NYC is a crazy place, and after living here for 8ish years (how did that happen?) I’ve found that in this vibrant, oftentimes overwhelming city, you can still have a healthy lifestyle. NYC is booming in the boutique fitness space and there is a new spin studio or HIIT spot on nearly every corner. In fact, the network full of my guilty pleasure favorites has a new show premiering this Sunday focused on the fitness scene in NYC—Work Out New York.
To celebrate Bravo’s Work Out New York (this Sunday at 9/8c!), in a city as fitness-obsessed as NYC, combined with tons of distractions, here are three simple tips to stay healthy & sane in the city that never sleeps:
Walk Everywhere: I tend to take for granted how easy it is to walk in the city. Once you move to the ‘burbs or a more spread out city, this won’t be so easy. For those in NYC or other walkable cities, take advantage! I never buy a monthly subway pass because it makes me more likely to skip walking if there is a subway station nearby. I walk to and from work every single day; it clears my head, gets me a dose of fresh air, saves money and burns calories. Wins all around! If your commute is too long to walk, try walking part of the way then jumping on the subway, or walk home when it’s nice out.
Wake Up Early: Easier said than done, but I can’t express enough how nice it is to get up pre-dawn, work up a sweat, and know that by the time you’re at work, you’ve already done something important for your health. Despite it being a daily occurrence, it’s still a struggle to get out of bed at 6am, but I make it happen. In a busy city full of work commitments, friends and outings, you never know what is going to come up in the evening to mess with your workout schedule. Don’t risk it, workout in the mornings and keep your evenings open for last minute meet ups with friends, the ability to stay late at work to finish a project, or simply to relax on your couch with the latest Housewives (who is watching RHBH??).
Cook your Own Food: NYC has amazing restaurants plus Seamless for when you want to stay home but are too lazy to cook. Here’s the deal, just cook yourself some food! Make a big amount on Sunday so you’re set for a few days. Extra lazy? Use a crock pot- it’s so easy and makes the best food! When you fall into the habit of ordering food or going out to eat frequently, you typically do not know what is in your food and portions can get out of control. You don’t need to deny yourself delicious opportunities to dine out, just do it in moderation. Cook at home when you can and when you do dine out, really enjoy the entire experience, minus the guilt (money & calorie-wise).
Any New Yorker knows that there are a bunch of excuses and obstacles that might keep you from your healthiest self, but don’t let that stop you. I hope these tips help; do you have any I missed? Share them below!
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