From Yoga To Cardio, And Everything In Between: Your Guide To Westchester Gyms

Great fitness routines and where to do them in the county.

Whether it’s a plank, a curl, a crunch, or a burpee, you don’t have to search far to embrace your exercise of choice. Westchester abounds with gyms, from the small and specialized to the vast and full-service, with many boasting a distinctive niche that keeps fans coming back. So if you’re thinking of switching up your routine, why not start your search here? Below are some of today’s most popular workouts—paired with fitness centers that have something special to offer.

For spin-sters:  If you’re a spinner who gets punchy from time to time, consider Xtreme Fitness of Westchester (Mount Vernon 914-665-2811; www.xtremefitnessny.com), which has an actual boxing ring. But if post-spin pampering is more your speed, Equinox (multiple locations; www.equinox.com)—whose high-intensity cycling classes, like Cycle 45 at the Scarsdale location, will leave you in need of some TLCoffers multiple spa services as well as Kiehl’s amenities in the locker rooms. For spinners who thrive on competition, Flywheel Sports (Scarsdale 914-368-0024; www.flywheelsports.com) will flash your stats on a large-screen leaderboard, so all can see how hard you’re working. And for those who like cycling indoors and out, L Train (Larchmont 914-833-7746; www.ltrainfit.com) features both indoor spin classes and outdoor group rides. Finally, if you’re into team spirit, SoulCycle (multiple locations; www.soul-cycle.com) may be a good choice. “The class has a real pack mentality,” says Gayle Hutcher of Scarsdale. “We are all riding together, and the energy is infectious.” 

For cardio connoisseurs: If you can’t get enough reality TV, check out Crunch Gym (White Plains 914-328-3311, and Port Chester 914-708-1600; www.crunch.com) for Cutthroat Cardio. Inspired by Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, this class involves a series of escalating challenges that incorporate the show’s “sabotage” theme. Alternatively, if props are your motivational tool of choice, Vadim Fitness (Scarsdale 914-725-9553; www.vadimstudio.com) has interval circuits incorporating balls, bands, kettlebells, and more. Those with little time to spare may want to join Planet Fitness (multiple locations; www.planetfitness.com), which offers cardio classes lasting just 30 minutes, while those who prefer to be outdoors when possible may appreciate Blink Fitness (Yonkers 914-375-3900, and White Plains 914-539-8800; www.blinkfitness.com) for its low monthly cost. “Blink Fitness is perfect for runners,” says Eileen Palma of Bronxville, who trains for marathons at the Yonkers location. “At 15 bucks a month, you don’t feel guilty not using the treadmills when the weather is nice enough to run outside.” For cardio fans who like small-group action, the JAMS program at  Saw Mill Club (Mount Kisco 914-241-0797; www.sawmillclub.com) may fit the bill. JAMS classes, which vary in intensity, activity, and equipment, have a maximum of 12 participants each. 

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Working on the core at SLT

For downward-dog devotees: If you’re a yogi who’s drawn to ancient traditions, Katonah Yoga (Bedford Hills 914-241-2661; www.katonahyogabh.com) incorporates Taoist Chinese philosophy into classes. But if your tastes lean toward more modern fare, YogaSpark (Mamaroneck 914-630-4988; www.yoga-spark.com) offers hot yoga with an edgy, urban vibe. For yogis with adventurous temperaments, Riverstone Yoga (Tarrytown 914-332-9642; www.riverstoneyoga.com) has a program of aerial classes, using hammocks suspended from the ceiling. “The hammock can relieve back and neck issues, build core strength, and even improve scoliosis and balance,” says Patricia Fischer Donohue, Riverstone’s owner. Meanwhile, Be True Yoga (Scarsdale 914-723-5900; www.betrueyoga.com) boasts sustainable building materials, for those who like a “green” practice. And for yoga with a dash of celebrity, the JCC of Mid-Westchester (Scarsdale 914-472-3300; www.jccmw.org) features 96-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch, an author and media darling who was named “Oldest Yoga Teacher” by Guinness World Records in 2012.

For those who like to pull  their weight: Strength-trainers who like an upscale environment may want to check out Kinetic Sports Club (Pelham Manor 914-738-4000; www.kineticsportsclub.com). It features BodyPump, a branded program that emphasizes lighter weight loads and increased repetitions, as well as a nutritional juice bar for post-workout refreshment. New York Sports Clubs (multiple locations; www.mysportsclubs.com) offers BodyPump, too, as well as an extensive array of strength classes targeting specific muscle groups. If you’re looking for high-intensity training with a sense of community spirit and shared enthusiasm, CrossFit (multiple locations; www.crossfit.com) may fit the bill. Alternatively, if you prefer working one-on-one with a coach, Total Form Fitness (Hartsdale, 914-874-5451; www.totalformfitness.com) is devoted exclusively to personal training. Finally, if military-style training is to your liking, check out Hardbodies Bootcamp (Mount Vernon 914-906-9651; www.hardbodiesextremefitness.com). “We train people as though they were Marines,” says Emil Paolucci, the head trainer, who served as a Marine in Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. “We emphasize both mental and physical strength.”

Pilates Studio of Rye

For those who cut to the core: If your core workout of choice is a Pilates class, you may want to consider Pilates Studio of Rye (Rye 914-967-9622; www.pilatesofrye.com), which has multiple pieces of Pilates equipment and private, semi-private, and group instruction. But if you prefer to work your core at a full-service gym, New York Sports Club (multiple locations; www.mysportsclubs.com) offers Pilates and a wide range of other classes. SLT (Scarsdale and Rye Brook 914- 305-5880; www.sltnyc.com) has the Megaformer, a machine with weighted springs to add intensity to your workout, but if you’d prefer a dance-like approach, FitCycle (Pound Ridge 914-764-4310; www.fitcyclepoundridge.com) has a barre class that combines Pilates with ballet movements. Finally, for those who want a deluxe setting, Life Time Athletic (Harrison 914-290-5100; www.lifetimefitness.com) has a progressive Pilates program with five distinct levels—along with two pools, tennis courts, and a full-service spa for added fun. Susan Ross of Scarsdale calls it the ideal gym: “It feels like a treat every time I go!” 

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