Happy Monday!
As the days get shorter, New York’s fitness scene seems to be entering a bit of a hibernation period. We’ve noticed fewer events popping up lately, especially the free ones, many of which take place outdoors. If you are just looking for general free fitness classes, there are plenty across the city (many at public libraries) listed on NYC Parks website, but we absolutely can’t vouch for the quality or vibe. While our weekly event list may get a little shorter as we head into winter, we’ll still be hunting down the good stuff. (Also tis the season to spend your morning or evening at a sauna like Lore Bathing Club—Maddie approved).
This week: Art inspired by the NYC Marathon, a dance class that encourages you to play, holiday pop-ups, and some controversy in the underground running scene.
on the radar: this week’s fitness and wellness events
Tuesday November 10: The Art of the Race (Williamsburg), 615PM, free
Brooklyn-based independent art publisher Record has a series where they collaborate with artists on work inspired by sport, and their recent collab is with Nathan Walker of Brooklyn Running Co. This launch party to celebrate the release of their NYC Marathon print includes an optional 5K, followed by mingling and a conversation/Q&A with Nathan. (Or purchase a limited-edition print if you want.)
Wednesday November 11: Reforesters Laboratory Hybrid Sound Experience (Williamsburg), 2PM, $11 suggested donation
If you like sound baths, vibrational healing, or anything of the sort, this is probably an event for you. Reforesters Lab—a listening room and cafe in Williamsburg—is bringing a few different sound practitioners together to create a “dynamic experience.” Donations go to The Frequency School, which helps expand access to music, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing resources to young folks.
Wednesday November 11: After Hours Club Art + Meditation Workshop (Williamsburg), 6PM, $35
Making mindful art with new friends sounds like such a lovely way to spend a weekday night, and if you don’t have art supplies, you no longer have an excuse (they’re included in this ticket price.)
Friday November 13: Freedom to Play Dance Class (Williamsburg), 6PM, $30
Mother Tech (I’m not quite sure what they are because I am not tech inclined but their IG is a vibe) occasionally hosts wellness events, and this week, it’s an unstructured dance class with no experience required. I mean, freedom to play is built into the name. They also say that if ya ticket isn’t in your budget, they are sponsoring a few slots.
Sunday November 15: Black Women’s Yoga Collective Sunday Wellness Reset (UES), 11AM, free
Black Women’s Yoga Collective, who are increasing access to wellness for Black and brown women, is partnering with Carnegie Hill Cannabis Co for this free, morning yoga flow. Yet another example of weed and wellness world converging.
Sunday November 15: ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Flatiron x Bode (Flatiron), 9AM, free
As of the time of writing, there are still a few spots left for this yin/slow flow vinyasa yoga class at Vuori’s Flatiron store. I’ve been keeping an eye on this series pretty consistently, and they usually sell out before we can include them in the newsletter, so must be good. BYO mat!!
holiday themed pop-ups…already
One perk of getting invited to a lot of media events is seeing what brands will do to get people in front of their products. I'm happy to see more of them bringing that same energy to public pop-ups, especially when there's no ticket price or pressure to buy anything. Here are three that caught my eye this week.
This weekend, the Living Gallery SoHo is hosting a Holiday Edit shopping experience full of curated brands across beauty, jewelry, lifestyle, so you can do your holiday shopping early. There will be complimentary drinks & bites while you shop.
Greens vitamin brand Gruns is hosting a Friendsgiving “house party” in Soho with games, crafts, music, and—of course—Gruns.This weekend from 11 AM to 7 PM both days. Cute idea.
The Ordinary is one of my go-to beauty brands because they’re so affordable, and they’re hosting a weekend-long pop up to chat with the scientists behind the products. I’m not quite sure where the holidays come into play but it is to celebrate the holiday season. 10 AM to 6 PM.
happenings around town
The unsanctioned NYC run scene had a bit of drama this week, with the winner of Orchard Street Runners’ PROTO Series throwing shade at the race director in an IG Reel. During the 13-mile race, runners were supposed to hit certain checkpoints, but one was fenced off the night before the NYC Marathon. Some got as close as they could, while others—in the spirit of unsanctioned events—hopped the barrier to reach the actual checkpoint. The resulting disqualifications and disputed calls ultimately cost the race winner the overall series championship (and its prize money). I liked the cheeky lil comment from Alleykat Racing, and now I’m inspired to join one of their unsanctioned races on Dec 10, so I can report back whether or not these events are actually fun for slow runners.
I’m sorry but who is paying $90 for a branded pilates pop-up? A “goodie bag of wellness products” shouldn’t be a reason to charge such a ridiculous ticket price, those are a dime a dozen babes. (The only time I’ve seen prices this high—beyond semi-private sessions—is when a full workout set is included.)
I spent part of Saturday at the inaugural Super Age Games in Washington Heights, following a 73-year-old competitor for a story I'm reporting. Despite the name, the field ranged from people in their 20s to their 80s. The net crawl looked particularly fun, while the balance beam seemed to humble just about everyone.
See you next Monday.