Let’s face it: the Manhattan College Fitness Center can lose a bit of its sparkle after some time. But if you’re on the lookout for ways to spice up your fitness routine with a little something different, you’re in luck!
Manhattan College is situated right in the greatest city in the world, which is full of new and exciting places to get active and break a sweat. Here’s a peek of some great places to do just that!
Van Cortlandt Park
The third-largest public park in New York City is packed with fields and activities galore. Even better, it’s right across the street from main campus! Van Cortlandt is home to six baseball fields, five soccer fields, four football fields, a Gaelic football field, one Olympic-sized public swimming pool, one golf course, a cross-country track and five hiking trails of various difficulties and lengths. In addition to various recreational sites, the park also houses many historical landmarks such as the Van Cortlandt House, which is the oldest building in the Bronx. Even if you decide not to engage in any baseball games or hiking, the park is 1,146 acres, so even a simple stroll would be quite the workout.
Central Park
Pay a visit to one of Manhattan’s most beloved city haunts, whether to go skating in the winter or go on a run during the summer. You can even take a leisurely stroll through one of the many gardens or take a look at the unique statues throughout the park. This breathtakingly gorgeous park stretches from the Upper Manhattan’s 110th Street to right next to Columbus Circle’s 59th Street. Central Park is home to castles, walking trails, two skating ponds, running tracks, playgrounds, and gardens galore. And when you eventually get tired of the great outdoors, there are four museums directly adjacent to the park: The Museum of Natural History on Central Park West and the Guggenheim, Museum of the City and Metropolitan Museum of Art on Central Park East. Just try not to let any of the omnipresent food carts lurking in all corners of the park tempt you.
Chelsea Piers
This self-proclaimed “most inspiring gym in New York City” offers a variety of classes, training programs, team-building events and more. The gym houses a number of recreational sports leagues, including boxing, swimming, Pilates, rock climbing and yoga. The Piers are also home to a salon and spa, so you can cool down and relax following an intense workout.
Brooklyn Bridge
Constructed in 1883, the image of the Brooklyn Bridge is synonymous with the name of New York City. It connects the island of Manhattan to mainland Brooklyn over the course of 1.1 miles across the East River. Between the north and southbound areas of the bridge allotted for cars, there is a walkway for pedestrians and bicyclists, whether headed for Brooklyn or Manhattan. The bridge is a great way to get active and get an amazing look at the city from up above. And as a bonus, the bridge is adjacent to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is noted for its unparalleled view of the New York City skyline at sunset.
The City Itself
New York has been described as “a walking city” on countless occasions. So on your next adventure, throw on the Nikes, swear off the subway, and explore a new neighborhood on nothing but your own two feet. The possibilities this city can offer you are endless.