Posts Tagged ‘Fitness’

You’ve developed a calm and cool demeanor when dealing with toddlers, in-laws, pushy co-workers and class parents. But sometimes, you just want to punch something.

Get out your aggression — and get a great workout at the same time — at Punch Fitness, a family-friendly boxing gym on the Upper East Side (also in Bridgehampton for the summer). Instead of an intimidating, bare bones, Million Dollar Baby-inspired studio, Punch is warm and welcoming with a strong female client base. Owner Adelino Da Costa will whip you into shape with his special system of jabs, kicks and crunches (prices range from about $109 to $145 for a sweat-inducing one-on-one session). Da Costa even trains women throughout their pregnancies, as evidenced by black-and-white photos of a rather ripped mom-to-be (though you should begin his workouts prior to getting preggo).

Your triceps may scream for mercy, but your stress level will stabilize.

1015 Madison Ave., lower level (bet. 78th & 79th St.), 212-288-2375, punchfitnesscenter.com.

Hips, shoulders, knees and back — you could write a song about all the body parts that need extra attention during pregnancy.

No matter your trimester, try the prenatal Pilates class at Core Pilates NYC that goes beyond the typical mat class. Using the famed tower apparatus and special breathing techniques, this workout helps create synergy between the abs, lower back and pelvic floor — a band of muscles that is much-needed for pregnancy, delivery, and getting your pre-baby bod back (it’s helpful if you have prior Pilates experience). Limited to just four moms-to-be, the weekly Saturday class (by reservation, $32) offers semi-private attention from the center’s expert (certified prenatal Pilates) instructors. Or, book a one-on-one session at this cozy Union Square studio to really focus on stretching, easing swelling, increasing circulation and maintaining muscle.

You and your belly will be singing a happy tune.

99 University Place, 212-260-5464, corepilatesnyc.com.

Personal trainer? Too pricey. Class at the gym? Too crowded.

Find the perfect balance at the Center for Movement. This UES Pilates studio offers small, drop-in group classes (using the mat, tower, reformer and other equipment) that give personal attention in the company of others striving for that long, lean bod. Whether you’re taking a break from the treadmill during pregnancy or trying to get your pre-baby abs back, the expert instructors will make sure your core is conditioned.

And if you’re not into the group thing, the Lexington Avenue and Scarsdale locations offer private sessions. But exercise loves company.

1460 Second Ave. (bet. 76th & 77th St.), 212-734-2277, centerformovement.com.

As fabulous a city as New York is, it’s also plenty stressful. And that’s without construction sites and Wall Street heavyweights collapsing right and left, plus a former governor who…well, you know.

What better way to relax than to find inner peace with your baby through yoga (this time it’s the baby who’s doing yoga, not just you). Yogi Beans’ Lauren Rosenfeld teaches mothers how to place their mini yogis (or yoginis) in various positions which can aid in body awareness, sleep, digestion and relief of gas pains – kids’ classes are also available.

They say a happy mom makes for a happy baby, and vice versa.

For more information, visit yogibeans.com