The hardest part of going to the gym is actually getting there. For me after a long day of work, I go home to my boo — Netflix.
As soon as I hit the bed, it’s over. I’m not thinking about going out again, and I’m especially not thinking about the damn gym. I prop my pillows up just right and spend what’s left of my evening balancing my attention between my timeline and episodes of Daredevil. The farthest I’ll go once I’m home? The kitchen—especially in the winter.
But now that it’s spring— A.K.A crop top season— I want to break out of my lazy/anti-social lifestyle and look good while doing it. Though I’m becoming more positive about my body image, I want to maintain and tone the shape I have—and that’s not something that can be done from my bed.
In an effort to be more “active” without breaking my pockets ….
Here are five ways to get fit for the summer for the low!
Yoga:
Yes, women of color do yoga and yes, we’re great at it. When I first tried yoga almost three years ago, I have to admit I felt a bit intimidated. I was the girl in the back corner decked out in a head scarf and basketball shorts who softly mumbled curse words every single time I fell out of a pose. But as I got into it, I fell in love. Not only does yoga help with getting snatched, the breathing exercises help with anxiety.
Bikram Yoga in East Harlem offers 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30 bucks if you’re looking to try hot yoga consistently. If you’re just starting out, Yoga to the People offers a variety of yoga classes — from traditional to vinyasa—all over the city for a suggested donation of $10. For those of us with busy schedules, Brahman Yoga is a great yoga studio uptown that offers late night and beginner’s classes on the weekends for just $5!
Note: If you don’t live in the NYC area, Groupon is your friend when it comes to finding cheap yoga classes in your city!
Get a Trainer:
Whether you’re trying to look great on your upcoming vacation or just want to look good for yourself, finding a trainer can be hard— especially one who’s not too pricey or creepy.
Personal trainer and fitness blogger, Cleopatra Lee is offering $10 intense workout classes every Saturday. Her Double A — ass and abs— class will have you looking right all summer sixteen. Make sure to checkout her blog for healthy body and skincare tips.
Spinning Classes:
Spinning is one of my favorite workouts. My first spinning class was filled with the sounds of Beyonce and Trina and I’ve loved it ever since. For an hour (sometimes 90 minutes), you and a friend will be biking at different intensities to great music taught by a motivational teacher who typically has amazing legs.
By now, you’ve probably heard of how great SoulCycle’s spinning classes are. Though your first class is only $20, SoulCycle is on the pricer side if you’re looking to spin consistently. SyncCycle in Williamsburg offers two weeks of unlimited spin classes for just $45. Swerve Fitness on 18th St. offers amazing deals for new riders— $34 for two rides and $150 for an unlimited month. For its opening week, Harlem Cycle is offering 50% off your first ride!
Alvin Ailey Dance Classes:
For all my dancers or if you just want to work out without it actually feeling like one, this one’s for you. From Capoeira to Hip-Hop and even Jazz, Alvin Ailey offers numerous fun classes for all ages. The 90 minute classes are only $20, so you’ll burn calories without burning a hole in your wallet!
Free Workouts:
Whether it’s an event with free manicures, an open bar, or free food— if it’s free, it’s for me. So of course, I couldn’t make this list without adding free workout classes. Sites like Flavorpill and Timeout NY are great for finding out free workouts like Bryant Park’s yoga sessions or Athleta’s free classes.
If you live in NY, another source for free workouts is Shape Up NYC. The program offers a variety of free fitness classes in recreation centers across the five boroughs all year round. There is no class registration, simply show up to take fitness classes like aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and much more.
Nike + NYC offers free running and HIT (High Intensity Training) classes weekly. Though Nike + hasn’t extended it’s classes to other cities just yet, the Nike Training App works just as well!
What are some of your favorite ways to get snatched? Let me know in the comment section!
http://www.lifewithJRDN.com
One of those "I like MF DOOM" type girls trying to figure out life in her 20's.
