#211 NEW YORK – Food & Gyms

As you might have seen, I recently spent a bit of time in NYC. I was SO excited to try out some of the awesome gyms that I have seen, and of course some healthy cafes :) A few of you have asked for some recommendations so here are my suggestions!

GYMS

Ok I’m going to start from my favourite to least favourite.

Bodies By P

I stumbled across this place on Instagram and knew I had to try it. I went to a 10am Total Body Sculpt class and it was just me and another girl. The instructor (also the owner) was awesome, and I absolutely loved the workout. It is very different and I like it because it is similar to my Skinny Legs program. No heavy weights, and a focus on lean and toned. I did the entire workout with ankle weights and we used very light hand weights, resistance bands, bosu balls and sliders. I definitely recommend trying it!

I have my own ankle weights and sliders at home which I use to do similar style workouts. They are awesome products to have at home and while travelling! You can buy them both on Amazon.

Buy 2 Pound Ankle Weights Here

Buy Sliding Discs Here

SLT

SLT stands for strengthen, lengthen, tone. The entire class is done on the megaformer and occasionally uses other equipment such as light hand weights, pilates rings, etc. I have done a reformer pilates class in Australia before and didn’t love it, so I was sceptical. But holy this workout was awesome! I actually found it so difficult. And the next day my abs and inner thighs were killing. SLT and Bodies By P are two must tries!

Flywheel Sports

This gym only does cycle and barre classes. I only tried the cycle class, but it was definitely the BEST cycle class I’ve ever done (and I’ve done a LOT of them). The room was like a stadium, each row of bikes was up higher than the row in front so you could always see the instructor. Each bike had a little computer and the instructor told you exactly what resistance and RPM you should on. You also need to wear cleats (which they provide). I have never used them before but they are SO much better than pedals with the strap. Each bike also has weights and we did an upper body workout towards the end too which was really good. First class is also free, which is always nice :)

Laughing Lotus Yoga Center (Brooklyn)

The Brooklyn place is just over the Manhattan Bridge, so you can either catch the tram there, or you can walk across the bridge. I definitely recommend walking across the bridge! I walked across this one and the Brooklyn Bridge (which is more popular), but preferred the Manhattan Bridge.

Anyway, this yoga studio was really cool! The class was 1 hour and had a bit of meditation at the end, and the instructor was awesome. I’m not a yoga pro or anything, but I thought this place was great :)

ModelFit

I was super excited to try this gym because it is apparently where all the Victoria’s Secret models train. I did the 1 hour modelFITsculpt – it was very popular and the class was completely full. The workout was quite different and I liked the variety in exercises, but the entire hour was just focused on legs. There were a lot of squats and lunges which I was not expecting. Overall it was a bit of a let down and I wouldn’t go back.

I wish I could have tried more gyms, but I just ran out of time! Here’s a list of a few I had on my list, but didn’t get to:

• Body By Simone
• Soul Cycle
• Equinox
• Gotham Gym
• Dogpound
• Aerospace

FOOD

There are SO many amazing places to eat in NYC. Here are some of my favourites (my photos don’t do these places justice):

Smoothies (my favourite haha)

• Pure Greens (this place was epic – they use frozen fruit rather than ice so it is really thick – just the way I like it)
• Juice Press

Breakfast / Brunch / Lunch

• Jack’s Wife Freda (famous people are often seen here)

• Cafe Henrie

• Five Leaves (in Brooklyn
• Cafe Select
• Dudley’s

 

• Balthazar
• Sweet Green – awesome salad place!

Dinner

• Seamores – mostly seafood but lots of other awesome food too

 

• Tao – Japanese and a bit expensive, but totally worth it (the fish (bottom left) was INCREDIBLE)

Unhealthy Stuff

Let’s be honest, if you’re in NYC, you’re going to eat some unhealthy food. Here are some good places to try:

• Katz Deli – epic Rueben sandwiches
• Joe’s Pizza – best New York slice
• Spotted Pig – best burgers
• Georgetown cupcakes
• Magnolia bakery

There are lots of other places – these were just my favourites from the ones I tried. No matter what, you’re going to have epic food and awesome gym experiences in NYC!

PS. You always must check out some rooftop bars! xx