Jonathan Shannon

The goal of a CrossFit gym, simply put, is to utilize the body’s natural motion through a wide range of exercises to get you into the best shape of your life—and keep you there. Instructors at these spots, some of the best gyms in NYC, guide participants through a unique workout of the day, using an ever-changing combination of cardio and weight lifting to develop strength. No, they’re not exactly fitness classes for beginners, but there’s no need to be intimidated—everyone gets their butt kicked, and everyone notices when you beat your best, giving you a pat on the back (if they can still lift their arms, that is). CrossFit gyms also offer outdoor fitness classes, and many take a holistic approach, providing nutrition classes and guides to healthy eating. So invest in a sporty new wardrobe at the city’s top sporting goods stores, put on your workout songs playlist and get movin’! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to fitness classes and gyms in NYC

We live in an incredibly photogenic city. So it’s no surprise that, as with films and, you know, photographs, New York has served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic music videos. From Michael Jackson’s 1987 video for “Bad” (directed by Martin Scorsese) to A$AP Rocky’s 2015 video for “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2,” artists have and continue to shoot the videos for some of their biggest hits in NYC. Watch our absolute favorites below, and be sure to check out the best movies set in NYC neighborhoods for more Gothamcentric cinema.

This neighborhood may have become the butt of every hipster joke, but the young and the cool flock to Williamsburg, situated in the postindustrial north of Brooklyn, for a reason. The neighborhood's established Hasidic, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Italian and Polish communities continue to put their own unique stamp on the diverse but gentrifying neighborhood. But some underdeveloped spots east of the BQE still have rents that allow for experimentation and specialization, and the area continues to be a magnet for artistic 20-somethings looking to pursue creative dreams or start a family of their own. Kevin Bracken, cofounder of interactive public art group Newmindspace (newmindspace.com) "My favorite place to eat is Danny's Pizzeria, and the reason is not the pizza—which is pretty good—but in the wintertime they have the most excellent chicken soup that I think I've ever had. I think Danny makes it himself."Danny's Pizzeria, 241 Bushwick Ave at Montrose Ave (718-381-1669, dannyspizzeria.com) "If I want to get really cheap snack food while I'm drinking, I go to The Levee. It's not really that cool; it's the kind of place where you can get 50 bowls of cheese puffs."The Levee, 212 Berry St at North 3rd St (718-218-8787, theleveenyc.com) "I love the people who run 3rd Ward, and the events that they do there. I've been to lots and lots of excellent parties there. My favorites are thrown by Will Etundi from the Danger (thedanger.com). He's been an inspiration for my own events."3rd Wa

Improv Everywhere's temperature-defying No Pants Subway Ride isn't quite as masochistic as the Polar Bear Plunge—but it's close. Hundreds overthrew the tyranny of two-legged clothing and took to the platforms at six locations in four boroughs to journey on specified routes to Union Square, all the while acting as normal as possible to bemuse and amuse their fellow passengers. And we note, with pleasure, that New Yorkers are as sartorially savvy in the underwear and socks department as they are with the rest of their wardrobe.RECOMMENDED: The No Pants Subway Ride