Fall into Fitness

Every fall, New York City experiences a fitness frenzy on the first Sunday of November as thousands of athletes take part in the TCS New York City Marathon. This year’s race will take place on Sunday, November 5, with its path stretching from Staten Island all the way up to the Bronx and ending back down in Lincoln Square near Tavern on the Green. (Click here to learn how the race will affect the neighborhood). If you’re registered to participate, then you’ve likely been preparing for months to run the 26.2 miles. For those who haven’t been training, this is the perfect moment to find inspiration and get into shape for next year’s marathon – or just for fun.

Let’s start with your wardrobe because proper – and fashionable – activewear is a must when it comes to performing your best. Thankfully, The Shops at Columbus Circle has all the essentials. When it comes to footwear, Fleet Feet (formerly New York Running Company by JackRabbit) is a go-to for running shoes of all types, as well as walking shoes, recovery sandals, clothing, and accessories. Fleet Feet even holds group runs and events, which are great opportunities to socialize and log in a workout at the same time. The Columbus Circle store hosts these events for all ability levels on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, but be sure to check their Instagram account for the most up-to-date information.

Are you looking for other types of athletic gear? Wilson offers clothing and many types of equipment—from tennis rackets to golf bags. Yogis may want to visit lululemon athletica or Alo (pronounced like the aloe plant), which, rumor has it, is opening on Friday, October 27, just in time for the marathon! For true adventure seekers, Arc'teryx at 158 Columbus Avenue (W 67th Street) has an array of products designed for mountaineering and Alpine sports.

Once you’re dressed for success, stop by one of Lincoln Square’s various fitness centers or gyms to break a sweat. For a high-end gym experience with many amenities, consider Equinox’s Flagship location at 10 Columbus Circle or its Sports Club New York location at 160 Columbus Avenue (W 67th Street). For family-friendly and more affordable memberships, visit the West Side YMCA at 5 W 63rd Street (Central Park West) or the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center at 232 W 60th Street (between Amsterdam Avenue and West End Avenue) – just steps outside of our district.

Those who are interested in classes without committing to a membership can try one of the district’s fitness studios. RX30 at 55 Amsterdam Avenue (between 61st and 62nd Street) offers progressive H.I.I.T-style fitness classes. Further north, you’re sure to get sweaty at CorePower Yoga, located at 2030 Broadway (69th Street). The yoga studio offers a range of hot yoga classes, from fundamental Vinyasa flows to yoga sculpt classes that combine yoga, cardio, and strength. 

Lincoln Square is the perfect place to fall into a new fitness regimen. Good luck to all the runners in this year’s marathon and all those inspired to work out in whatever way works best for them!

Photo Credit: Fleet Feet