How to Exercise in Winter in New York's Central Park
It's easy to find excuses not to exercise in the winter, especially when it comes to the expense and commitment of joining a gym. And if you live in New York, digging further into your wallet can seem daunting. However, there is no need to pay to run on a treadmill when you can simply head out to Central Park and take advantage of the beautiful scenery and sites. Here are some ideas on how to get the most out of your jaunts to Central Park.
Instructions
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Go for a run. Enjoy the beautiful, diverse landscapes along the Park Drives, or race along the Reservoir track and take in the New York City skyline. See the Runner's Map under "Resources" below.
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Bike one of the many trails or stick to the Park Drives. Either way, the park is bike-friendly and offers a variety of terrain, from challenging hills to the easier flat paths. Consider joining the New York Cycle Club, which frequently meets in Central Park. (See below under "Resources" for more details.)
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Head over to the park's Wollman Rink for some outdoor ice-skating. Open from November to March, Wollman also offers lessons ranging from beginners to advanced. See their website for the most current rates below in "Resources."
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Check out the Central Park Conservancy for classes like Climbing (both indoor and outdoor), Challenge Courses (fosters team spirit) and Field Day kits (stocked with a variety of games and equipment). Rather than committing to weekly classes at a gym, you can pick and choose what you want to do, all at affordable rates. See their website below under "Resources."
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Be a kid again when it snows. Head out with your family or friends and build a snowman, have a snowball fight or just take a walk through the park. The snow will challenge your various leg muscles and sense of balance for a stronger torso.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress in layers. If you become too warm, take off your sweatshirt or track jacket and tie it around your waist.
You can still become dehydrated in the winter. Make sure whatever activity you choose that you drink plenty of water, especially after exercise.
While New York has become safer over the years, avoid running or exercising in the park after nightfall. If you must, stick to the well-lit areas like the runners' tracks and try to go with a group. Note that the park officially closes from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
