Forget sweating it out at the gym. Take an outdoor workout class in the sun. From tai chi to cycling to yoga, fitness instructors are hosting classes across Long Island that are open to walk-ins. Here are five workouts you can do outdoors this season.
Tai Chi at Longhouse Reserve
133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton
Don Lenzer participates in an introductory tai chi class on the grounds of Longhouse Reserve. Photo by Elizabeth Sagarin
Longhouse Reserve in East Hampton offers classes in the ancient martial art of Tai Chi in its gardens.
“You move around depending on what flowers are in bloom,” says instructor Katherine Henderson. “Tai chi is done in nature, so being outdoors is natural for this art. Being outdoors really enriches the experience.”
The hour-long class begins with a warm-up, followed by qigong martial arts and simple tai chi forms, before finishing with a tai chi sword routine, substituting wood and bamboo.
“This class is centered around moving meditation,” Henderson says. “It’s a great way to relax, slow down your breathing and center yourself in your body. It brings your mind and body together.”
East Hampton resident Paul Hollander has practiced tai chi for more than 40 years and currently attends Henderson’s classes.
“It develops your balance as well as your leg strength,” Hollander says. “It forces you to move slowly and think carefully about your next move.”
LongHouse also offers yoga, awakening meditation, sound meditation, art classes and more.
when Thursday and Saturday at 10am
Fee $30
More information 631-329-3568, Longhouse
StrollerStrongMama Parent and Child Fitness at Stotsky Memorial Park
Riverhead and Mattituck locations
Molly Bookman of Cutchogue and her 3-year-old son, Harbour, attend a training session at Stroller Strong Mamas in Mattituck in December 2023. Photo by Randy Daddona
Stroller Strong Mamas allows you to exercise with your kids. The program offers a variety of parent-child classes at the Stroller Strong Mamas Mattituck studio, Stotzky Memorial Park in Riverhead, and outdoor venues at Stroller Strong Mamas Riverhead.
“Anyone can join in and exercise, from children to adults,” says instructor and owner Rachel. “You’re setting an example for your kids and bonding with them while giving your body what it needs,” Goodale said. “We’re a strong community of like-minded parents. It’s a really powerful energy.”
Stroller Strong Mama classes involve moving around the park and working out in the studio, completing a series of cardio, bodyweight and strength training exercises, including deep core and interval training. Children not interested in participating are welcome to bring their own bikes or scooters to ride in the park and toys to play with.
“It’s a functional exercise you can use to lift kids off the floor and with proper form you can develop real strength,” Goodall says. “The movements can be easily modified and evolved, and I try to make all my classes suitable for all levels.”
Erin Niemczyk, a Wading River resident and mother of two, has been taking SSM classes regularly since October 2022.
“I wanted to get healthier so I wouldn’t get tired as much while playing with my kids and live a healthier lifestyle, and this class has allowed me to do that,” Niemczyk said. “Plus, I get to spend more one-on-one time with my kids, which I love.”
when Classes meet 7 days a week
Fee $15-20
More information 631-766-6672, stroller
Spin with Comeback Fitness
174 Daniels Hall Road, East Hampton
Natalie Cohen Gould of Comeback Fitness teaches outdoor spin classes in East Hampton.
Silent Disco I put on my headphones, hop on my bike and head to the Comeback 45 spin class outside the East Hampton clubhouse at Comeback Fitness, which offers more than 15 classes every week.
“The first song or two builds up energy and prepares you for the ride,” says co-founder and instructor Natalie Cohen Gould, “and then you gradually build your way to the top of the hill with resistance and sprinting.”
The 45-minute workout sessions are suitable for people of all fitness levels.
Sally Murphy, a former triathlete and resident of East Hampton, starts her day with a morning spin class. “The atmosphere is great, and you can make it as easy or as intense as you want,” Murphy says. “Plus, spin class keeps your knees healthy and keeps you looking young.”
when Classes are held on weekdays and weekends, except Wednesdays.
Fee $40
More information Comeback Cycle
LI Stand Up Paddleboarding at Sunset Harbor
90 Colonial Drive, East Patchogue
Karen Marvin (left, wearing white), owner and instructor of South Shore Paddle Boards, and her fellow paddle board enthusiasts off the coast of Babylon’s Long Island Yacht Club. Photo by James Carbone
Get out on the water at Sunset Harbor with a 75-minute class at Long Island Stand Up Paddle Boarding in East Patchogue. Equipped with a board, life jacket, and paddle, beginners can learn how to get started in the sport.
“You start by being taught how to paddle properly. It’s not like you’re in a kayak, it’s like paddling a canoe,” says owner Joe Sapp. “You have to switch hands, right hand up, then left hand up. It’s about getting used to it, like dribbling a basketball.”
How to turn is another important lesson.
“You can’t just paddle one side to make a turn. By paddle the opposite direction left and then the opposite direction right, you can make a quicker turn instead of a big loop,” Sup said. “We walk participants through these steps so they can master these skills before they start.”
It also includes tips on how to stand correctly on the board, which is attached to the rider’s ankles.
when Daily at 10:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm and 6:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays
Fee $47
More information 631-326-7926, Long Islandsup.com
TRX training at Beach Fit
2888 Long Beach Road, Oceanside
Matthew Jozwicki of Long Beach attends an outdoor class at Beach Fit Training in Oceanside. Photo by Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Join a TRX FIT training session outside BeachFIT Training in Oceanside for a total-body workout, where participants will use slam balls, kettlebells, punching bags, resistance bands and rowers to get the blood flowing.
“We can have a beginner who has never worked out in their life doing the same movements right next to a triathlete, and it’s all based on angles and positioning in relation to the anchor point,” says General Manager Cristina Boccio. “We always focus on core strength, flexibility and mobility – working every muscle to its full potential.”
Groups of three to five people rotate through four different stations, with an instructor overseeing the class.
“It’s an alternative to personal training,” Boccio says. “All you need is energy.”
Essie Talley of Long Beach attends Sweat Circuit sessions three to four times a week and is pleased with the results. “I truly look forward to each session, and would love to come twice in one day if my schedule allowed,” says Talley. “I’m looking forward to not only the different workouts and challenges, but also meeting the community of fellow Beach Fitters,” she says. “It’s like a home away from home!”
when 50 classes per week. Times may vary.
Fee $35
More information 516-207-0786, Beach Fit Long Island
