It’s not all SoulCycle and Barry’s Bootcamp: New York still offers plenty of cheap ways to get in shape, like these fitness classes under $30. Before you commit to one of the many sports clubs and leagues or gyms in NYC, try out a few different fitness classes for beginners. That way, you won’t waste your money on a membership to a yoga studio or weightlifting gym you only sort of like. Sampling the fitness programs at studios all over New York City is also perfect for the exerciser who gets bored easily. You won’t be tempted to skip your workout when it’s a hip-hop dance class or trampoline aerobics session!
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to fitness classes and gyms in NYC
Talk about self-defense—this class teaches you how to wield a legitimate German longsword. You’ll learn how to spar, grapple and cut, all while toning and strengthening your core and upper body. No one will want to mess with you afterwards. $10
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/kris krüg
Shake, shimmy and twirl your way to a toned bod in a cardio Bollywood dance class. You’ll be having so much fun grooving to the rhythm that you might very well forget you’re working out—perfect for those of us who aren’t so keen on the gym. $20
You might feel like you’re under the big top in this class at The Muse in Bushwick, but that’s only natural. Circus professionals teach the acrobatics classes at this studio, and you’ll learn to tumble, balance and leap like a bona fide carnival performer. $25
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Kristin Wall
Hate cardio? Slow things down in this hourlong class focused solely on stretching out your muscles. The instructors at Fit4Dance will lead you through a series of exercises meant to improve circulation and flexibility. By the end of the class, you’ll feel like Gumby. $18
Shaking your booty doesn’t get enough credit. For one thing, holding a squat the whole time is a serious leg workout; for another, moving your hips constantly forces you to contract your abs. So follow Miley’s lead and get your twerk on. $30
Part martial art, part dance, capoeira has been practiced in Brazil for decades. This graceful and elegant system of movement doesn’t require any equipment, but will definitely get your heart pumping and endorphins flowing. $20
Bouncing up and down on a mini trampoline looks easy, but looks can be deceiving. This class combines old-school training methods like squats and lunges with acrobatic jumping moves for a low-impact, high-intensity workout. You’ll definitely work up a sweat. $30
Totally new to the world of asanas and sun salutations? Get a handle on the basic building blocks of yoga in this series of classes at The Three Jewels. The instructor will walk you through breathing exercises, balancing postures, inversions and flows. After a few classes, you’ll be able to follow along with any yoga class in the five boroughs. $15
Even dancers with two left feet will be popping, locking, dabbing and grooving in no time after taking a few hip hop lessons from HipHop Dance Junkies. Though the instructors will break down every move for absolute beginners, dancers at all levels are welcome to join these classes. Each class builds on the steps you learned in the previous session to create an original choreography routine. $17
This class is technically called “goddess” belly dancing, and it’s not hard to see why. You'll feel sexy, powerful and strong after class—like a goddess. It’s an added bonus that isolating your abs and hip muscles tones and strengthens your midsection. $18
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