Fitness in El Barrio?

For those of you living in the Spanish Harlem vicinity, I thought I would put together a list of places to get going on your fitness resolutions for 2010.

Bikram Yoga East Harlem studio is located at 4 east 116th Street, on the 2nd Floor, where yoga classes are taught both in Spanish and English. The rates are pretty normal but classes are 90 minutes long (as opposed to an hour) and they also offer massage and babysitting services, in addition to towel and mat rentals – so you have no excuse.

Across the street NY Sports Club has a gym at 1400 Fifth Avenue and 115th Street. You can sign up for a 2-week trial membership for $19.99.

At the NYC-run Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center, located at 2180 First Ave, you can purchase a 6-month membership for $25! While the gym is no frills, they do have everything required from treadmills, bikes, weights, resistance machines, a running track & field to an an outdoor pool in the summer. Also offfers martial arts classes, as well as dance and aerobic classes.

Bally Total Fitness has a club at East 106th Street and 3rd Avenue. Now Bally is considered to be at the low end of the Gym spectrum when compared to more upscale boutique gyms but after recently filing for bankruptcy they have really low membership deals.

You can get a free 2-week trial membership by signing up for the 2010 National Body Challenge. I should warn you that most places offer these guest passes and then hit you hard with the sell once you come in.

If you like to dance, check out the Bomba and Plena Workshops at the Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center (1680 Lexington Avenue Between 105th and 106th Street). * PAYMENT PLANS, DISCOUNTS AND GROUP RATES ARE AVAILABLE

If martial arts is more your thing, then check out The Ultimate Karate USA & Uptown Meditation Center located at 1950 3rd Ave. They offer both martial arts, personal coaching, as well as Zen training. Rates not listed.

Shape Up NY Is Back! Tuesdays from 4:30- 5:30 pm and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 pm or 5:30–6:30 pm @ Tito Puente Educational Complex 240 East 109th Street (b/w 2nd & 3rd Ave) Free fitness class available to teachers, school staff, parents and community residents that offers: aerobic conditioning and strength training with a certified group fitness instructor. Click here to download flyer.

At NEXT EVOLUTION MMA & FITNESS ACADEMY (1786 3RD AVE, you can take yoga classes or kickboxing or sign up for combat cardio. No rates listed.

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