NY's Best Alternative Fitness

It's like Ali Lohan: An Excellent Second Option

RICHARD'S TAKE

I've always been a supporter of the arts, and therefore homosexuals. In the spiky, crew-cut tradition of lesbians shortening their names to sound more masculine, I've decided to go by Dick for the next several weeks as a tribute to my tuna-loving friends (I used to go by Rich, but lengthened it to Richard some time ago to honor the tradition of gay men lengthening their names to sound more feminine).

I've also decided to join an "Alternative Fitness" program, which I am assuming will be a way to get in shape the homosexual way. I don't know what exactly it entails, but I imagine it involves various exercises like head-bobbing aerobics, tongue calisthenics, and some sort of finger curling with free weights.

Best Boxing Gym (look at those abs)

332 W 13th St New York | 212-929-1640

What: AEROSPACE NYC (Boxing Gym)
Where: Aerospace Fitness Center
Price: $150/month (with $500 initiation fee)
Description: Utilizing a program developed by a former champion boxer, former ballet dancer, and spa guru, Aerospace uses the techniques of professional athletes to develop the minds, bodies, and spirits of their clients. Choose from group or personal sessions in Aerospace's state-of-the-art facilities. Offerings range from AEROIMPACT, the high-intensity cardio workout using boxing bags to YOAERO, a guided meditation workout using yoga and isometric floor exercises. Whether you need to get out your anger or access your inner chi, you can now work it out all in one place: Aerospace.

Dancing Pilates

265 Madison Ave 2nd Fl New York | 212-997-5550

What: Total Pilates Conditioning
Where: IM=X Pilates
Price: $325/month (for a 3-month semi-private training membership)
Description: IM=X takes the original Pilates training methods (developed as a rehabilitation for dancers) to the next level with the introduction of a low-intensity program aimed at strengthening the core and improving flexibility. Integrated Movement Exercise uses the Pilates Exerciser along with specific floor exercises to strengthen and lengthen the muscles. Programs available include semi-private classes and private training sessions, as well as cardio and yoga sessions to balance out fitness needs.

Great Lunch Break Workout

133 E 58th St New York | 212-759-5006

What: The 30-minute fitness session
Where: Transform Fitness
Price: $125/session
Description: Transform Fitness starts with one of the fitness basics: strength. For those who are short on time, their 30-minute sessions include high-intensity strength training exercises using slow movements and very heavy weight. Facilities at Transform are purposely kept very simple, no music or distractions so that each person can focus on the mind-body connection during weight training. Yoga classes are also offered at the facility, helping participants develop the same mind-body connection that trainers encourage during weight training sessions.

Travel and Train

54 W 21st St 8th Fl New York | 212-387-8437

What: Fitness Across the Planet
Where: Adventure Further (from Further Fitness)
Price: $30,000 (includes 3 months of training prior to trip)
Description: If there is an adventure activity that you've always wanted to do but have never had enough courage to try, look no further than Jamie Dreyer and Further Fitness for help. Acting as both personal trainer and lifestyle coach, Jamie trains clients using the Asymmetric Body Analysis, which develops an in-depth training program including specific exercises to build strength for the adventure plan. He then accompanies clients to their destinations and leads them on a variety of adventures, from rock climbing in the Las Vegas area to paragliding in Italy.

Hour of Power

Corner of 86th St and Central Park West New York | Email Only

What: Stacy's Bootcamp
Where: Central Park
Price: $150/month (with $500 initiation fee)
Description: Former personal trainer Stacy decided to get out of the gym and take her training approach back to the basics. Dedicating just one hour a day three times a week for three weeks will get you back on the path to the best shape of your life. The hour includes nonstop total body training, including both strength and cardio within the natural surroundings of one of New York's public parks (depending on the class you attend). Stacy's workouts are so effective that many of those who try it end up dropping their gym memberships along with the pounds.

Get Your Strip On!

333 W 52nd 8th Fl Suite 806 New York | 212-352-4401

What: Strip Aerobics
Where: New York Pole Dancing
Price: $25-50/class (with various class and group options available)
Description: A single pole dancing class may give you new perspective on a fallback career as a stripper. New York Pole Dancing offers a wide variety of classes ranging from beginner to advanced, along with personalized training to teach the art of dancing and stripping while building up incredible body strength. While it might look like a lot of fun and games, the strength needed to hold up one's entire body weight makes for an intense workout, no matter what your fitness level happens to be. Make sure to bring your shorts, leg muscles, and a sassy attitude.

Cycling and The City

Central Park and Prospect Park New York | 347-404-5315

What: Bike Training on the Streets of Manhattan
Where: Echappe Cycling Clinics
Price: $60/hour
Description: Whether you never learned to ride a bike or are on the brink of racing, Echappe Clinics will teach you all you've ever wanted to know about correct and respectful biking in the city. One-on-one sessions with an experienced cyclist can range from escorting clients to and from the park to fast-paced laps while maintaining respect for the public space and other pedestrians. A flexible schedule allows clients to make appointments that work around their workdays, and finally learn how to enjoy cycling in Manhattan.

Gravity Defying Circus Workout

480 Second Ave New York | 646-334-3036

What: Increase Strength While Feeling Like you are at a Circus
Where: Hype Gym
Price: $125 and up
Description: No stranger to the circus ring, personal trainer Lorelei MacDonald is quick to proclaim "exercise should be fun," and her unique classes live up to that mantra. One thing's for certain, you won't be bored in this class. Exercises alternate between ropes, trapeze, and even a jungle gym. Most sessions are one-on-one for maximum attention, but well-matched clients may be able to take on duo sessions. Benefits include increased strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, total body control, and elongated muscles.