workouts
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Row House
A CrossFit-inspired indoor rowing workout that includes interval training on a rowing machine, jumping rope, kettlebells and resistance training. Throwback Fitness and CityRow are two other studios that offer rowing machine-based workouts.
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AQUA
This is a traditional cycling class done in water, making it impact-free on joints while helping to increase blood flow. By most accounts, however, it's less challenging than a traditional indoor cycling class.
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PXT at Pure Yoga
Masterminded by Loren Bassett, known as one of New York City's top yoga instructors (and most challenging — her power yoga class starts with an announcement that if anyone leaves the room, the whole class has to do pushups), expect a vinyasa flow followed by interval drills that include plyometrics and weightlifting.
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Homegirl Yoga
Founded by one of New York's most beloved yoga instructors, Halle Becker, expect to smile your way through a challenging power yoga flow that's very deserving of its homegirl name.
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Peloton
Peloton brings the in-studio boutique cycling experience to people at home by selling custom bikes that come with a 22-inch touch-screen monitor that allows users to ride along with live classes at the flagship 50-bike Chelsea studio – meaning everyone in-studio is filmed (though faces are not recognizable). Another point of difference is that unlike most boutique studios, which tend to be cramped, Peloton was designed to have people stay and lounge so expect plenty of seating, a food and juice bar and WiFi.
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AKT in Motion
While Anna Kaiser is known as a celebrity dance cardio instructor, her workout actually combines strength, cardio and flexibility (so expect barre mixed with hip-hop or yoga sequences crossed with kickboxing, for example).
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Pound
Created by two drummers, Pound combines cardio interval training with drumming for a full body workout (a big part of the class is performed while squatting).
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Tone House
Founded by Alonzo Wilson, a former collegiate and professional athlete, Tone House may have just recently opened but it's already being called one of the best and most challenging workouts in New York, so be prepared to see some of the city's most chiseled instructors taking class alongside you. Expect a ton of props including TRX, training ropes and sandbags for lifting.
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SurfSet Fitness
The gym version of surfing, the entire workout is done on a Pilates reformer/surfboard hybrid.
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Bold Naked Yoga
For something really out of the box, this studio offers co-ed naked yoga.
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SLT
The type-A version of Pilates, SLT gives the classic reformer a makeover. Its studios are lined with what they call megareformers, which are designed to give you a Pilates as well as cardio workout.
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The Movement
All of the classes taught at The Movement take elements from various workouts, so expect yoga mixed with high intensity interval training, for example. The Movement also has a charitable component — they donate $1 per person per class.
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ChaiseFitness
Performed on a Pilates reformer-inspired chair, this workout combines Pilates, ballet and aerobics.
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Urban Rebounding
A low-impact cardio workout done entirely on a mini trampoline.