The poster advertised GLP-1s alongside non-FDA-approved peptides like retatrutide (the new weight-loss drug gym bros are obsessed with) and injectable NAD+. Maddie popped into the shop yesterday and the worker said they were indeed selling them. Guess you can casually grab a vial on the corner of Bedford and 5th? But I’d be weary with a sign that explicitly says “not for human consumption.”

This week: Pride workouts, a running rave, plenty of cold plunging, a floating sound bath, and new spa opening.

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Tuesday June 23: Gay Bar Fun Run (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

This Pride party starts with a 3 or 5 mile run (your choice) before ending at the Exley in Williamsburg for a fundraising evening of raffles and drinks benefiting the Ali Forney Center, which provides shelter and services for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.

Tuesday June 23: Soundbody x Unveiled NY Workout (Williamsburg), 630PM, $42

This 50-minute strength and cardio workout moves to the beat of a live DJ at Unveiled NY nightclub in Williamsburg. Based on the playlist on Soundbody’s website, expect mostly house music.

Wednesday June 24: QTPOC On The Rocks Meetup (Gowanus), 7PM, $15

If you’ve ever wanted to get into climbing (or you already have and are looking for a group to do it with), there’s an LGBTQ POC meet up at the Bouldering Project in Brooklyn. BP always has fun routes even for beginners (some gyms really don’t), and $15 is a serious discount for a day pass.

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Wednesday June 24: Gigis Pilates x Strength (Midtown), 730PM, $15

Gigi’s NYC hosts pop-up wellness events, and we love that this 45-minute pilates class is only $15, when most will run you much more than that. Her events seem to attract a cute group of gals and seem more focused on bringing people together than just filling a class.

Wednesday June 24: Adidas x Garmin Summer Sunset Run (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

Brooklyn Running Co is partnering with Adidas and Garmin to get some gear demos going for runners. Head out for some sunset miles and test the Adidas Evo SL (yes they’re one of the most hyped shoe but sooo good) and a Garmin watch to track your workout—they’ll only have 25 of these so show up early and bring your ID if this is a priority to you.

Thursday June 25: Rerouted x Salomon Speed Friending Run (Williamsburg), 630PM, free

Ok this speed “friending” run from Rerouted Running actually sounds so fun. Each mile you’re paired with one other runner and given conversation prompts—a nice little icebreaker and push to talk to new people, whereas some run clubs can be a bit cliquey. It starts at the Salomon store in Williamsburg and ends at Radegast, where drinks are on the house (er, brand).

Thursday June 25: Prox Pulse Run / Rave (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

Prox, a new caffeinated sparkling protein drink brand (lol wut), is hosting a two-mile easy run that follows DJ Swaggy P as he spins decks on a mobile DJ truck. We’re not sold on the drink concept (I’ve hated every sparkling protein drink I’ve tried) but this event sounds like fun! RSVP required on Forte.

Friday June 26: Level Up FC Soccer Day (Randall’s Island), 1PM, free

Lean into the World Cup energy by learning how to play soccer at this community day on the fields on Randall’s Island. There will be coaching from pros, as well workshops for people interested in growing their career in sports. Free food and drinks too, and open to all regardless of what industry you’re in.

Friday June 26: After Hours Club x Ice Cold Club Flow & Sound (Williamsburg), 530PM, $35

End your work week with a nice reset to launch you into the weekend. After Hours Club is hosting rooftop yoga, followed by a cold water immersion/sound experience with Nike trainer, ice bath coach, and genuine joy of a human Lauren Schramm.

Saturday June 27: Runna First to Fast Track Session (Randall’s Island), 9AM, free

You can still snag a ticket to one of the track sessions that Runna is hosting with athlete Kayla Jeter on Saturday morning. (Hannah will be there!) The workout is interval-based, but don’t let that scare you: the hardest efforts are only 90 seconds at a time, so it should feel pretty approachable even if you’re not a track person. It should be a whole vibe with DJ sets, post-workout food, and bevs. See you there?

Saturday June 27: Sound Off Floating Sound Bath (Williamsburg), 8AM, $70

Hop on a floatie (or sprawl out in a cabana) and don some noise-cancelling headphones: Molly Rabuffo is leading a sound bath at the Arlo Williamsburg’s rooftop pool on Saturday morning. A regular sound bath is already transformative, but while enjoying it while floating sounds extra delightful.

Saturday June 27: AthletEX Game Day (Long Island City), 1130AM, $69

Former college or pro athletes, this one’s for you. AthletEX is hosting a full day of movement and recovery at The Summer Club, a very Bravo-coded lawn and pool situation in LIC. Expect a HIIT workout, cold plunges, protein shakes, and Normatec boots. And if you want to keep the day going, stick around after Game Day wraps for the DJ pool party that follows.

Saturday June 27: mobius Pride and Pilates (Williamsburg) 12PM, free

It seems like Pride month started yesterday but it’s almost coming to an end. Celebrate with a free pilates class from mobius, a social fitness app where you can share your workouts without focusing on metrics, and the Movement Loft, a physical therapy space. We don’t know anyone using the app yet, but the brand seems committed to community by hosting a ton of free workouts and events, which we love to see.

Sunday June 28: Outsiders Bike to the Mets Game (Central Park), 10AM - 6PM, $70 (including discounted Mets ticket)

Do sports before you watch sports! Outsiders, an outdoor-based social club, is hosting a bike ride to Citi Field for the Mets game. It’s about 18 miles and they plan to take around 2 - 2.5 hours with food stops, which is a very leisurely pace.

Sunday June 28: Peak and Pace Hike and Swim (Croton Point Park), 9AM - 130PM, $30

Peak and Pace knows how to throw a party, and this time they’re taking it to the Hudson Valley for a lil hike and swim action. There aren’t exact route details for the hike, but apparently it will be a chill 3.5 miles, ending at the beach at Croton Point Park. Transportation isn’t included in the price, but some of the group will be meeting at the train station to ride together.

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we think you should know…

This week everyone’s been talking about how SoulCycle CEO Evelyn Webster stepped down and the brand announced the closure of 8 locations, including the Bryant Park studio in NYC. I (Maddie) love SoulCycle and believe they set the stage for the boutique fitness world as we know it, but it’s been a sinking ship for years and I’m not optimistic that things will turn around.

Fitness trends are always evolving, but the SoulCycle leadership failed to adapt to the changing landscape. A big part of what made the studio so wildly successful was the larger-than-life instructors, so when the brand stopped investing in talent and paying their instructors as well, it was only time before it fell apart. If newer instructors aren’t given the training, resources, and pay to develop themselves, the quality of classes suffer.

Customers are also pivoting away from spending $42 on a single class when bigger luxury gyms (ie. Lifetime, Equinox) offer unlimited memberships with high-quality classes and facilities. So when a studio is half-full, the whole atmosphere also doesn’t hit the same. Less people come, then less people want to come.

Still, there are still many instructors with cult followings across the city, but that trend may be on its way out. Now, gym-goers are seeking more personalized instruction and connection from coaches instead of worshipping aspirational figures who have little time or interest in engaging with their students. (It goes a long way when an instructor knows your name.) Is the era of star instructors on a podium coming to an end?

happenings around town

• Outdoor clothing brand Fjallraven launched its 2026 Trails Challenge to help people spend more time outside this summer. Stop by either the Meatpacking or SOHO store to get signed up, and you’ll get a list of 10 trails chosen by the staff. (I’m more drawn to the Meatpacking staff’s choices, which include a trail in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx and a waterfall trail outside of Newark). Check off five hikes and you’ll get a patch and store discount.

• Lululemon’s free summer workout series is kicking off this week, and the tickets launch 14 days before each workout and go pretty quickly, so we won’t be able to include them in the weekly roundups. The next one is on June 28.

• It’s pool season so let us put you onto Resort Pass—a platform for buying day passes to spas and hotels around the city. Hannah used it when she was in Joshua Tree for a girl’s trip, but it seems like a great way to pool hop this summer. We’re eyeballing The Beach at Dream Downtown, the cabanas for 4 at the Arlo Williamsburg, and the work-from-pool deal right now at the Hotel Indigo (more chill, less of a scene).

• Usal just announced their next summer camping trip from July 17 - 19, and they’ll be going to a private campground upstate (dreamy). Campers will arrive to a fully set up basecamp with gear from Snow Peak, and most everything is planned and taken care of except for food—plan to cook for yourself during communal cooking hours.

• Social bathhouses have been the moment (and we don’t think they’re going away anytime soon), but more sauna spaces are arising focused on solo rejuvenation. The latest is Japanese spa, Furoya, which will be opening soon by Union Square, and leans into bathing heritage with a hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, and a recovery space—Totonou—where you’re supposed to let the body recalibrate after contrast therapy.

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That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat!

PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know. New studios: We’d love to come join a class and write about it.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

This Saturday before the Knicks game, I coerced a few friends to go play disc golf with me on Governor’s Island for the Populace pop-up course we included in last week’s newsletter. I had never played before, but it was such a fun way to spend the day outside + moving without overdoing it with intense exercise. Need more of that kind of thing this summer.

This week: Juneteenth run clubs, classic park activities, a Hoka shoe demo, and NYC’s rollerblading scene with beginner tips from a real-talented skater.

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Monday June 15: Feels Like Summer: Sombra x Vital x Cold Freak Run (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

Vital Run Club (affiliated with the climbing gym) is creating quite a scene, and regularly amasses over 100 attendees for their group runs. This time they’re teaming up with Sombra for an easy five miler—with post-workout ice cream sandwiches from Cold Freak.

Tuesday June 16: Freaks of Nature x Max Jolliffe Community Run (Williamsburg), 9AM, free

Ultrarunner Max Jolliffe is a Freaks of Nature (sunscreen brand) ambassador, so this Tuesday they’re collectively heading to McCarren Park for a community AM run. Later in the evening, they’re hosting a party from 5 - 8PM, at the Freaks of Nature Pop Up. We’re stopping by. RSVP at the link above.

Tuesday June 16: Slow Girl Run Club x Momentm 2-Mile Run (West Side Highway), 7PM, free

If a speedy run club gives you anxiety, Slow Girl Run Club might be more your pace. They typically run an 11:30 min/mile, and at only a two-mile route, it’s totally do-able even if you’re relatively new to running. Stay for the free drinks, aka a specialty cocktail in collab with their partner, Momentm, a hydration company.

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Friday June 19: Black Miles x Goldfinger Track Club Juneteenth Solidarity Run (Seaport), 11AM, free

Whether you’re running or walking, you can join Coach J from Goldfinger Track Club for their 6th anniversary Juneteenth run and celebration. Over 500 people pulled up to their first one in 2020, so time to bring the energy this year, too.

Friday June 19: Juneteenth Double Dutch Championship (Bed-Stuy), 3PM, free

Got double dutch skills? There's a championship going down through Bed Stuy Double Dutch Club in Herbert Von King Park this Juneteenth (team or solo). Even if you're just spectating, it’s going to be a vibe. Music, food, community programming, freestyle comp.

Friday June 19: Peak and Pace Juneteenth Cookout and World Cup Watch Party (South Slope), 6PM - 9PM, free

Run club Peak and Pace is bringing together a group for Juneteeth, down at Bear Burger’s Backyard in Brooklyn (one of my good friends works here so say hey to Jordan if you go). Cookout seems like a strong word, because I thiiink it’s just the food they have at the bar (or food trucks) but it’ll be a fun place and rowdy crew to watch the Scotland vs. Morocco game with.

Saturday June 20: Hoka Demo Shoe 5K Run (Midtown), 730AM, free

Want to test a pair of Hokas to see how they run? You can demo a pair of the Cielo X1 3.0, Rocket X3, Mach X3, Bondi 9, or Arahi 8 during this morning run out of Hoka’s flagship store in Flatiron. RSVP on Partiful! It’s sure to be a big one. (Maybe just beg them to let you test the Skyward X2 instead because it’s one of my favs from the brand right now.)

Saturday June 20: TeamWRK Juneteenth 5K Race (Brooklyn Bridge Park), 830AM, $64

TeamWRK is throwing what they describe as a “Family Reunion-style” 5K at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Everyone is invited to hang for free, but if you’re racing you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket. There will also be music, food, prizes, raffles, recovery, and a marching band.

Saturday June 20: Willo x mobius Field Day (Williamsburg), 11AM, free

A classic field day with parachute games, twister, and races, but for adults. Hell yeah. Fitness social network mobius and community event series Willo (which started as a concert series) partnered up to bring the energy with a potluck, activities, and chill time, like journaling, in McCarren Park.

Sunday June 21: Summer Solstice Ping Pong Tournament (Prospect Heights), 1PM, $20

Continuing our series of “sports you can be terrible at and still have fun playing”: This beginners ping pong tournament is hosted by a neighborhood hydroponic farm/brewery, Farm.One. They have a beginner and advanced bracket, and your entry fee includes a beer (that you should hold while playing.)

Sunday June 21: Father’s Day at Othership x Culture of Bathe-ing (Williamsburg), 8AM - 11AM, $69 (parent + child)

Othership is opening up its space to kids aged 7 to 17 (alongside a parent) for Father’s Day weekend in partnership with Culture of Bathe-ing, which believes kids belong in bathing culture. They’ll be changing the temps—warmer cold plunge, cooler sauna—to make it a safer (and more fun) experience for the young ones.

we think you should know…

I recently met Ari Bortz, a rollerblader and creator who lives in the UWS, at a friend’s industry dinner, and Ari’s dizzying videos of carving through traffic or careening down the subway steps are mesmerizing and enough to make anyone want to strap on a pair of inline skates. Maybe it’s the frequency illusion but it seems I’ve been hearing about skate-based sports nonstop since: My girl has been roller blading on the Rockaway Boardwalk for as long as I’ve known her, and just this week I talked to a few people who have picked up roller-skating as a hobby. Xanadu, a trippy roller rink with hand-painted floors in Bushwick which just had its second anniversary last week, has become a go-to spot for a casual night out. But Ari says that the streets of New York are one of the most interesting places to skate.

One of Ari’s videos that caught my attention and looks like a total blast was of Wednesday Night Skate: a weekly event that’s been going on since 1996 and draws hundreds of skaters to the streets of Manhattan. It's open to all levels, but he says you should be comfortable hopping curbs, dodging potholes, and controlling your speed in a crowd before you show up.

Wednesday Night Skate is a goal for many, but for beginners, Ari suggests Pier 76 at Hudson River Park, which is a wide open area with smooth pavement. “Skaters have been kind of mad that Hyrox has been happening over the last few weeks because it's been closed, but that's where everyone goes pretty much every nice night,” he says. “It’s a dream.” If you’re looking for a social atmosphere, Friday evenings are the busiest, with around 100+ people hanging out and skating.

happenings around town

• Chelsea Piers Fitness has a free weekly outdoor workout series that is open to members and non-members. The schedule includes yoga in Hudson River Park on Thursdays, and a HIIT-style class called AMP’d weekly at Fort Greene Park (Mondays), Hudson River Park (Tuesdays), and Brooklyn Bridge Park (Wednesdays.)

• After ATEAM’s Date Night workout class at Soulcycle this week, the party went to the street, where they set up a DJ booth and founder pulled up his old Mercedes and popped the trunk to reveal a bucket of champagne on ice. The whole event didn’t feel especially dating-forward, but instead, an environment to meet people who treat fitness/wellness as community, not optimization. (We’re pro some alcohol at wellness events. They’re not mutually exclusive.)

• David’s (the controversial protein bar company) pop-up ice cream shop in the West Village opened last week at 109 Leroy St. A small scoop has 10 grams of protein and runs you $6. We tried the vanilla and I’m ashamed to admit how much I liked it. I don’t think it’s worth $15 a pint (Protein Pints is only $8 and has so many delish flavors to choose from), but by the scoop it’s pretty reasonable and was a nice treat on a hot day. There was also no line when I passed by around 7PM on a steamy Thursday.

• The Class, a somatic workout that Maddie loves, is returning to Montauk for their annual summer residency. It will run from July 15 through August 16, and you can sign up to be in the know when their schedule drops. If you’ve never been to their studio in Tribeca, it’s also worth a visit to if you like a mind-body workout. I haven’t been in a while but its my go-to when I want to release pent-up energy and emotions and be taken on a journey with the music. Highly recommend going to Taryn, the founder, who teaches an intense class, always has interesting moves and music, and just has this hard-to-describe ethereal energy.

• Kove Studio, a sauna and cold plunge spot in Williamsburg, has been plastering stickers with QR codes for a $10 plunge on Citibikes. In general their prices seem more affordable than most, but you book by the protocol you want (like 20 min sauna + 1-5 min cold plunge), not a time slot. Would you scan a QR sticker?

  

• For better or worse (or both), The World Cup has turned NYC into a giant brand activation, and the latest example is Rexona’s “New York Sweat Club,” an invite-only creators pop-up designed to produce content opps through meet and greets and soccer matches on an LED pitch. It’s an interesting contrast to adidas’ massive public-facing Home of Soccer, which is essentially a giant, open-to-the-public fan zone. Rexona, like many brands nowadays, is leaning into exclusivity and access: Invite the '“right” people, give others FOMO, and hope to look buzzy and cool on social. But at what point do people get tired of being marketed a “community” they can’t actually join? Adidas’ open-door approach feels a bit more aligned with the spirit of the moment (sports fandom as a shared experience), while Rexona is betting on exclusivity. Brands hosting influencer/media events isn’t new and has its place, but I haven’t seen a multi-day pop-up with a schedule blasted online, an invitation to apply, and no public access before. Curious to hear any thoughts on this.

• From June 10 to August 2, the Park Ave Armory is home to a new sound exhibition: clinamen. Ceramic bowls float in a series of water-filled basins, and as they collide, produce chiming sounds, like a giant (slightly more chaotic) sound bath. It looks like everyone’s just grabbing a seat for a meditation-style experience.

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That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat!

PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know. New studios: We’d love to come join a class and write about it.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

I just got back from a day of watching my friends crush their Hyrox doubles in the 85-degree weather, and last night we dropped by a Hyrox x Tech Week afterparty hosted by Fitt Insider, AIIR Agency, and Wellworthy. As a thunderstorm rolled across Manhattan outside the Soho Grand, the founder of a supplement company, who seemed disinterested in discussing supplements at all, told me about how he is a regular at his neighborhood bar in Greenpoint, and a gal from from an event platform dished on how her dating life improved when she moved from NYC to Texas. There was probably some networking happening too, but I was relieved that people were interested in connecting on a human level rather than optimization one. The terrace eventually opened, and the branded ice luge got put to good use.

Between the warm temps, Global Running Day, and Hyrox events, it seems the city’s fitness scene really came alive these past two weeks. So we’ve got a lot to cover.

This week: A sauna rave, calisthenics park workout, and recap of the first rundown nyc event (ahhhh!)

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Tuesday June 9: Outsiders Park Workout with Lu from Marcus Garvey Park (Chelsea), 7PM, $10

Call it a recession indicator but calisthenics parks are cool ( did an incredible writeup how these crews are the new run clubs for his sportsverse newsletter), and maybe we’ll write more on this trend in NYC specifically in the near future. I don’t know about you but I would feel quite intimidated to show up to one of these outdoor parks without having some go-to moves, so go learn them from one of the best at the affordable community class.

Tuesday June 9: Pura x Calm Immersive Scent Experience Pop-Up (High Line), 12PM, free

Walk over to the west side for a little mid-day reset. Home fragrance brand Pura and meditation and sleep app Calm partnered to create a three-room experience, each with a unique scent and sound pairing to “help you rest, reset, and refocus.” In classic NYC wellness brand activation style, they brought on a reality TV star appearance (Summer House's Carl Radke) to make people feel like they attract the It crowd.

Friday June 12: Daybreaker NYC Heatwave Sauna Rave (Flatiron), 9PM - 12AM, $84

Daybreaker’s iconic sauna rave is back—to some, dancing and sweating in a sauna sounds magical and to others it sounds like hell. Either way, you can’t deny that they’re bringing some much-needed energy to NYC’s often stiff and stuffy wellness scene. If anyone goes, please send us an email, we’d love to post your take.

Friday June 12: Bklyn Mile Registration Launch Party (Williamsburg), 630PM, free

The BKLYN MILE is an annual road race hosted by Hoka (the perfect opportunity to try to PR your mile), and this year its on August 2nd. Registration opens on friday, so Brooklyn Running Co is throwing a party—or maybe more like a 3-mile community run with refreshments. Seems like a stretch to throw a party for a registration day launch, but we never need an excuse to gather.

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Friday June 12: The Exhale a Somatic Dance Party for Your Nervous System (Williamsburg), 745PM - 930PM, $30

Dancing is one of the most playful, freeing forms of movement, and this somatic dance party hosted at 305 Fitness by Eman Faris with a live DJ set from Manny Mohamed looks like it will be a good time.

Saturday June 13: The Fly Off Course Open (Governors Island), 9AM - 5PM, free

A full day of disc golf over on Governors Island, this open tournament is free to casual players (you can borrow a disc so literally just show up). If you want to play competitively, you’ll have to pay up. But it’s open to beginners and the ferry is only $5 and it runs every 30 minutes.

Saturday June 13: Gorp Girls McCarren Park Picnic (Williamsburg), 12PM, free

Meet some fellow granola baddies on a sweet Saturday in the park. Gorp Girls brought on Parks Project, a certified B Corp brand that creates gear with national park iconography while trying to educate and save our public lands (a lofty and necessary goal during this administration especially.)

Saturday June 13: Latina Baddie Run Club + Cafecito (Long Island City), 9AM, free

Join LA-based the Lila Society for one of the most pace-inclusive runs we’ve seen. The 5k pace is 12 to 14 minute miles, and there’s also a walking pace for a shorter route.

Sunday June 14: Usal Hike to Swim (Catskills), 9AM - 7PM, $15

We’ve talked about Usal before because they’re bringing rad outdoor community + events to NYC, and this week they’re hosting a 3.5-mile hike in the Catskills, followed by a group hang and swim at the dreamy Otter Falls. Leaves at 8:45 AM from McCarren Park and it’ll be a full full day, so bring a packed lunch + plenty of snacks and water.

Sunday June 14: Usal x Cul De Sac Run Sweat Sound (Alphabet City), 10AM - 6PM, $25

Maybe you don’t want to commit to a full day upstate, but you can still move with the Usal crew. They partnered with Cul De Sac, New York’s first outdoor community sauna (in a public garden). The event is just what it sounds like: a short run, sauna sessions, cold plunges, and music. The three miles are led by ultrarunner and life and mindset coach Aingeru Zorita, co-founder of Southbound 400 which we covered a couple of weeks ago. Solid.

we think you should know…

We hosted our first ever event and official Rundown NYC launch party this week—a yoga class taught by Maddie at a gorgeous UES studio, The Pearl, with sunlight pouring through oversized windows and pink velvet couches tucked into cozy side rooms.

Together with women-owned adjustable weights brand Lifting the Mood, we filled up the nearly 40-person room with a really special group of NYC media members, creators, fitness professionals, friends, and Rundown subscribers. For a first event, we genuinely had no idea what to expect.

After class wrapped, people gathered in small circles around the studio, pulled strangers into conversations, compared favorite run clubs and workout classes, and traded IG handles to continue the conversations the next day.

Big thanks to Kelly & Laura from Lifting the Mood, Lauren from The Pearl, and all the brands who sent our attendees home with goodies or provided NA drinks for the event. The support when we're only a month in has been kind of surreal. Keep your eyes out for future events — we promise we'll have a bigger one soon. ♡

happenings around town

• When a giant thunderstorm swept across Manhattan this weekend, Hyrox had to cancel a few evening waves (Pro Doubles Women’s & Men’s). A lot of athletes were understandably pissed—many had flown in for the race. Some are arguing it should move indoors, but the classic convention center format is one of the biggest drawbacks of the race series. TBD on what steps Hyrox will take to reimburse (they say they’ll send athletes emails directly,) but if you were supposed to compete, forward us that email.

• Starting on Sunday is A Week for the World: an annual event where a team of passionate folks run a marathon every day for a week in support of climate justice and community action. You can join them for the full 26.2 or show up for a section, walk, ride, or roll alongside. Run starts at 6AM, keynote speakers start at 11:30.

• If you didn’t catch it above, Cul de Sac is a wellness pop-up in NYC that is bringing sauna culture + sounds to public parks, running multiple events a week. Right now they’re in La Plaza Cultural Community Garden as they search for permanent spot.

• World Cup opening day is this Thursday, and plenty of bars are hosting opening day celebrations/watch parties—including free at the adidas Home of Soccer at Brooklyn Bridge Park, outside of the Intrepid Museum on Pier 86, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, and at the fan zone at the Bronx Terminal Market (tickets required for some.)

• The Jacob Riis Bathhouse, the historic Art Deco building right near Rockaway beach which has sat boarded up since 1972, is set to reopen on the 4th of July. It will have some public spaces, but a good portion of it will be with private Rockaway Ocean Club with a restaurant, co-working lounge, and pool. Memberships start at $1,000 annually for Rockaway locals and a hefty chunk more other New Yorkers. They will be hosting a summer lineup of music called Rockaway Sounds, but the schedule hasn’t dropped yet.

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That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat!

PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know. New studios: We’d love to come join a class and write about it.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

I (Hannah) was a bit skeptical of Hyrox because of its massive explosion in popularity in the US these last few years (and subsequent difficulty to snag a ticket), but I ran doubles this past Sunday and it was so joyful to prance around Pier 76 overlooking the water and pull some sleds and smash some wall balls with my workout partner and gal. Working out is fun with a friend and community! (That’s sort of the whole ethos behind this newsletter…)

We are also so grateful to be hosting our official launch event this upcoming Wednesday evening, partnering with women-owned adjustable weights brand Lifting the Mood. Maddie is teaching a yoga class and we’ll be hanging after, and we may just have a few last minute spots for newsletter subscribers, so hit reply or comment/DM if you want to attend!

ALSO: Happy Pride Month bbs. We’re yet to find some pride-related workouts but this week but we’re sure they’re incoming.

This week: Global running day events, an Alo wellness walk, a free trail running excursion from Hoka, and our take on the new sunset sessions at QC spa on Governor’s Island.

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Tuesday June 2: Hyrox x Warner Bros Supergirl Women’s Run (Dumbo), 8:45AM, free with registration

We’re not totally sold on the Warner Bros partnership, but we love the idea of uplifting women athletes and creating a community around strength and exercise. There’s a 5k shakeout run across the Brooklyn Bridge that ends at the Brooklyn waterfront for a networking (lite) breakfast. You don’t need to be a Hyrox athlete to attend!

Wednesday June 3: Brooklyn Running Co x Asics Global Running Day (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

Celebrate Global Running Day with Brooklyn Running Co and Asics, who will both be set up in McCarren Park from 7 PM to 9 PM. Go hang, run, or demo the Asics Kayano 33 (better for those who need stability) or Superblast 3 (better for fun).

Wednesday June 3: Yoga Club Classical Music Vinyasa + Jazz Social (Park Slope), 630PM, $15

We’ve been seeing a lot of events from Yoga Club, often centering music that one doesn’t typically associate with a yoga class. This affordable “club” (not a class, they specify) is a flowy vinyasa with live music after. Open to beginners.

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Wednesday June 3: Field Notes: Ideas and Wellness Market (Sunset Park), 7AM - 10 AM, free

Brooklyn Grange, who hosts the rooftop yoga series we posted about last week and is now waitlisted, also hosts a morning of wellness at their Sunset Park rooftop farm. Join for coffee/juices, yoga, a sound bath, or even experience their Farmer for a Day program (minimum $5 donation required), where you put your hands in some dirt. Programming will change slightly each week, but you can expect a serene setting to spend a morning with intention.

Thursday June 4: Here & Now: A Phone-Free Social Experience (LES), 630PM - 9PM, $25

Kanso hosts phone-free experiences where you enter the room, drop off your phone, and pick up “The Present”—a kit including a journal, pen, and conversation prompts. It is structured similar to speed dating but without the dating component. They also stress it is not networking. Consider us intrigued!

Friday June 5: Tune and Unwind: An Intentional Listening Experience (DUMBO), 7PM, $25

Music can also be wellness, and this “intentional listening” experience from Uloma and Ola Studios seems worth attending. You’ll wear a pair of silent disco headphones to immerse yourself in the tunes, as you’re guided on a curated sound journey. There will also be guided reflection prompts, community conversation, and a journal to record your thoughts.

Saturday June 6: Past the Pavement Trail Run with Hoka x Ralle (Meet in Flatiron), free with $10 refundable deposit

Hoka and Ralle, a group movement collective, are teaming up to host a FREEEE 4.5-mile train run in Palisades Interstate Park (meeting at Hoka Flatiron store). You can also use the opportunity to test out the new Speedgoat 7 trail shoes. Event states that you should already be comfy on trails, so it may not be the most beginner friendly.

Saturday June 6: Global Running Day 5k with La La Bakeshop (Seaport), 10AM, free

We love a pastry run! Pastry Runners, Rice Run Rep(eat), and Local Runner are partnering with La La Bakeshop, a Vietnamese bakery with delicious buns (including pistachio lava, creme brulee lava, matcha lava, and salted egg lava flavors.) Register on Forte to take part of the giveaway.

Saturday June 6: Outsiders Twilight Hike and S’mores (Meet in Chelsea), 630 PM, $50

Sign up for a two-mile moonlit hike with Outsiders, a community of like-minded, adventurous city folk who take any opportunity to get outside in the nature surrounding NYC. Mid-hike, the trip leaders will set up a bonfire and s’mores break so you can really feel like you’re a world away from the city.

Saturday June 6: Orchard Street Runners Bread Route Race (Midtown), 2AM, free

This 10-mile unsanctioned night race weaves through the streets of Manhattan along the route that the race organizer, Joe DiNoto, and his father followed to deliver bread when he was a child. “Those quiet hours, when the city’s streets were empty and the world felt like it belonged to just the two of us, left a mark on me that I carry to this day,” OSR writes on Forte. You can still sign up for the race, although they reserve the right to deny any runner. There are also opportunities to volunteer for athlete check-in, bag check, and the start line, which could be a great way to support the community and get involved for future events.

Sunday June 7: ALO Wellness Walk (Tribeca), 1030AM, free

Alo just opened a new store at Brookfield Place, so they’re hosting a few free events this week in celebration, including this wellness walk. Could be a good opportunity to take some time to slow down on a Sunday and meet like-minded people in the city.

Sunday June 7: DDKT Summer Sweat (Long Island City), 10AM - 2PM, $25

Women-led fitness group, DDKT, is hosting a fun morning of movement and community for less than the price of a boutique class. The full experience includes a 5k run, a strength x HIIT workout, and recovery and social activities (like a picnic in the park except its bring your own snacks.) Drinks from Bloom (we love) will be provided, and of course, as all good NYC events, a DJ. Free if you just want to go hang/picnic in the park.

we think you should know…

This past Friday, Hannah and I hopped on the ferry from Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and cruised over to Governor’s Island to spend the evening at the QC Spa. On Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, they have their “Sunset Series”, which features a resident DJ spinning at sunset. And while I wouldn’t say the music was the main event (the DJ is off to the side on her own), it definitely added a vibe and felt more beach club than normal spa. I liked the combination of a more classic spa experience— relaxing in the sauna and steam rooms and laying under the Vichy showers— and being able to chill by the pool, margarita in hand and vibey afrohouse in the background, while the sun went down over Manhattan. I almost felt like we were on vacation.

The atmosphere didn’t seem particularly social or conducive to meeting new people because nearly everyone there was on a date or already with their friends. Saunas were quite the opposite of the more social scenes—everyone was resting with their eyes closed, even if they were with a friend.

Starting around $144, the cost is pretty steep, but we think it’s worth it for a summer Friday if you want to feel like you left the city when you’re actually only a five minute ferry ride away.

happenings around town

• Bathhouse announced their Summer Sauna Tour, a mobile sauna in an Airstream. First stop was/is Pier 76 for Hyrox recovery, available to all attendees. It’s right when you walk in to the grounds to your right by athlete warmup. Pretty small, and I can’t imagine it would fit more than a couple folks!

• Hyrox started last week and will continue through this weekend. Spectator tickets are mostly sold out, but they may open up some last-minute tickets closer to race days. Follow their IG story if you’re trying to secure one to see a friend race.

• Athletic wear brand LSKD is hosting a pop-up at The Training Lab, a hybrid training gym in Times Square, and NYC locals can get a free two-week unlimited gym membership with the purchase of $100 or more. (Although we went there for a Hyrox shakeout run this week and the vibe is a bit…..aggressive.)

• Yes, there is a bit of trail running in Prospect Park, and yes, it’s strangely hard to find a continuous route of it. That’s why you should probably go out for a run with Miler Running’s Dirt City Sunrise Trail series, which is Wednesdays at 7 AM from June through August, one of these days. Join them for a five-mile loop—they’ll be going a 10-minute-mile pace, so not open to all levels.

• Seaport Fit and Nike trainer Joe Holder are partnering to bring free workouts to the waterfront throughout the rest of summer. Registration is required for each event—which range from group HIIT to yoga to running—but the June schedule is live now on the site.

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That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat!

PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know. New studios: We’d love to come join a class and write about it.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

This week: A dive into unsanctioned race culture, Hyrox activations, so many community runs, and new studio openings.

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Tuesday: GVA Club Athletics Community Class (Soho), 4PM, free with refundable deposit

Need an excuse to move tonight? There are a few spots left in this community class from Club Athletics (formerly the Athletic Club…like last week). A refresher from the last time we included it: It’s a community version of their squad-style class (where you workout with the same people everyday) and it’s 55 minutes of hybrid style training + 15 minutes of socializing at the end. (Also their Lower East Side gym has one at 6PM, too.)

Tuesday May 26: Rooftop Yoga at Brooklyn Grange (Brooklyn Navy Yard), 6PM, free with registration

A free yoga session at a rooftop urban farm (Brooklyn Grange). While we can’t speak to the quality of the instructors because there’s no info online, the setting sounds dreamy. Be sure to bring your own mat.

Wednesday May 27: Meadows Mile Powered By Hoka (Flushing), 7PM, register on Forte

Registration is still available for this unsanctioned one-mile race (a topic we dive more deeply into below this week!) hosted by World’s Fair Run Crew. Shoe demos and giveaways from Hoka for race participants.

Wednesday May 27: PUMA x HYROX Shakeout Run and Activation (Midtown), 6PM - 9PM, free with RSVP

There are so many shakeout runs happening this week before Hyrox that if we included them all, this newsletter would be a mile long. But this one will be fun! A 3-mile “social paced” run hosted by Hyrox elite Meg Jacoby, plus food + drinks, music, Puma shoe demos, and activations from fitness company Centr. The run itself starts at 7PM.

Wednesday May 27: Hyrox Shakeout Run (Hudson River Park), 4PM, free

Another shakeout run that seems worth your time…they seem to be giving out Reebox FloatZig 2 to attendees (while supplies last.) Not my favorite shoe ever made, but a good option for easy miles or general training.

Wednesday May 27: BRC x On Workwear 400 (Williamsburg), 7PM, free

Wednesday night seems to be the night for run events, apparently, and this one is a bit later so later shift workers can join in on the fun. Brought to you by On (you can demo the Cloudmonster 3) and Brooklyn Running Company, this is a fun 400m contest on the McCarren track. You’ll get a drink ticket for a beer at Talea afterward.

Friday May 29: Remedy Place Hyrox Recovery Night (SoHo), 5PM-8PM, free with registration

Open to Hyrox athletes only: A recovery night at Remedy Place (a social wellness club), with certain complimentary services. They don’t specify what the free services are but Hannah’s been there multiple times and assumes its cold plunge/sauna, red light therapy, maybe cryotherapy. You can also get happy hour pricing on more premium services.

Saturday May 30: +1 Run 1441 Collective x HYROX (West Side Highway), 830AM, free

Get out there early this Saturday for a community run with 1441 Collective’s athletes, creators, and brands. No need to be participating in Hyrox although it is hosted by athletes Jack Driscoll, Brittany Weiss, and Erika Tvedten.

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Saturday May 30: Surf’s Single Shakeout Run with Sweetfeet (Hudson River), 9AM, free

Dating app Surf is an official brand partner of Hyrox (they’re also hosting an afterparty next week). Join for a short morning run where you can meet people interested in dating. Download the app for free coffee post-run.

Saturday May 30: Bandit Grand Prix (Brooklyn Navy Yard), all day, free for spectators

Even if you’re not running, Bandit’s Grand Prix—a series of 5k open races, leading up to a 3k finals—is a super fun event to spectate. Great energy, good lighting, and a dancey afterparty. Also, it may be one of your last experiences as Brooklyn Storehouse, as their lease is up soon and their farewell event is on Halloween.

Saturday May 30: Central Park Run Club’s Perimeter Run (Manhattan), 7AM, free with registration

Feel like tackling something major this weekend? CPRC’s is hosting their annual 32-mile run around the entire perimeter of Manhattan. We only recommend it if you’re already ultra-trained. They’re holding a 10-minute-mile pace.

Sunday May 31: Corriendo Entre Amigos Community Run (LES), 9AM, free

This 5k run or 2-mile walk out of one of a fav coffeeshop Cafe Colmado brings together Miami x NYC communities. Bringing a flag to rep your city is encouraged. Hosted by running group The Herd and Puerto-Rican brand Details Matter.

Sunday May 31: The Pull Up NYC: Soccer at the Ground (Chinatown), 6PM, free with RSVP

With the World Cup coming up, it seems like everyone has the soccer itch and The Ground, an official Nike pitch on a Chinatown rooftop under the Manhattan Bridge, is a pretty cool place to play. Join for sunset 3v3 pickup games with a live DJ.

we think you should know…

Some of the most interesting happenings in running are unsanctioned races—relatively incognito events with no governing body or permitting. They're organized by run clubs or individuals and often spread by word of mouth, although some (like the Speed Project) have grown much bigger. The energy is rawer, less corporate, and more community-driven than anything you'd find at an official NYRR road race. Often, they take place in the middle of the night or over multiple days.

Last week, Southbound 400, a stage race from the border of Canada to NYC, was a perfect example of what unsanctioned racing looks like at its best. Teams of relayers joined from around the world—Paramount Running from Tokyo, Running Club Catalans from Marseille, Hot Boys Athletics from London, and PaceShift from Copenhagen—passing on the “baton” (a GPS device) as they tore through county backroads and, eventually, city streets.

NYC-based Orchard Street Runner’s own DiNoto’s Bakery shattered the previous course record by over an hour and a half, completing the 400 miles in 36:04:37 (that’s an insane 5:42 pace.)

The best way to get plugged into this world is to actually show up to run clubs and meet the people organizing them. Take the Bridge is one of the more well-known unsanctioned events in the city (especially after coverage in Runner's World and Outside). Local group Orchard Street Runners organizes a lot of underground events, like the upcoming Bread Race Route, although they reserve the right to deny entry to any runner. It may seem exclusive, but it’s a bit necessary to maintain the soul (and discretion) of these races.

happenings around town

• We talked about ATEAM’s new fitness dating app last week, but it’s not the only one. We saw this Reel about Leg Day: a dating app that shows people in your gym that you’re open to connecting (Of course, hitting on someone at the gym without a go-ahead can be questionable at best, but we’re not against it after some serious eye contact.) Right now, it is only available at Equinox’s Bond Street and Hudson Square locations in NYC.

• On the opposite end of the gym spectrum: A women’s only strength gym, Tension Strength, opened in Williamsburg this spring. Ladies, go work out in peace! A little disappointed to see its only class-based instead of having open gym hours, but love the idea either way.

• Hyrox athletes: If you’ll be rocking Puma for your race this week or next, you can stop by Joe’s Pizza in Times Square on Saturdays May 30th or June 6th from 12PM - 6PM for complimentary slices and a lil brand activation moment.

  

• Adidas is running a month-long “Home of Soccer” activation at Brooklyn Bridge Park for the World Cup (June 13 - July 19). You can expect live performances from PinkPantheress and Larry June to be an absolute shit show (a free show in NYC?! 1330 people have already RSVPd on Partiful.) but it’ll also be open to the public every day from 12PM - 10PM for pickup games, watch parties, live DJs, and a 3v3 tourney.

• Enso Sauna Studio opened its doors for new Manhattan location grand opening in mid-May. Compared to more social recovery centers offering red light, contrast therapy, cold plunges, etc, this one is all private suite-based. The price of their lymphatic drainage sessions is insane—$215 for 60 minutes. For comparison, you could get 6 credits at Remedy Place for $255 which you could use for two 60 minute lymphatic drainage sessions. But honestly, you should just go to a real massage therapist (Hannah’s rec) trained in this technique for either of these prices.

That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat!

PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know. New studios: We’d love to come join a class and write about it.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

Since this is only our third edition, a quick rundown (hehe) of the format: events first, then we have news, trends, or anything else we think is fun and worth knowing in fitness and wellness. There’s a lot of that this week!

This week: A new fitness dating app, a free community workout from the Yard, plenty of Memorial weekend events, and Hannah reported from yet another bathing club.

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Monday May 18: Medal Monday with Brooks (Park Slope), 12PM - 4PM, free

Runners: If you ran a race this spring, bring you medal down to the Brooklyn Running Co in Park Slope to celebrate your achievement with Brooks. A photographer will be on-site so you can snag a portrait with your medal.

Tuesday May 19: We Mend Summit Powered by Shopify (Williamsburg), 11AM - 830PM, free

After Hours Club is hosting a wellness summit that is free and open to the public as a day of healing in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, they told us. Brand activations like a matcha bar, mini facials, breathwork, and recovery stations like red lights and compression boots. You can also attend ticketed movement sessions, including the $25 morning session: A 5k, yoga, and ice baths in collaboration with Ice Cold Club. You just might see us there throughout the day, and if you do, say hi!

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Tuesday May 19: The Warm Up LGBTQ+ Tennis Social (Fort Greene), 6PM, free with RSVP

The Brooklyn Community Pride Center is hosting a social event with snacks and rinks for folks to learn about their tennis programming. There will be no tennis at this event, but it’s a chance to connect with the community and learn more about their beginner clinics and all levels playdates. We love to see this as tennis can be a pretty intimidating sport to get started.

Saturday May 23: The Yard Community Payday Sessions (Williamsburg), 850AM, free

If you’ve ever wanted to try out the Yard’s strength and conditioning “team” workouts, now’s the time. Their community day is free and open to the public. It will be a good mix of their weekly “RIG” (strength) and “TURF” (conditioning) programs. Usually 3-6 people per team hitting a group goal. High energy workouts and great way to meet people, the Yard team tells us. There will be a DJ and some community food and drink vendors.

Saturday May 23: Peak and Pace’s Run of Nations (Central Park), 10AM, free

Peak and Pace’s Run of Nations—a 5k run or shorter walk where you rep your home country—is sure to be a massive turnout. I attended last year and it was somewhat emotional (and very joyful) watching everyone cheer as the run leader called our each country represented at the end of the run.

Saturday May 23: Memorial Day Hike with The Rec NYC (Grand Central), 730AM, $40

Looking to escape the city and hit the trail this holiday weekend? The Rec, a recreation and adventure club that celebrates the Black experience, is heading to New Jersey for a four-mile hike with a lake, waterfall, and views of the NYC skyline.

Saturday May 23: Outsiders Pinelands Kayaking and BBQ (West Village), 10AM - 7PM, $144

Meet the Outsiders team at the Standard Biergarten in the West Village for a ride over to the New Jersey Pinelands. (Is this a Pine Barrens rebrand because of the haunted stories around them?) Either way, this two-hour paddle is sure to be peaceful and you can spot beaver lodges and maybe a turtle or two. After, the group will stop by a BBQ spot en route back to the city.

Sunday May 24: Fruitstand SS26 Soccer Tournament (LES), 12PM - 7PM,

World Cup is coming to NYC soon and New York streetwear brand Fruitstand is celebrating by hosting a collection/zine launch alongside a soccer tournament. It’ll be 5v5 tournament and teams are picked randomly. But you don’t need to play footie to enjoy the day—they’ll have DJs and drink tickets for everyone on the list.

we think you should know…

There’s a hot new fitness-related, application-based dating app on the scene…. ATEAM, “the official dating app of wellness” officially launched this week. The brand has been teasing it in incognito mode and have been hosting iykyk “Date Nights” at some of the most social gyms in NYC, like Gotham Gym, Fuze House, and The Yard. With already 8,000 people on the waitlist and a stacked roster of “founding committee” members, it’s sure to be the talk of your group chat.

Alex Silver-Fagan, a trainer on Centr and one of the investors, told me that after COVID, New York’s fitness scene lost much of its community-gathering soul, and the app is changing that. “It’s not just dating. It’s community, it’s friendship,” she says on a phone call. “If you end up making a romantic connection, that’s amazing. But it’s honestly just recreating this fitness community that we lost during the pandemic.”

On the app, there’s a limit to how long you can stay on and how many messages you can send, so it encourages people to meet (and probably workout) in person.

And as for the IRL events: At this stage, events are open to both existing members and those who aren’t yet part of ATEAM, though attendance is managed through a request-to-join process via Luma. We don’t know how they’ll judge you for acceptance. Good luck!

happenings around town

• Another bathing club just officially hard launched: Lore Bathing Club in NoHo has been in their soft opening for a few months, but now it’s the real deal. We visited this past Friday and it has a much more light, welcoming—although less immersive—feel than Othership or The Altar. They really hone in on the basics: Dry sauna, infrared sauna, and large cold plunge pool, with a cafe-style setup when you walk in. The team told me that eventually, it will be completely membership based ($225/month), but right now, they have day passes. But the whole goal is to make it part of your weekly routine.

• Speaking of bathing, Bathhouse just opened a third (very large) property at 540 Atlantic Ave in Downtown Brooklyn. This week, they’re hosting the Aufguss USA Nationals (the traditional towel twirling ritual) in their event-sized sauna.

• If you’ve tried to register for any of New York Road Running’s shorter events (like the Bronx 10 mile race), you know how much of a hassle it can be. The competition is fierce among races that are part of the 9+1 series, which runners can check off to get bib access to the NYC marathon. This past week, they announced a pilot program to make it easier for non-marathoners to get into these races, reported Runner’s World.

• , who runs the NYC cycling Substack put us onto the new outdoors gear + coffee shop, Contrasto, in Greenpoint that opened in March.

• Ya girls love snacks, so we’re excited to hear about the opening of the Goods Mart, an NYC-based curated convenience store with more “health-focused” snacks, in Williamsburg Wharf. Definitely will be worth a stop to fuel up for workouts or recovery.

That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it—sound off in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat! PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

This week: Sober morning raves, free Pilates, a sumo competition, an unsanctioned relay race from Canada to NYC, and where to post up if you’re cheering on friends at the Brooklyn Half. Here’s what’s going on:

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Tuesday May 12: The Yard Gym—Move Different Padel (Williamsburg), 6:30PM $40

Padel, which originated in Mexico, is picking up some major steam as the racket sport to watch (or try) in the U.S. Think a combo of pickleball and squash, but more dynamic, a bit sweatier, and a lot cooler we dare say. The Yard Gym is hosting a class this week—all gear and coaching included in the price.

Wednesday May 13: The PartyPlace Cookie Run (NoHo), 630PM, free

Three mile fun run with cookies at the finish line cohosted by Almost Friday Run Club and Slow Girl Run Club (love the name, can relate). All paces welcome. No bag check, so pack light.

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Thursday May 14: The Athletic Clubs Community Class (LES), 530PM, $10 refundable ticket if you actually show up

If you pay attention to the NYC fitness scene, it’s hard not to hear about The Athletic Clubs, a social fitness concept where you workout regularly with the same group of people—which they call your squad. I know quite a few people involved, and it seems like a great way to make friends. Classic strength and conditioning style workout with free weights, ski erg, etc. Also they request attendees wear all-black attire which feels a little tired, but sure it photographs well. If this fills up, there’s also one on Tuesday.

Friday May 15: Daybreaker Let’s Be Friends Morning Rave (Midtown), 6AM - 9AM $69

If your ideal Friday involves dancing on a rooftop before most people check their email, Daybreaker is a series of sober raves that start at a wild 6 AM. This one is at One Times Square rooftop (where the ball drops on NYE), which has been closed to the public for 50 years until now. Usually they host yoga before everyone heads to the dance floor, but the yoga portion is sold out for this event.

Friday May 15: Tracksmith x Reckless Run Club Brooklyn Half Shakeout Run (Williamsburg), 8AM, free with registration

Running the Brooklyn half on Saturday? Join Reckless Run Club for a three-mile shakeout starting from the Tracksmith Trackhouse in Williamsburg. Coffee and electrolytes provided after!

Saturday May 16: Free Peace x Awake NY Meditation Club (LES), 9AM, free with registration

If you’ve ever struggled to meditate, this free practice hosted at Awake NY’s storefront feels accessible and intriguing, as it blends music with mindfulness and breathwork. It’s led by Kenji Summers, who has a series of events called Meditation for Black Men Who Do Too Much.

Saturday May 16: Bad Ball Club QTBIPOC Kickball Game (Crown Heights), 12PM, suggested donation

Queer and trans BIPOC friends: What better to do on a spring saturday than embrace your playful side and kick some balls, hosted The Softness School, a BK-based design studio. Joining as a player, coach, or cheerleader is encouraged.

Sunday May 17: Vuori x BodyRok Mat Pilates Class (Williamsburg), 9AM, free with registration

Y’all loved the free mat pilates class mention last week and we’re back with news of another one—hosted at Vuori (the athleisure brand known for making the softest clothing in existence) in Williamsburg. Bring a mat! Its close to selling out but if it does, you can join the waitlist.

Sunday May 17: Coffee and Chill (East Williamsburg), 1030AM - 1230PM, ticket required

Another sober morning party, but this one more focused on cold plunging, coffee, and wellness activations through brands: those big compression boots from Hyperice, B12 shots from Drip Hydration, and protein smoothies from OWYN. Feels like a media event I would attend as a journalist, but open to the public. Last time I went, the crowd skewed somewhat finance bro-esque, but this one is in Brooklyn, so it may be different.

Sunday May 17: HYROX x Stryde Social Powered by Lexus Fitness Event (Times Square), 930AM - 12PM, free

Hyrox—you know that fitness competition everyone has been posting about lately—is coming to NYC for two weekends at the end of May. This community event is bringing the buzz early. Join for a guided run, Hyrox-style workout, recovery sessions, or activations like wall ball or tug of war challenges. Should be pretty big and busy.

we think you should know…

A big part of our active lives happen outside (Maddie is a climber and Hannah’s a former backpacking guide), so we know that it can be really hard to find community around outdoor hobbies in New York. But while run clubs may still dominate the fitness scene, a growing number of outdoor-oriented social groups are carving out a much-needed niche for New Yorkers craving movement in the fresh air. Most of them work out the hard part for attendees (transportation) and some provide gear.

Of course we’ll include these events in our weekly calendar whenever we can, but many fill up quickly or require a bit more advance planning. Here are a few companies to have on your radar:

• Usal Project makes hiking, birding walks, and community trail runs feel legitimately cool—and some of their in-the-city events are free. If you’re a last-minute planner, it looks like their Western Catskills Camping Trip (where they set you up a base camp complete with Snow Peak products), taking place this upcoming weekend, still has some slots left!

• With branches in London, LA, Tokyo, and, of course, New York, Gorp Girls has built an outdoor community that feels both movement-focused and creative-minded. Their May calendar includes a Governor’s Island picnic and New Jersey hike.

• The Crown Heights-based outdoors store, Outlandish, has become a strong local hub for hikes and trail runs. They’re also sponsored by Salomon, so when I joined last spring, I got to demo some boots on a hike in the Hudson Valley.

• Outsiders may be one of the biggest companies focused on social connection through outdoor adventures, with at least six events filling out the rest of May alone. There’s everything from horseback riding to climbing to kayaking, so it may be a great option for diving into a new-to-you activity.

happenings around town

• The RBC Brooklyn Half, which spans from near the Brooklyn Museum to Coney Island, is on Saturday. Registration is closed (the event sold out very quickly) but get out there and spectate: Start at Grand Army Plaza (around mile 1.5), which always has big crowds, then anywhere in Prospect Park will be fun. But runners may need more motivation along the loooong, quieter stretch on Ocean Parkway so pop down there next. There’s also a New Balance Cheer Zone at Mile 11 on Ocean Parkway and Avenue W, and an after-party at Maimonides Park if you wanna catch your folks after the finish line. Here’s a list of street closures and no parking zones.

• A new yoga and pilates studio, Paloga, opened in Bed-Stuy a few weeks ago. Maddie hasn’t had a chance to check it out yet but a few of her colleagues (Nikita and Shane!) teach there and it looks promising, especially as the neighborhood doesn’t have a lot of independent studios and gyms.

• This weekend, Southbound 400, a 400-mile relay from the Canadian border to NYC, returns with its annual race, offering a glimpse into one of endurance sports’ more interesting cultural phenomenons. Part of a growing wave of unsanctioned races, this grassroots event reject the hyper-commercialized, tightly regulated structure of major races like the NYC Marathon in favor of something rawer, more community-driven, and often far more adventurous. Ten self-supported teams will tackle the route, camping together between segments. Even if ultrarunning isn’t your thing, it’s worth follow along starting Thursday via Southbound 400’s Instagram, which will feature real-time coverage from some of New York’s most talented fitness photographers and videographers, including my pal Dave Hashim.

• Hear me out: I know it’s random but New York’s only official sumo tournament—the Empire Cup—is coming to the city this week, and it’s free for spectators. I watched the video from last year and it looks like so much fun, and it’s hosted in part by a cool Brooklyn-based martial arts design collective, Half Sumo, that I’ve followed for yeaaars since I did Muay Thai. You can also check out culture and food offerings in Japan Village all day.

  

That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it—sound off in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat! PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know.

Know someone who'd be into this? Forward it to them.

See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

We started The Rundown because there’s always so much happening in NYC’s massive fitness and wellness scene, but until now, there hasn’t been one resource to keep up to date on all the details and events.

If you’re new here, let us introduce ourselves:

• Hannah Singleton is a Bed Stuy-based journalist who covers health, fitness, and travel for publications like GQ, National Geographic, and more. She’s usually testing new gear, checking out fitness concepts, or attending wellness events under the very convenient excuse of “work.”

• Maddie Singleton is a yoga teacher, climber, and cold plunge freak. She teaches classes at Chelsea Piers Fitness, Kula Yoga Project, Bouldering Project, and Vital Lower East Side.

And yes! We’re sisters. (Maddie’s younger by about a year, in case anyone was wondering.)

This week: Heavy on run club activations, including one from Salomon—plus a lil Solidcore drama, summer sports league signups, and a nightlife-meets-fitness trend that seems to be picking up serious steam. Here’s what’s going on:

on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events

Monday May 4: Create x Run with Kati Billow (Williamsburg, 15th and Banker St), 6:30PM

Kati is an NYC-based run coach who brings the best vibes (Hannah interviewed her recently for this NYT piece about periodizing your workout routine), and her fun community run will be stop number nine on Create x Rivian’s Creatine and Electrolyte Truck Tour. We know it’s tonight, but if there’s ever an excuse for a spontaneous run, this is it!

Tuesday May 5: Peak and Pace Track Day at McCarren Park (Williamsburg), 6:30PM

Peak and Pace made quite a splash last year, carving out a lane in NYC’s crowded run 🏃‍♂️ club scene by prioritizing partying and community events as much as they do running. With over 72k IG followers, they’re one of the fastest growing run clubs in the city—and one of the most pace-inclusive we’ve attended. Their track workouts are a solid option for beginners to try out speed work in a welcoming environment that some more—err, intimidating, run clubs lack.

Tuesday May 5: The Move Mat Pilates with Humna Ahmed (Williamsburg), 7:30PM, free with registration

Enough of run clubs, said outdoor social club Outsiders (which we talk more about below.) Their new weekly series—The Move—is for people who want to get movement and community without running. This week’s is a free mat pilates class at the mvmt collective studio at the Dime.

Wednesday May 6: Thermoregulation in Sport hosted by CORE (Flatiron), 5:45PM registration required

Hannah recently wrote about how runners and other endurance athletes can train for extreme heat conditions for Nat Geo, but understanding heat training feels increasingly relevant for anyone active outdoors. Hosted by CORE, a sensor that measures your heat training load, this event dives into the science of thermoregulation and performance in warming conditions.

Wednesday May 6: Salomon Gravel Community Run (UWS), 7:00AM, register on Forte

Salomon is opening a new Upper West Side location and celebrating with a community run in partnership with Circa95, a run club-meets-creative community founded by a very cool musically inclined couple. Attendees can test out the new Aero Glide 4 Gravel and Aero Blaze 3 Gravel on a 5K. Hannah was lucky enough to test these shoes back in October in Annecy, France, where the brand is headquartered, and the Glide is a personal fav so snag that one if you can.

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Wednesday May 6: After Hours Club Art and Meditation Workshop (Midtown), 6:30PM, $35

A mindful art experience with breath work practice and all art supplies included, hosted by art and wellness community, After Hours Club. NA bevvies provided from culturepop.

Thursday May 7: Get Outside Mural Experience with Merrell (South Plaza Union Square), 12PM - 4PM

Hiking boot brand Merrell is unveiling a new “Get Outside mural” by artist and brand ambassador Shantell Martin. Expect music by Angel & Dren, complimentary Mad Juicy refreshments, local NYC hike group community activities, and photography from local NYC artists on display. Merrell consistently nails the intersection of outdoor culture and city creativity, and we’re genuinely bummed to miss this one.

Thursday May 7: Outsiders: Summer Adventure Drop Happy Hour (LES), 6:00PM $5 registration required

Outsiders, an NYC-based outdoor adventure social club, puts together events like hikes, whitewater rafting, sound baths, and even international travel during the summer. This meet-up/happy hour event previews their summer lineup while giving attendees discounts and a chance to meet fellow adventure-minded New Yorkers.

Saturday May 9: Strength in the City Festival at Elsewhere (Bushwick), 9:00AM, $49

For just a teeny bit more than the price of an AARMY drop in class, this Brooklyn fitness festival offers a full day schedule of HIIT, bootcamp, full body strength, dance, pilates and kettlebell classes, as well as more mindfulness practices like a meditation and sound bath.

Saturday May 9: Matcha Beats Club (Bushwick), 12:00 PM, free entry with RSVP

Non-alcohol-based daytime parties are thriving in the wellness space, and Matcha Beats is an interesting newcomer. This is the third edition of their afternoon party, with matcha whisked up and 4 DJ sets running until 4PM. Check out the vibes of past parties on their IG page.

Saturday May 9: Volley and Vibe x HELD Pickleball Social (Fort Greene), $25

Volley and Vibe, a pickleball club, is partnering with H.E.L.D., a Black women creative accountability group, to host this Mother’s Day social. The hosts specify that this event caters to Black women who are looking to try something new or build existing skills! Bringing your mom, or mother figure, is encouraged.

we think you should know…

This week, we got the chance to visit The Altar, a new sauna/cold plunge destination during its soft launch for event with performance/recovery brand KA-EX.

The product: KA-EX dropped the first ready-to-drink creatine beverage available on the market. It was a tricky task because creatine deactivates quickly after it dissolves in liquid, so the product team had to design a new cap to solve the problem—you push it in to release the creatine when you’re ready to drink. It also has EAA+ (an animo acid blend that helps build muscle + increase endurance), caffeine, and electrolytes. Maddie’s been loving it before her workouts because it makes her feel energized yet calm, and slightly euphoric.

The space: The latest to arrive on the social wellness scene. You might be wondering how it compares to Othership or Bathhouse. It’s similar to Bathhouse in the sense that you feel like you’re entering somewhere underground and labyrinthine, an escape from the city. Think low-lit, sexy, minimal. But then similar to Othership, it maintains that intimate feel, like you’re on a journey with the people around you, with classes that are a group experience where you could easily meet someone interesting. We imagine this space having the curated experiences that Othership is known for in a less performative, more laid-back environment? Only time will tell. They also have a strong focus on recovery services like IV drips, hyperbaric chambers, and red light therapy.

happenings around town

• A tip on our LinkedIn post led me deep into a Solidcore drama rabbit hole. New Yorkers (and those in other big cities) are not okay. Here’s the problem: Members can book classes a month in advance, which means people are literally logging on at midnight on the 24th of every month just to fight for spots. And despite paying unlimited membership prices that can run upwards of $420 a month, many members still can’t reliably get into classes before they fill. Meanwhile, people with class packages are apparently watching credits expire before they can even use them. Maybe this scarcity model still works from a business perspective, but from a consumer perspective, it doesn’t seem sustainable. If you’re a loyalist, we genuinely want to hear if/why it’s still worth dealing with this? Comment below if you have thoughts.

• Soundbody, a workout concept where a club is the studio, launched on April 21st and their pop up sold out. These classes take place in different nightclubs around the city, and there’s always a live DJ. Sign ups are open for their classes in May. So many studios have tried to be rhythm-based (like Soulcycle, of course), but we’ve seen more events when music is the main draw, almost above the workout. It’s coming at an interesting time after Chris Black’s GQ column about how terrible all fitness class music is. Trainers in the comment section were not happy (which our girl brought to my attention.)

• If you’re looking for a team sport, NYC Footy soccer league sign-ups are open to the public on Thursday, May 7th at midnight. They’ve got options for all skill levels, so get out there and have a fun summer! For the women—they’re always looking for more women free agent participation for their co-ed leagues, so use the code RUNDOWN20 for 20% off if you join!

• Maybe you missed the Bandit Grand Prix last year at the Brooklyn Storehouse in the Navy Yard, but you won’t want to repeat that mistake. Runners compete in 5k open races, and the top finishers progress to the 3K Final at night. High energy, cool setup, and food/drink vendors all day. Registration is still open for women’s, non-binary, and charity bibs, and worst case, you can just go spectate and join the post-race dance party, like Hannah did last year.

• Crain’s broke the news that Lifetime is heading to Williamsburg, though don’t expect it tomorrow—development still appears a ways off, with projected openings stretching into 2027. Still, between this and the previously announced Gowanus location, it’s hard not to notice Lifetime making a strategic play for New Yorkers who may be increasingly disillusioned by other luxury fitness options (like Equinox.) They’re also introducing a new Hybrid XT class to keep up with the Hyrox craze.

• Rostudios, an Amsterdam-based studio with reformer and cycling classes, is opening this June in Greenwich Village, continuing NYC’s ongoing tradition of redefining what budget-friendly means. Apparently, in this economy, $25 classes are now positioned as accessible. Sure (but we appreciate that they’re pricing it much lower than most studios in the area.)

That’s all for this week. If you make it to any of these events, we want to hear about it—sound off in the comments. And if you come across something worth featuring, send it our way or drop it in the community chat! PR and brands, our inboxes are always open for news and events we need to know.

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See you next Monday.

— Hannah & Maddie

Welcome to The Rundown NYC! We’re so happy you’re here.

This is a weekly newsletter covering what’s happening in the active culture scene in New York City. You won’t find fitness tips or a list of run clubs, but a curated digest of what’s actually worth showing up to each week. Think brand activations, cool run club collabs, pop-ups, the newest contrast therapy studio opening. We’re also diving into the news (and tea) you need to know. In your inbox every Monday.

Written by Hannah Singleton, a Brooklyn-based fitness journalist, and Maddie Singleton, a yoga teacher at studios across the city. (Oh, we’re sisters.)

Please subscribe and share with your friends—that’s how we grow and we’d love to continue to bring you some more news (and hopefully some events of our own.)

Why subscribe?

Hannah has spent years writing about fitness and wellness for publications like GQ, National Geographic, Men’s Health, and The New York Times, covering everything from running culture to your favorite shoe brands. She has relationships with the brands, the studios, and the people shaping this scene. Her fav activities: running and lifting, but it depends on the season!

Maddie teaches yoga at Chelsea Piers Fitness, Kula Yoga Project, Bouldering Project, and Vital Lower East Side—and has been an instructor for over a decade, so she knows the wellness and studio world from the inside. She’s also a cold plunge freak (Hannah wrote lovingly.)

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What to expect

Every Monday morning. Three sections—a quick, five minute read (or skim!) What’s on our radar for the week, what’s new and interesting in the fitness space, and one thing worth knowing that you probably don’t yet.

Got something worth featuring?

We’re always on the lookout for cool new info about the fitness world!

If you’re a brand, studio, PR rep, event host, or just someone in the scene with something worth knowing about, reach us at hannahsingleton2@gmail.com or madissonsingleton@gmail.com with The Rundown NYC in the subject line.