{"id":495785,"date":"2026-01-06T05:34:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T05:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/495785\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T05:34:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T05:34:20","slug":"this-program-tops-parks-departments-list-of-popular-free-fitness-classes-in-the-big-apple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/495785\/","title":{"rendered":"This program tops Parks Department\u2019s list of popular free fitness classes in the Big Apple"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"a\t\t\t<\/p>\n

A free Shape Up NYC class in Chelsea.<\/p>\n

Photo by NYC Parks \/ Daniel Avila<\/p>\n

January is traditionally the busiest time for gym membership sales in NYC. But New Yorkers committed to their New Year\u2019s<\/a> resolutions that focus on fitness and saving money can look to the NYC Parks Department\u2019s extensive offering of free fitness classes\u2014something health-conscious New Yorkers took advantage of in droves last year.<\/p>\n

Parks officials told amNewYork that in 2025, more than 40,000 New Yorkers participated in Shape Up NYC, the city\u2019s free fitness program for adults that offers aerobic and strength training classes, including dance fitness, bootcamp and bodyweight circuit training, all at no charge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The most-attended Shape Up NYC class in 2025 was Zumba, a high-energy cardio dance workout that has maintained popularity for over a decade. New Yorkers are increasingly enrolling in the class and will continue to do so this year as they maintain their fitness routines in a fun and upbeat way, according to Kendra Van Horn, director of citywide fitness for NYC Parks.<\/p>\n

\u201cZumba is one of the most popular of our fitness class offerings because it is approachable, and people usually like the music,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a lot of Latin American pop music, but it is also global, something people in NYC can relate to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Where to find the free fitness classes<\/p>\n

Two of the program\u2019s most popular locations hosted nearly 4,000 Zumba participants last year. Al Oerter Recreation Center in Queens welcomed 2,650 visitors to its Zumba classes in 2025. Manhattan\u2019s Highbridge Park followed with 1,300 visits, with both parks turning outdoor dance fitness into a community favorite.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something that is really fun and appealing to people,\u201d Von Horn said. \u201cYou\u2019re in a group fitness class where people are having fun, sweating together. It\u2019s low-pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Von Horn explained that all Shape Up NYC dance fitness classes are an effective and cost-free way to get in exercise.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting in that cardio is really great for people, Von Horn explained. \u201cAnd most Americans don\u2019t meet that recommended level of cardio every week, so the classes are a fun way to break a sweat, get your heart rate up, get some cardio and it does great things for your brain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"aAbout 40,000 people participated in the Parks Department\u2019s free fitness classes in 2025.Photo by NYC Parks \/ Daniel Avila<\/p>\n

Shape Up NYC classes are held at various indoor and outdoor venues throughout city, including parks, libraries and community centers. Classes are also held at Parks Dept. recreation centers, but an annual membership, which starts at $25, is required.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Libby Kessman of Manhattan has been taking Shape Up NYC\u2019s Alignment Yoga at the Morningside Heights Library.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great class, she said. \u201cI love it.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

How to enroll in Shape Up NYC free fitness classes<\/p>\n

Shape Up NYC group fitness classes are held throughout the city, in all five boroughs. There is no formal enrollment, so New Yorkers can sign up online or just show up to a class.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Among the upcoming class offerings are:<\/p>\n