By now it’s likely become common knowledge to most of us that getting regular physical activity aids in lowering stress levels - not only in the short term, but that it also has a positive impact in helping lower overall stress long term. But, why?
Regular exercise helps release endorphins - these are the neurotransmitters that account for that “feel good” feeling you’re likely familiar with after a work out, i.e., these are your body’s mood elevators. In addition, regular physical activity reduces the body’s release of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Not only is working out helping to lower your overall stress, add in a dose of fresh air and the Vitamin D from natural sunlight that helps regulate blood pressure (lowering stress and tension) and you’re on your way to total Zen.
As it’s finally starting to warm up, what better way to get in your regular sweat session this month than taking it to the great outdoors? If you’re looking for some affordable, local fitness events to enjoy outdoors in NYC this May and June check out the list below:
1. Garrison Guided Hike
A guided moderately paced 11- mile hike in the beautiful New York Hudson Highlands.
When? May 25, 8:25AM
Cost? $3 plus train fare.
http://www.clubfreetime.com/vieweventdetails.asp?ID=164380
2. Doonya: Get in touch with your inner Indian princess – or prince.
I’m a big fan of Hemalayaa’s Bollywood workouts- shaking your hips to a little Indian samba is a great way to let loose like an idiot while getting a workout. Why do it indoors on your DVD player when summer is fast upon us? Experience a live version on Saturday mornings outside on 23rd St. and the west side highway where Rohan leads the group.
The $20 is well worth the hour-long workout. Shimmying to upbeat Indian dance tunes makes this feel less like exercise and more like goofing around with a bunch of friends.
http://www.doonya.com/bollywood-dance-fitness-classes/nyc/
3. Yoga Gives to St. Jude Kids
Revive your body and soul on this Saturday in June by practicing some yoga for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. (I’ll be there!) The hospital covers all costs for children with severe types of cancer and catastrophic illness so while you’re feeling great about rejuvenating your body you can also feel good about getting your karma back in whack.
When? June 25th.
Where? Kima Center for Physiotherapy and Wellness in Flatiron.
Cost? Anything you want! This event is pay what you wish from $0 to sky’s the limit. Every dollar received goes straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/event/page/displayEventPage.do?eventId=354321&programId=2352
4. Meet Up – Boot Camp in Central Park
MeetUp has a ton of cheap or free groups regularly getting together for butt-kicking workouts- this one’s a great way to meet other fitness aficionados and take in the Spring scene unfolding at Central Park. Classes run around $10 and guarantee to have you sweating.
http://www.meetup.com/NYBootCamp/
5. Shape Up NYC
ShapeUp NYC offers more free work out classes than you could probably attend in a week. Their outdoor options include Tai Chi, 5Ks, and a Central Park circuit as well as a variety of other awesome guided FREE outdoor workouts all in Manhattan or surrounding NYC locations every day of the week.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/outdoor-fitness
6. Boathouse Kayaking
Row, row, row your boat all the way to better toned arms this summer. With locations all over the city and free kayak rental there’s no excuse to say no to this one. Just bring a reliable rowing partner or you’ll end up with free swimming lessons too!
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/index.html
7. Bike Share
Being introduced to NYC this month is the city’s new bike share program. For under $10 a day or varying levels of membership for weekly and monthly rates, you can cycle the city without having to shell out for a bike of your own.
http://a841-tfpweb.nyc.gov/bikeshare/
Regular exercise helps release endorphins - these are the neurotransmitters that account for that “feel good” feeling you’re likely familiar with after a work out, i.e., these are your body’s mood elevators. In addition, regular physical activity reduces the body’s release of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Not only is working out helping to lower your overall stress, add in a dose of fresh air and the Vitamin D from natural sunlight that helps regulate blood pressure (lowering stress and tension) and you’re on your way to total Zen.
As it’s finally starting to warm up, what better way to get in your regular sweat session this month than taking it to the great outdoors? If you’re looking for some affordable, local fitness events to enjoy outdoors in NYC this May and June check out the list below:
1. Garrison Guided Hike
A guided moderately paced 11- mile hike in the beautiful New York Hudson Highlands.
When? May 25, 8:25AM
Cost? $3 plus train fare.
http://www.clubfreetime.com/vieweventdetails.asp?ID=164380
2. Doonya: Get in touch with your inner Indian princess – or prince.
I’m a big fan of Hemalayaa’s Bollywood workouts- shaking your hips to a little Indian samba is a great way to let loose like an idiot while getting a workout. Why do it indoors on your DVD player when summer is fast upon us? Experience a live version on Saturday mornings outside on 23rd St. and the west side highway where Rohan leads the group.
The $20 is well worth the hour-long workout. Shimmying to upbeat Indian dance tunes makes this feel less like exercise and more like goofing around with a bunch of friends.
http://www.doonya.com/bollywood-dance-fitness-classes/nyc/
3. Yoga Gives to St. Jude Kids
Revive your body and soul on this Saturday in June by practicing some yoga for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. (I’ll be there!) The hospital covers all costs for children with severe types of cancer and catastrophic illness so while you’re feeling great about rejuvenating your body you can also feel good about getting your karma back in whack.
When? June 25th.
Where? Kima Center for Physiotherapy and Wellness in Flatiron.
Cost? Anything you want! This event is pay what you wish from $0 to sky’s the limit. Every dollar received goes straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/event/page/displayEventPage.do?eventId=354321&programId=2352
4. Meet Up – Boot Camp in Central Park
MeetUp has a ton of cheap or free groups regularly getting together for butt-kicking workouts- this one’s a great way to meet other fitness aficionados and take in the Spring scene unfolding at Central Park. Classes run around $10 and guarantee to have you sweating.
http://www.meetup.com/NYBootCamp/
5. Shape Up NYC
ShapeUp NYC offers more free work out classes than you could probably attend in a week. Their outdoor options include Tai Chi, 5Ks, and a Central Park circuit as well as a variety of other awesome guided FREE outdoor workouts all in Manhattan or surrounding NYC locations every day of the week.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/outdoor-fitness
6. Boathouse Kayaking
Row, row, row your boat all the way to better toned arms this summer. With locations all over the city and free kayak rental there’s no excuse to say no to this one. Just bring a reliable rowing partner or you’ll end up with free swimming lessons too!
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/index.html
7. Bike Share
Being introduced to NYC this month is the city’s new bike share program. For under $10 a day or varying levels of membership for weekly and monthly rates, you can cycle the city without having to shell out for a bike of your own.
http://a841-tfpweb.nyc.gov/bikeshare/