flushing Ave, East Williamsburg
Bhati Studio serves as a yoga studio, art exhibit, and event space. Among the regular curated yoga classes is a martial arts based self-defense class. If you’re a morning yogi check out Ounce of Yoga a morning session held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30am. Newbies can enjoy one week of unlimited classes for $25. Guillerma Moreno, Bhati’s owner, is an excellent masseuse, and to skip a session under her healing hands would be a crime.
The Hardcore: Sculpt your body with crossfit
#1 Bushwick Crossfit: The birthplace of paleo
10 Wilson Ave, Bushwick
When you join Crossfit you become a part of a small, tight knit community where encouragement and positivity are always a high-five away. They have become (in)famous for the W.O.D (workout of the day), which is lead by experienced coaches. The daily workouts vary depending on the day of the week but generally focus on high intensity strength and cardio training. Free introduction classes take place every Tuesday night at 8pm and Saturday afternoons at 11am.
#2 Crossfit DeBO: Work out in a warehouse!
306 Stagg St, East Williamsburg
Wanna work out in an East Williamsburg warehouse and get in the best shape of your life? Crossfit DeBO (formerly Caype Athletics) is co-owned by Gus Fotiou and Joel Willis. Gus, dear friends, is no newbie to Bushwick. Together with his business partner Danny Teran, he co-owns Wheelhouse where they make the most delicious grilled cheese ever. But don’t except any cheese at DeBO. Expect to get some seriously great workout done with one of several trainers at the gym, Joel Willis being the head coach and a proven crossfit maniac. Moreover, their prices are more than favorable!
#3 Crossfit Breed: The best price for a crossfit workout
63-49 60th Pl, Ridgewood
Crossfit Breed is a very down-to-Earth crossfit studio located in Ridgewood, owned by Coach Hutch who resigned as a bus operator from the New York City Transit Authority after 13 years of service to follow his passion, crossfit. Not only we love a good “follow your dreams” story, Crossfit Breed also offers amazing prices of membership of $160/month plus they have a great special for couples and partners–$150 each/month.
THE CONTEMPORARY: The following are for the fearless, “i’ll try anything once,” wheatgrass shots for life fitness lover
#1 Green Fitness Studio: This gym has it all and then…a living rooftop!
232 Varet St, East Williamsburg
This gym is setting an awe-inspiring example of how eco-friendly can work for any business, even a gym! It is eco-friendly from the bamboo floors to the paperless membership contract. Green Fitness Studio offers a wide variety of fitness classes including: TRX, circuit training, mixed martial arts, boxing, Insanity, yoga, pilates, and core training, to name a few. If you are feeling stressed from livin’ that big city life they also have a spa, which offers everything from facials and deep tissue massages, to hair removal. Green Fitness Studio is a home to 7-week all-around awesome program, Liberation.
#2 Fit & Flow: This is where the magic happens
65 Maspeth Ave, East Williamsburg
Fit and Flow is a unique approach to the typical yoga/Pilates studio. It specializes in keeping the class size small to provide more one on one opportunities between the student and instructor. Focusing on yoga and the Kinelogica Method, which is a safer, more efficient form of Pilates, they are currently offering a new student deal, $69 for two weeks of unlimited classes.
#3 Urban Aerial NYC: The coolest thing to happen to exercise since spandex
345 Eldert St, Bushwick
This studio offers a plethora of classes involving silks, ropes, and lyra (a.k.a. aerial rings). It is beginner friendly so don’t be timid! Start with Aerial Basics which provides a great foundation to those who are new to the practice. Price for Aerial Basics is $35/class or $150/6 pack.
#4 Otion Front: Let that freak flag fly
1196 Myrtle Ave, Bushwick
Otion Front is all about experimental body movements. A mix of yoga, dance, and mediation classes that are sure to get that bod movin’. Try Queerlates a class where short shorts, jock straps, and leotards are highly encouraged! They are also extremely kind to the wallet, most classes are $10 and some are even donation based.
#5 Brooklyn Zoo: Parkour gym for true adventure lovers
230 Bogart St, East Williamsburg
Parkour training facility located in East Williamsburg is something quite special. They promise to help you overcome obstacles both physical and mental, and offer classes in parkour, breakdancing, trampoline, tumbling, tricking, dance and more. Monthly membership is $150 but they offer a plenty of drop in options as well.
THE BROKE AND/OR OUTDOORSY: Even if you can afford a gym membership, nothing beats the great outdoors!
#1 Maria Hernandez Park: Run, play basketball, handball
A vibrant park with many fitness opportunities. A fitness path that is approximately 3.25 laps to one mile, a basketball court, handball courts, and a playground. This park also has plenty of space for all those squats and lunges!
#2 Linden Hill Cemetery: Running while sun sets behind Manhattan skyline
This cemetery is our personal fave! It has views of Manhattan to motivate you while you’re workin’ on your fitness and if you time it just right you can catch an amazing sunset the lights up the city skyline. One lap is almost one mile (0.95miles). If running around cemeteries is your thing, check out our guide to Creepy Cemeteries around Bushwick.
Great I have read your article and enjoyed it a lot and am excited to read more from you.