The warmer weather is finally here, rendering us city-dwellers helplessly drawn to the bright, glorious sunshine.
With the perfect weather, and some extra time off from work or school, summertime has always been a time for change, and what better way to celebrate summertime than to try something new, right?
Yoga in Bryant Park is great and all, but if you’re looking for something requiring a bit more energy than just a walk and stretch through the park; something a bit more motivating, or just more colorful than your usual workout, you simply must read on.
Here are 6 can't-miss, outdoor summertime activities in New York City-- so drop what you're doing and prepare your bodies for 'em.
1. Lululemon Community Yoga (every Sunday)
lululemon Yesterday, our Memphis store hosted a complimentary yoga class at an iconic location. This old and beautiful brewery was to be torn down, but the city rallied around the building and found a local investor to save the location. Each weekend the location hosts local brewers, food trucks and musicians to create a truly organic collaboration of Memphis culture.
While many of you have probably heard of the fitness apparel empire that is Lululemon, there’s a chance you haven’t heard of the free community events that Lululemon sponsors each week.
Every Sunday, Lululemon stores across the United States hold free yoga classes in either local studios in the nearby area, or the stores themselves with employees and instructors helping to transform the store from a shopper’s playground to the perfect yoga studio.
Not only does Lululemon sponsor free weekly yoga sessions, they also host a bunch of other community events, such as a weekly running club intended for runners of all fitness levels.
They're doing a bunch this summer, so check out their site here.
2. Sunset Rooftop Yoga (July 8th)
laughinglotusny #CommunityIsTheGuru Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust #HowDoesYoutGardenGrow #LotusLove #EveryoneIsYourTeacher #Guru #Souls #Love #Family #NoLove #NotLotus
A popular yoga spot for New Yorkers, the Laughing Lotus yoga studio, normally held at its location on the third floor at 636 6th Ave, shifts its practice from inside to the great outdoors for the Sunset Rooftop Yoga series they are hosting throughout the summer starting July 8th.
These classes are held at sunset and located at the Greenwich House on 27 Barrow St and 7th Avenue in NYC.
This yoga class starts promptly at 7:00 pm with the sunset kicking off an awesome hour and a half of rooftop yoga.
Definitely sign up on the Laughing Lotus site in advance, this event is sure to sell out.
3. The Color Run Night 5K (July 11th)
Known as the, “Happiest 5K on the Planet,” The Color Run is just that: a bright, color-filled 5K that's going to leave you sweaty and smiling.
Other runners are coming out this summer to join The Color Run’s Shine Tour, clad in their all white get-ups, and ready for some serious fun.
Oh, this run's also at night, kicking off at 9 p.m. Throughout the course, you get blasted with colored powder of all different shades (hence, you know, The Color Run).
Upon registration, you also receive a glowing, special edition T-shirt, a black light headlamp, glow sticks, and a glow runner’s pack to get ready for the race. Free stuff is always fun! See, I told you it was going to be awesome!
Not ready to take on a nighttime 5 K just yet? Not to worry, The Color Run is currently in the works of setting up a date this summer for its NYC day run.
,4. Rockapulco End of Summer Half Marathon (August 29th)
ericajoydunn Rockaway Beach 1/2 Marathon! @rockapulcorun #rockapulcorun #juicepress #willrunforjuice
Taking place in Rockaway, Queens on August 29th, the Rockapulco End of Summer Half Marathon is most definitely a firecracker of a run.
Perhaps the best way to celebrate the end of summer, it takes place on the boardwalk at Beach 17th Street, giving you absolutely amazing views of the ocean.
Starting at 8 a.m., this beachside race acts as a part of the annual summer Rockapulco Run series in Rockaway.
The series consists of multiple runs throughout the summer, so be sure to check out their other races, such as the Firecracker 10 Miler - perfect for those exercise enthusiasts who are looking to tackle a bit more than a 5k and little less than a half marathon!
But, if you’re ready to tackle 13.1 miles, the Rockapulco End of Summer Half Marathon is the perfect place to do it.
5. Electric Run (September 5th)
Prepare yourselves; your minds, your bodies, and your costumes. Similar to the Night Nation Run, the Electric Run also features Electronic Dance Music, but with a twist.
The Run encourages you to dress in their wildest outfits, from ‘80s themed to Halloween costumes, as long as you wear something that glows.
The cool thing about the Electric Run is that each venue that hosts it offers something uniquely tailored to that place. What to expect? The Electric Run lists five to seven different “Course Lands” throughout the run, and maybe even some “ethereal jellyfish”, and larger than life candies.
Honestly, who even knows what that means exactly? I kind of want to find out.
Oh, and it doesn't even end there. There's a sick Finish Line Celebration, ending at midnight, but an insane way to start a great night.
Keep in mind that the prices for registration go up after June 15th, so sign up now.
6. Wanderlust 108 (September 13th)
wanderlustfest Oh, you know... Just @mcyogi getting everyone pumped up about love and good feelings and all that gushy stuff. #TypicalMCYogi ☺️ #Wanderlust108 #SanFrancisco #RunYogaMeditate @christenvidanovic
This one is definitely something to look forward to down the road, so start training now!
But Wanderlust 108 is easily one of the best fitness events I've ever been to, and it's definitely life-changing. Wanderlust 108 is a one-day fitness festival, including over an hour and a half of yoga, guided mediation, and a 5k run.
Throughout the breaks between each activity, the Wanderlust grounds are filled with endless other fun like hooping and acroyoga, in addition to the awesome storefronts created by their numerous supporters.
There's food, craft vendors, and musicians spread all throughout the grounds helping cultivate a laid back, feel-good, locally-grown atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a fitness-filled festival with a pinch of hippie vibes sure to make even the angriest person happy, Wanderlust is the spot for you.
Looking for a Night of Amazing Artwork and Great Drinks? We Got You.