As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” Most students try to pencil in time for a workout to help them thrive at their other tasks at TC — whether it be remaining alert at Student Senate, singing with The Spark Notes a cappella group, or making it through that 7:20PM-9:00PM class after student teaching all day. To best help you, we’ve picked 5 of our most popular spots to get your sweat on close to campus!

1.) Dodge Fitness Center: Columbia Main Campus; FREE membership as a TC student
The best way to describe Dodge is: 25,000 people, 1 gym. Located entirely underground, you enter downstairs on the fourth floor and have the option of running around our indoor track or finding your own cardio equipment (make sure to sign up ahead of time!). Locker rentals are per semester (approx. $35 per semester) and the classes offered are some of the cheapest in the city! Head down to the third floor for weights and the first floor if you are looking to swim!

2.) Riverside Park: Stretching from 72nd to 158th & Riverside Drive; FREE
Make the most of beautiful city weather while you can! Many students and NYC locals enjoy running through the park while taking in some city views. Looking for other students with the same passion for running? Last year, a few students organized an informal running club via their TC Admitted Facebook group! We encourage you to reach out to your fellow students if you are interested in starting your own!

3.) Class Pass: All over NYC; $19 for 3 classes for new members; monthly plans range from $75-$135/month
We’ll be mentioning a few class options below– but see the best of what NYC fitness has to offer by signing up to try classes around the city! Students at TC have done many different classes, including Pure Barre, Soulcycle, Flywheel, kickboxing, and even ballroom dancing!

4.) Pure Barre – Upper West Side: 412 Columbus Ave, $37 for single class; $149 monthly unlimited for new clients
If you are committed both mentally and financially, this intense ballet meets sculpting barre class is likely to leave you feeling like a model. Go ahead and attempt it with your Class Pass before committing fully!

5.) Soulcycle – 92nd Street: 2465 Broadway; $20 for first class; class bundle prices vary
The perfect class for someone excited to try spin for the first time! At Soulcycle, they “ride to the beat of the music,” meaning that you are often dancing and doing choreography on the bike! No need to feel insecure with your dance moves either, as the majority of the class is done in candlelight while your instructor makes inspirational comments about going after your dreams!