"Make New York City Your Gym" Brings Low-Cost Workouts To Residents
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
BeFitNYC is spotlighting free and low-cost activities throughout the city this summer to get residents active and healthy using the resources around them. NY1’s Kafi Drexel filed the following report.Nothing says fitness like a “Zumba” dance flash mob in the middle of Madison Square Park.
That's just what Health and Parks and Recreation officials are hoping for with a special week of activities designed to get more New Yorkers moving outdoors.
Armed with a special logo that has Lady Liberty flexing her muscles from all that time holding up a torch, "Make New York City Your Gym" week is packed with free and low-cost fitness opportunities at parks throughout the five boroughs.
“There's nothing more important for health than increased physical activity, and it’s so easy to do, especially here in New York where you can be physically active in transportation, and you can go to lots of beautiful parks and beaches to get exercise,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.
“There is so much you can do out in the parks,” said New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “And the message is, you know, get out, get some exercise, a little bit of exercise every day. You'll be fitter, society will be healthier, we'll reduce medical costs and you'll definitely feel better.”
Participating New Yorkers said getting the chance to work out at a low cost or for free is a big deal, as not staying active could be a big cost to their health.
“I have diabetes, so I need to start moving,” said Althea Hall. “I started a little bit, but this is just going to help it along.”
“Health is wealth,” said Shaine Frazier. “For me, that's the motto I live by. Health is wealth. So there's no reason to not exercise.”
“Make New York City Your Gym” offers dozens of programs through this week, and there are several similar ones throughout the year. For a complete list, visit BeFitNYC.org.