The start of a new year provides a great opportunity to explore new activities, interests, and goals. Whether you are looking to move your body more this guide has got you covered with fun and free wellness classes that are open to all New Yorkers — regardless of immigration status.
Virtual Rise & Shine Yoga
- Date: Every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Location: Wherever you are! Zoom link sent out before class starts.
- Details: Start your day with gentle stretching and mindful breathing. This free, virtual class is open to people of all levels and ages. Registration required.
Free breathwork classes
Did you know that you can join free classes to learn how to use your breath to manage stress and calm your mind and body? All sessions are free for New Yorkers. Learn more and register here for the Breath-Body-Mind workshops.
- Tuesday from 6 to 6:30 a.m. (Class is in English)
- Tuesday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. (Class is in English)
- Tuesday from 8 to 8:45 (Class is in English)
- Wednesday from 8 to 8:30 p.m. (Class is in Spanish)
Shape Up NYC
Did you know that the City of New York sponsors free exercise and dance classes across all the boroughs? Visit the Shape Up NYC map to find a free class near you. Here are a few selections to get your energy moving.
Brooklyn free exercise and dance classes
Birding in Brooklyn
- Date: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., year round
- Location: Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park
- Details: Free and open to all ages. Come and walk around with fellow birders, artists, and neighbors. No advance registration or experience required. More information here.
Hip House Cardio (Brooklyn)
- Date: Every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Fit4Dance NYC, 21 Snyder Ave. in Brooklyn
- Details: Hip House is an upbeat dance aerobics workout that fuses old school hip-hop and house vibes to improve cardio fitness and tone the body.
Bronx free exercise and dance classes
Chair Yoga (Bronx)
- Date: Every Monday from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Location: New York Public Library – Eastchester (385 E Gun Hill Rd., Bronx)
- Details: You can register for the free class here.
Movement Stories: Movement Stories & Music (Bronx)
- Date: Tuesdays, starting February 3 and ending February 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- Location: Francis Martin Library, Community Room (2150 University Ave., Bronx)
- Details: Explore Bharatanatyam, an Indian traditional dance. Participants will learn about this dance and how it can help visualize stories, move their bodies, and find joy in the creative expression of their choosing. These classes are suitable for anyone ages 6 and up, including those with physical disabilities.
- Registration is encouraged.
Low Impact Strength & Cardio (Bronx)
- Date: Every Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Location: The gymnasium in the Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park and Recreation Center (1020 Jerome Ave., Bronx)
- Details: A free and fun low-impact workout class that combines bodyweight strength and cardio to get your body moving. Class is accessible to adults 18+. Registration required.
Queens free exercise and dance classes
Winter Nature Exploration and Cleanup (Queens)
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- Date: January 17 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk in the Arverne East Nature Preserve
- Details: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk in the Arverne East Nature Preserve while looking for signs of birds and other winter flora and fauna that call the preserve home. We will also help beautify this area by participating in a clean-up.
- Registration is not required. Learn more here.
Zumba (Queens)
- Date: Every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Location: Woodside on the Move (51-23B Queens Boulevard, Queens)
- Details: Zumba is a dance cardio class that will get your body moving and heart rate up with easy-to-follow choreography and fun music. Class is free and accessible to adults 18+. Registration required.
Staten Island free exercise and dance classes
Fitness Bootcamp (Staten Island)
- Date: Every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.
- Location: Multi-Use Room in Greenbelt Recreation Center (501 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island)
- Details: Free and open to adults 18+. This class combines cardio strength and balance exercises to improve overall health. Registration required.
