This is probably a part 1 of several… because I am a sweat-a-holic. Other than a great cup of coffee (okay, or glass of wine), working out is how I keep sane. From adult sports leagues, to running, to CrossFit, to yoga, to spin – I’m all about it. So here’s a few of my picks for spin and yoga studios on the Upper West Side (because you really can’t go wrong with these – and spin is like a gateway drug to studio classes anyways, right?!). The UWS has SO much to offer and local fitness studios are here to stay, so try them all out and get plugged in!
Pure Yoga
204 West 77 Street
Pure Yoga is a very professional Upper West Side yoga studio with a lot to offer! Not only do they offer a wide variety of yoga classes (nidra, meditation, power, and hatha to name a few), they offer barre as well. Different from most studios, they do not have a drop-in rate; they are membership only. If yoga is your main form of activity this is a great deal! Unlike a lot of small studios, this place has a fabulous locker room facility. Go ahead and ask about taking a couple complimentary trial classes, and they are happy to oblige!
Upper West Side Yoga and Wellness
75B W 85th Street
A locally owned and operated, small Upper West Side yoga studio with raving reviews since opening a couple years ago. This studio offers drop-ins, class cards, and memberships. This studio really embodies the true feeling of community. From kids, teens, beginner to advanced, workshops, and retreats – there truly is a class for everyone. As an adrenaline junkie myself, I love studios like these to help heal, recover, and supplement my other fitness endeavors. Another super cool amenity is their infrared sauna sessions. Detoxing at a new level! Co-owner, Ingrid, is so beloved by all her clients and everyone has nothing but FANTASTIC things to say about her practice, patience, and skill.
Want more options? Here is a full list of studios to do yoga on the Upper West Side.
Flywheel Upper West Side
470 Columbus Ave & 150 Amsterdam Ave
Flywheel is a spin-studio company (they also do barre) with several locations in NYC (and other large metro cities, which is a huge plus if you travel a lot for work – no reason to skip class!), but they do “local” really well. Service is phenomenal and you can tell it is an important pillar of their company. Full of knowledgable and enthusiastic instructors, spin class itself is even taken to another level. Not only do you ride for your life to upbeat music and inspiring messages cheering you on, competition plays a big part. They have a Torque Board (you can opt out if competition isn’t your thing!) that keeps track of your ranking among the class as you ride for your life. Class Pass is accepted and the facilities are also SO crisp and clean.
photo from giltcity.com
SoulCycle
350 Amsterdam Ave
The mother of cycling. These studios are for get-it-done cycling. There isn’t a lot of fancy amenities or equipment – but you WILL leave soaked in sweat and ready to take on the world. The instructors are inspiring and the music is dance party worthy. SoulCycle also has studios across the major metro cities from coast to coast, so you can keep up with the obsession if you travel often. The only downside to this location is no showers (if you’re into that sort of thing…), but the early classes are packed with young business people who all don’t seem to mind the quick run home first!
Want more options? Check out this full list of personal trainers, Crossfit and Upper West Side spin classes.
