Roll with It
With a brand of indoor cycling that manages to be both intense and uplifting, SoulCycle—which has won legions of fans, including notables like Chelsea Clinton, Tiki Barber and Conan O’Brien—is branching out from its Upper West Side home base (117 W. 72nd St.) and Bridgehampton extension. An Upper East Side outpost (1470 Third Ave.) opened in September and a 6,200-square-foot Tribeca location
(101 Warren St.) opened in early January. The East Side studio—with a white glass exterior inspired by the White Cube gallery in London—hosts the challenging, push-tothe- limit, candlelit rides in front of a mural of the open road. The Tribeca SoulCycle has three studios, and both new arrivals feature a juice bar with signature juices and a boutique selling the center’s indoor cycling clothing line, SoulCycle—the only collection of its kind in existence. Visit soul-cycle.com
City Sprint
The Empire Hotel, eager to keep guests and locals in shape and feeling at home, has partnered with City Running Tours to host five-mile running ventures through the Upper West Side. The guided tours—which begin and end at The Empire—take a wide sweep across the neighborhood, passing sites like
Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History and the 79th Street Boat Basin. The journeys depart three times a day (6 and 8 AM and 6 PM, with the option of private tours) and cater to runners of all levels. And with a 10 percent discount on spa services at the hotel’s Jeunesse Spa, the five miles will surely fly by. 44 W. 63rd St., 212-265-7400; empirehotelnyc.com
Hit your Stride
Lululemon Athletica, known for bringing yoga (and the clothes worn while doing it) to the people, offers Run, a line of high-performance running clothes. “If we can provide clothing that ignites passionate energy in you to get out and be your best, we’ve totally done our job,” says Run clothing designer Shannon Savage. “This kind of attitude is refl ected in the styling and colors of the Run line.” Roughly 25 pieces like the Hills pullover ($99) and the Empower cropped tight ($86) are fortified with vibrant hues, flattering fits and runner-appreciated details—fl at seams, quick-drying fabrics, zippered pockets, anti-odor mesh panels and holes for ponytails in hoods—that deliver the edge an athlete needs while looking extra sharp. 481 Broadway, 212-334- 8276; 1127 Third Ave., 212-755-5019; 15 Union Square West, 212-675-5286; lululemon.com
Even Out
Striking a balanced approach to fitness should be the goal of anyone looking to get fit. It’s also the philosophy behind Physical Equilibrium—the brainchild of trainer and founder Sara Dimmick, which holds to a bespoke method of fitness that proves everyone can commit to an active lifestyle. “Our philosophy is that exercise should be enjoyable and everyone can find some activity they are excited about,” says Dimmick. “Our trainers find a balance between what the client needs and wants, then creates a program that is not only fun but will also help them reach their fitness goals.”
Eight trainers execute 15 classes and workouts—everything from a two- to three-month training and diet overhaul for brides to custom workout programs. The training also encourages people to push beyond their comfort zones—particularly heading into winter. “Your first goal should be to maintain your current fitness level,” says Dimmick. “If you maintain throughout the holidays, then come January, when you get back into your regular routines, you will be way ahead of the game. Seek out an indoor class—spinning, yoga, strength training—or find a good personal trainer you can start working with to get into a routine.”
Physical Equilibrium also offers marathon and triathlon training programs for all levels. (For last month’s ING New York City Marathon, it coached the first marathon team from Gilda’s Club New York City, an organization that offers free support to those with cancer.) A 12- to 16-week plan using in-person instruction by certified coaches, online training and e-mail correspondence will help you meet your goals. 139 E. 57th St., 917-744-6627; physeq.com
