AN LA FIT GAL'S GUIDE TO NYC
FITNESS
MODELFIT: 212 Bowery, New York, NY, 10012
I took Sam Garcia's ModelFIT Cardio Sculpt class! It was so much fun. I totally see how this workout has attracted celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Breaking a sweat, while breaking out little dance combinations and then winding down with a weighted sculpt portion of class. Since it was my first time at the studio in NY the class was $25.
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS ASTOR PLACE: 51 Astor Pl, New York, NY 10003
O M G!!! This new Orangetheory studio is an OTF Playground! It was two levels with a very spacious, open studio in the basement. Hands down the BIGGEST location I have ever visited and I have been to over 10 studios. I took Alanna's afternoon class and loved her! She gave a lot of individual attention to everyone in the class making sure movements were being done properly. AND this location had some SWEET OTF NYC SWAG! Always a plus! Since I do have an unlimited OTF package and the NYC locations are considered PREMIUM studios I had to pay an extra $21 on top of my membership and if you are dropping in a class would cost $35. For this particular studio I would say it is totally worth trying at least once!
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS CHELSEA: 124 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
This location was the first OTF in New York I had the pleasure of visiting last year. The studio itself is super super small compared to other locations I have visited throughout the country BUT I LOVED the instructor Eddie! He made it a point to meet me and ask if I was visiting from another studio and was super friendly! To be completely honest for how crowded this space is I wouldn't recommend this location if you are a first timer! Definetly check out the above OTF!
SOUL CYCLE WEST 19TH: 8 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011
SOUL much LOVE at Soul Cycle NY! I couldn't resist trying a class in New York City, where it all began! I was super bummed that the instructor I had been dying to take, JERA, was out sick BUT I have heard incredible things about this little FITSPO and you should all follow her on Instagram! She unfortunately doesn't instruct anymore though! For first time riders your ride is $20 and shoes are covered by them!
RECOVERY
Be on the look out for Groupon deals for spas and massages! We found a great deal on Groupon at Queen Jane Spa in Manhattan for a couples massage and spent a day relaxing and resting! This one had a private sauna too which was super chill! The entire experience was AMAZING and totally spur of the moment! Highly recommend! New York can be exhausting so be sure to give your body the rest and break it deserves!
FOR NEXT TIME: Y7 yoga, Aqua Studio, Run through Central Park, Soul Cycle with Jerra, Orangetheory Williamsburg, look into any 5K races going on.
FOOD
THE ORGANIC GRILL: 123 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
This little sit down gem, located in the East Village is not only all ORGANIC BUT also all VEGAN! And don't let those words scare you away from giving it a shot! I had been eyeing the Veggie Burger Hash Bowl for $14.99, then when I asked the server for a recommendation it was the first thing she said so I was completely SOLD! I had mine with a Black Bean Burger Patty and then all the goods... yukon and sweet potatoes, sautรฉed kale, collards, caramelized onions, avocado, cashew cream drizzle, cauliflower, and broccoli. TO DIE FOR!
THE LITTLE BEET: 320 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022
THIS IS A MUST! This cute restaurant with multiple locations (Midtown East and West, Nomad, At the Pennsy, & Long Island) has a complete gluten-free menu. It's menu is inspired by local, seasonal, and natural ingredients. I ordered the Chipotle Chicken Roll (uncut sushi rolls that you eat like a burrito) filled with scallions, avocado, cilantro, happy slaw, and brown sushi rice wrapped in nori served with chipotle aioli, and ponzu sauce. I also ordered a side of roasted sweet potatoes. I got all of this for around $15. The restaurant is designed to order over the counter, choose your own seat, and they call your name when it is ready! And for all you poke lovers I have been told THIS IS THE SPOT!
BARE BURGER: 514 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
I knew this place sounded so familiar but it wasn't until after we ate there I realized there are also locations in Chicago and California. This got me super excited because I LOVED this place. I created my own organic burger on a sprouted bun with a sweet potato and wild rice patty, topped off with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and ketchup. We also shared the Macho Fries made with sweet potato fries because HELLO it was Saturday.... CHEAT DAY! The burgers are organic, the produce is free of pesticides and GMOs, the poultry and eggs aren't limited to cages, and the proteins are grass-fed & humanely raised. Reasonable prices and super cute inside!
CAVA GRILL: 143 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Located in Union Square, this is your Mediterranean style Chipotle! Walk on up and build your own bowl, whether it be a salad bowl, a greens bowl, or my go-to a greens + grains bowl. I top my bowl with my favorite spreads tzatziki and crazy feta hummus, a mix of falafel and chicken, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, and a yogurt dill dressing with sriracha greek yogurt and pita on the side. These yummy bowls are less than $9 and super filling! I usually have to take half to-go! And if you LOVE their spreads you can find them in select Whole Foods!
BY CHLOE: 185 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012
Where do I even begin? I guess by saying it is the most delicious and instagrammable restaurant of them all! With locations in the West Village, Flatiron, Soho, Williamsburg, and a location opening soon in Rockefeller Center, this plant-based, vegan menu is one you do not want to pass up. I personally visited the location in the West Village on Bleecker which also has a BY CHLOE SWEETS filled with cookies, cupcakes, bars, pies and much more sweetness. My favorite menu items include the Quinoa Taco Salad, The Guac Burger which consists of a Black Bean Quinoa Sweet Potato Patty (whoooaaaa right?), the sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, and I have never had a smoothie there that I did not enjoy. Sit down, relax, take some instas, and enjoy this cute little vegan restaurant which can also be found in LA! YAY!
THE COFFEE PROJECT: 239 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003
To be completely honest with you I stumbled upon this cute coffee shop on Instagram! When I saw a photo of what was known as "the deconstructed latte" I had to see it for myself! Now I am not much of a coffee drinker, but I will never pass up a well-made latte! Located in the East Village, this little shop will make you feel super cozy and honestly will blow you away with their passion for coffee. I also tried the nitro coffee and couldn't believe it had just as much caffeine as black coffee and yet so tasteful! If you are over this way make the stop! Starbucks and Dunkin can wait until next time!
FORGET the calories
Let's be realistic it's still VACAY so let's take a look at this trip's GUILTY PLEASURES!
GARLIC: 629 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
If you are looking for pizza in Manhattan this should be your go-to. All I have to say is Buffalo Chicken Pizza. HOLY CRAP! AMAZZZING!!!! And for any bacon lovers out there the Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Pizza.... I would be lying if I said I only visited this joint once on my trip. YUM YUM YUM!
NORMA GASTRONOMIA SICILIANA: 438 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
I really liked this Italian restaurant located in Murray Hill, Manhattan. The chef and owner is a native of Sicily who worked in Italy and Paris throughout the years. The restaurant itself was pretty small and intimate inside. In my opinion best for a date night, not so great for a huge group of people. I highly recommend the Norma Rice Ball, I had never tasted anything like it but vividly remember how incredible it was! At Norma you can't go wrong with one of their pizzas and a glass of wine of course! Super super yummy and great for a low-key date night on the town.
BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP: 125 East 7th Street, New York, NY, 10009
I rarely ever eat ice cream but couldn't resist stopping at this little shop for a cone! I visited the location in the East Village, but locations can also be found in the Meat Packing District and the West Village! Perfect for a warm day in New York, even though I stopped on a 30 degree day! This girl grew up in Chicagoland and believe it or not the Dairy Queen drive thru was common in the winters!
THE CUPCAKE MARKET: 74 east 7th, Street, New York, NY, 10002
This bakery is honestly too funny! Known for their celebrity face cookies, I couldn't help but get a Justin Bieber sugar cookie for the rode. I was a little upset when I found out Kanye West was sold out since I wanted to buy the Kimye set for fun! They also have cupcakes, pies, puddings, and many more goodies. The shop itself was super cute inside with antique decor, but I was by myself that day and didn't have anyone to enjoy it with so grabbed the Beebs and headed on my way! Now these cookies don't come cheap... $16 a pop... but how often do you come across a cute, unique shop like that? YOLO!
FOR NEXT TIME: Candle 79 Organic Vegan Food, Blossom, The Butcher's Daughter, and abcV
FUN
BROADWAY
I have been to NYC 6 or 7 times now and every time I make it a point to see a Broadway show. I mean I LOVE Broadway and would never pass up the opportunity! I saw Book of Mormon at the Eugene O' Neil Theatre and for the record there is not a bad seat in that theatre! I also saw Arthur Miller's The Price starring Mark Ruffalo and Danny DeVito, which was strictly a play not a musical. Other shows that I have enjoyed on Broadway include Matilda, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, and Aladdin. I prefer to purchase my tickets directly through Ticketmaster and avoid added on fees. You may also enter the lottery 2 and a half hours before each showtime to try and score whatever seats are left ranging from $30-$40 cash, depending on the show. Another tip is to look for obstructed view seats. I have sat in them many times in various theaters and the corner of the stage tends to be out of view, but remember mostly everything is performed center stage!
SHOPPING (for fitness clothes!)
Retail Therapy in NYC... I mean how could you resist? For all of my fitness gurus be sure to check out the store Bandier located at 164 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010 (other location near Central Park). Imagine all your favorite fitness apparel brands all in one store. Alo, APL, Nike, Onzie, Terez, and that's just to name a few. If you decide to visit this particular location in the Flatiron District be sure to pop over right next store to Sweaty Betty (168 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010). I was recently introduced to this British fitness clothing line back in LA where they just opened a store and I am beyond obsessed! The prices are fairly similar to Lulu Lemon. They have reversible leggings, that in my opinion, are totally worth the bucks. And if you have a few hours to get lost in a massive TJ Maxx head on over to 620 Ave. Of The Americas, 6th Ave. At 18th St., New York, NY, 10011. From Athleta to Adidas to Nike I couldn't get over their selection of fitness apparel! And I didn't even glance at the Marshalls in the same building. I could have easily spent half a day and half my savings there!
FREE EXERCISE
I mean walking alone in NYC is free exercise considering one day I walked 12 miles! On past visits in NYC I have strolled on over to Central Park to take photos and relax but I would love to go for a run through the park next time I am there so I can see it all! The Brooklyn Bridge is also a great way to sight see and sneak in a little workout as well! My Fit Bit was going crazy on this trip!
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VIEW FROM THE TOP
As many times as I had visited New York I never had the opportunity to really take it all in and see the city from high up. I was super ecstatic when my friend took me to the Hyatt Rooftop Bar located near Time Square at 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036. The drinks were on the pricey side as I am sure you can imagine but WOW! It was kind of freezing when we stepped out to the outside portion of the bar but I didn't even care. The views were just so amazing and truthfully breathtaking. I would love to re-visit in the summertime!
CONEY ISLAND
I mean I have heard a lot of New Yorkers say over and over that they are not a fan of Coney Island but for some reason I love how it feels like a little world away from the city. With the original Nathan's Hot Dogs, one of Mark Wahlburg's Wahlburger Restaurants, beach, games, rides, tons of wall art... I have to say it is my idea of a little getaway from the city madness. My sister and I went on our trip back in October and found a great deal on Groupon, so make sure to always shop around for deals before paying full price! Perfect for a day with friends or a day date with that special someone.
FOR NEXT TIME: Hamilton or Chicago on Broadway, World Trade Center Tour, Run around Central Park, attend a sporting event (hopefully a baseball game!), go to a museum (don't laugh but I was alone the day I wanted to actually check out the Museum of Sex), and check out Terez Fitness Clothing Store.
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ENJOY NEW YORK CITY FIT FRIENDS,
XoXo, Britney
