For the many Fordham University at Lincoln Center students who prefer to get out of a traditional gym setting while still getting in their day’s exercise, the Upper West Side has plenty to offer. A variety of studios and gyms are nestled right within our neighborhood, and will help students enjoy their workouts. Some of these options include such methods as dance, yoga and CrossFit.

Fordham students have expressed interest in alternative workout methods around campus.  Marien Alejandro, a Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’19 dance major, said, “I am not a fan of the gym because I like having fun while I exercise. I don’t exactly like doing a cardio workout on a machine, so it is hard to motivate myself to go to the gym.” Alejandro expressed her interest not only in public dance classes, but also in CrossFit. “I would love to try CrossFit because it seems like a great and fun way to work out and meet new people in the area.”

The Ailey Extension is a branch of the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation that offers public dance classes every day, ranging from ballet to West African dance. The Ailey Extension also offers classes in Zumba, yoga, Powerful Body Pilates and Danzatone Fitness (a non-stop dance fitness class). The Ailey Extension is located on 55th St. and 9th Ave., just five blocks from campus.  You can visit their website, www.aileyextension.com, for class schedules and pricing. Other local dance studios include Steps on Broadway, Manhattan Movement & Arts Center and Blood Sweat and Tease. All studios offer public dance classes for all levels.

If you are looking for a more relaxing option, Yoga to the People is a donation-based yoga studio that provides classes all day, every day. Yoga to the People specializes in Vinyasa Flow yoga, a type of yoga that aims to not only strengthen your body, but your mind and heart as well. Yoga to the People is located on 103rd St. and Broadway. You can visit their website, www.yogatothepeople.com, to learn more about what they have to offer. If you want to check out some other studios, there are several more options, such as YogaWorks Westside, Upper West Side Yoga, NY Loves Yoga and World Yoga Center. All of these studios are highly-rated and offer classes for all skill levels.

Fiona Whalen, FCLC ’19, doesn’t like working out in gyms because “they are too tedious, and I am too easily bored when I work out on a machine.” Whalen runs regularly in Central Park, but would love to try other methods of exercise, including yoga. “Yoga would be a great way to refresh, both mentally and physically. I feel like it is a cleansing workout that can be beneficial in multiple ways.” Whalen also expressed an interest in CrossFit. “Anyone who does CrossFit seems to get results and love it. I have never heard someone say that they were bored doing CrossFit.”

If you are interested in CrossFit training, CrossFit NYC just opened a new location on Columbus Ave., between 67th St and 68th St. CrossFit is a nationwide program that helps anyone get into the best shape of their life, regardless of their fitness level, with a focus on strength conditioning. CrossFit offers classes every day, and the first intro class is free. You can visit their website, www.crossfitnyc.com, for more information.

All of these off-campus options are a great way to get out and get fit, but FCLC has a couple of options here on campus as well. Zumba classes are offered on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in McMahon 205/206, and Tae Kwon Do classes are offered on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the same room. Check out the flyers posted around campus for more information.