This community center organizes a multitude of events and activities for the neighborhood to enjoy. People from all over the city use this center's programs. I live all the way down south in Brooklyn, but I've been lucky to discover Two Bridges' fitness program. I have been attending free weekly workout classes for the past four months and am loving my experience!
Every day, in the mornings and evenings, you can enjoy free fitness classes that last an hour; from yoga to zumba to kick boxing to self defense to tai chi. You can find the schedule of the events online, on Two Bridges official website. You can also sign up to receive txt notifications, which has been very useful for me. Every time a class is cancelled or there is a change in the schedule, you'll receive a txt notification.
My favorite has been cardio kick boxing with Nelly--she's so energetic and upbeat that it's impossible not to give your all in that class. The workout combines kick boxing (no gloves, use light weights that are provided) with high intensity interval training. The result is a rocking workout that engages all of your body muscles and leaves you completely exhausted and euphoric. Endorphins will be flowing like a river after this intense hour! Didn't think how kickboxing without gloves and a punchbag can be effective, but Nelly's techniques using light weights in the air (no gloves needed) are super efficient. They leave my arms straining afterwards, with a rewarding ache of a solid workout. Definitely one of my favorite workouts of all time.
Also recommend zumba classes. The instructor is amazing and the routine is pretty easy to learn. The music selection is great, so this class is perfect for all the dance enthusiasts out there. One thing that never fails to surprise me is the diverse audience for this class--twenty year olds dance zumba next to sixty year olds and everyone is having a total blast. That's a testament to the power of this community center that brings together different generations from all walks of life.
Yoga is another crowd favorite--the instructor is incredible. She's a wealth of information and support. She studied yoga with different renown masters all her life. She's super caring, knowledgeable, and supportive. She knows every attendee and invests her all in every single one of them. Every class is different, depending on the needs and wants of the attendees. When someone is recovering from an injury or needs special attention to a stretched out ligament, the class is geared towards accommodating that need. I've done yoga for many years, but her classes are something special.
I also really enjoy Shape Up NYC HIIT Hip Hop Body Burn. Shape Up NYC instructors teach this high intensity interval class, incorporating weights with typical moves like crunches, planks, push ups and other classic moves. Be prepared for a lot of jump rope--about 5-7 minute of HIIT warm up using the jump rope and then in between 20-30 second bursts of exercise. You'll become a jump rope pro after attending a few classes! This is a very effective class--you work hard and get the most out of every minute spent sweating.
To encourage attendance, Francine, the lovey community manager, manages a rewards program. Every attendee gets a fitness card that gets signed after every class attendance. After ten classes, you are entered in a lottery to win prizes. I was utterly shocked to receive a txt one day to learn that I won in that month's lottery! I could choose two items amid a yoga mat, a water bottle, a jump rope, a gym bag, or an exercise towel. I chose a yoga mat and a jump rope. Was super happy to receive those little tokens of my dedicated membership! read more