Working out with a view

Brooklyn bridge, a favorite among runners

I was never an avid gym goer nor a runner when I lived in Peru. I stopped practicing sports right after high school and then I occasionally trained in the gym (maybe once a week or so). However, in my second year in NY things changed, so did my perspective of taking care of my body and well being. Seeing so many people who are health-conscious and fit, totally inspired me.

I realized that being active and working out regularly was more of a lifestyle than a fad. Not only that, it goes beyond aesthetics, it’s has to do with being healthy for your own body’s and mind’s sake. I would never think in a million years that I would run more than 2 miles after work to release stress. Neither that I would have a gym routine and create a healthy eating habit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a gym junkie, not even a pro runner and I do like eating junk food every now and then. Let’s just say that I’m a fitness enthusiast, who is eager to have a healthy body -physically and mentally.

View of the FDR track at night

I know I have a long way to go but I’m on the right path. NYC gives you great opportunities that I wasn’t aware of before, such as running training groups, healthy food and fitness shops, tons of people who are very health-fitness oriented, great gyms, yoga and Pilates studios, martial arts & boxing centers, indoors & outdoors boot camps, etc etc. Opportunities are greater during the summer, when New Yorkers get tons of free outdoor classes of what I just mentioned. Let’s not forget that you can even run of the most important marathons in the world (of course you must train HARD).

Personally, besides going to the gym, I love to workout outdoors (yes, even if it’s winter). I love to run in the park or tracks. One of my favorites has become the FDR track that has a beautiful view. Another one that I just started running is the Williamsburg bridge, which has an amazing view and a challenging path. All time popular, Central park is on my top 5 favorites as well.

Running in the East River track at night

Quiet frankly, it doesn’t matter in what city you are, what matters is to find the motivation to develop a working out and eating right habits. There’s no need to deprive yourself from indulging on chocolate or burgers every now and then. What’s important is to watch your daily calories consumption, try to eat small and healthy meals 5 times a day, drink plenty of water, eat more veggies and fruits and choose the healthier option possible. It’s also essential, to be active; if you think the gym is boring, join Zumba or boot camp classes, or run outside or ride a bike.

An old time favorite, Central Park in winter

There’s definitely plenty of options, you just need to put your plan on track. I came to the realization of how important is to stay healthy when I move to this city, and I’m glad I did. I’m not going to lie, one of the best things NY has to offer is to have the amazing skyline as your workout view 😉

-Peruvian Chica in NYC