The last time I was in New York City was 16 years ago for a school trip! To be honest, I think most of my memories aren’t really memories…they’re just what I’ve seen on TV. Of course I remember a few things, but coming back here this week really felt like the first time!
This city is vast, chaotic and so amazing! I am not big-city girl myself but I have really enjoyed my last days here. That’s why I wanted to give you my top 5 New York City highlights…hopefully you find them helpful and as much fun as I did!
I came back to New York City this week for my job as the Runtastic Fitness Coach. We had some race cooperations and a lot of video footage to capture! And, of course, a lot of walking, sightseeing and eating along the way. Plus, my mom was able to come visit me from California and we had a couple days together to sightsee and hang out 🙂
And you guys know I was working out the whole time! I love staying fit while traveling because it makes me feel super refreshed and energized. So after I list my Top 5 New York City Highlights, I will let you know what hotel room workout I did using only bodyweight exercises….and some NEW YORK inspiration for the exercises.
Top 5 New York City Highlights
#1 Tao Downtown
This restaurant was sooooo delicious. The environment is absolutely incredible and did I already mention the food was amazing? I ate the halibut with shrimp and we all shared the tempura asparagus, coconut shrimp, rice and garlic broccoli. I think the tempura shrimp was a bit too greasy for me, but everything else was to DIE for! I highly recommend you eat there. It’s pretty expensive, but so is everything else in the city so we figured…YOLO!
#2 RUN 10 FEED 10 RACE
Runtastic partnered with this charity race called Women’s Health RUN 10 FEED 10! It’s concept is simple, you run 10K and they will donate 10 meals to needy families in your community. I was fortunate enough to lead the pre-race warm-up at the NYC race at Pier 84 at the Hudson River! I got all the runners ready to run their 10K or 5K. I was unable to run because I hurt my ankle a couple weeks ago (it’s feeling much better now!) and I knew that running a race would not be a good idea. Additionally, we had the Runtastic Sweat Cafe which is a place where you can do exercises in exchange for Runtastic prizes…1-year Premium Membership, a backpack, a t-shirt, our activity tracker Runtastic Orbit and more! We even got the NYPD to do some push-ups and burpees….it was amazing! If you want to sign up for a RUN 10 FEED 10 race in your area or run on your own click here. And, if you want to check out some great videos I made to help you prepare for your 10K race click here.
#3 Plaza Hotel
You have to know this hotel from the Home Alone 2 movie. This was one of my favorite movies growing up so I was really excited to see it! The hotel’s address is 768 5th Avenue. It’s right at the beginning of the famous 5th avenue shopping area so you can combine the two.
#4 Top of the Empire State Building
All I can say is….breathtaking! We went on a cloudy day so there was no line at all. But seriously, that hazy look was so amazing and beautiful. I couldn’t even speak for like 5 minutes…all I could do was stare. This is a definite MUST DO in NYC! You see everything from all angles. I loved it because you feel so small walking through all the giant sky scrapers from the ground, so it’s a great alternative perspective.
#5 Sunset behind Jersey City at Hudson River Park
You have to see the sunset behind Jersey City at the Hudson River! Sunset was at around 7:01, so we got there at 6:30 and it was absolutely perfect. You have to check it out. It’s right at Hudson River Park!
Alright, alright…now time for the workout!
20-Minute Hotel Room Workout
Do each exercise for 1 minute with no rest in between. Rest at the end for 1 minute and then repeat for 3 rounds!
N – Narrow 6-Count Burpees: This is just like a burpee with a push-up except you are going to do a narrow push-up (with your hands close together) instead. This really gets the triceps. Feel free to go to your knees for the push-up if you need to!
E – Elbow (low) Plank: Keep those elbows directly underneath your shoulders. Your shoulders, hips and feet should be in one line.
W– Wall Sit: Make sure that your core is really engaged so you back is flat to the wall. Keep your legs at a 90 degree angle (feet directly underneath your knees). You want to create a “chair” with your body.
Y – Yay….more burpees!!: You can do any burpee variation you like! 🙂 I did flat out burpees lowering my body all the way to the ground before coming back up. Get creative, do whichever kind of burpees you like!
O – Overhead Squat: Perform a normal bodyweight squat but with your hands extended over your head, palms facing eachother.
R – Reverse Crunches: Lay on your back with your legs extended up towards the sky. Lift your hips off the ground getting your feet to go up towards to the sky. Try not to let your legs lower down too low because this allows for too much momentum to be used. Use those abs!
K – Kick + Jump Lunge: 2 kicks (one on each side) then 2 jump lunges (one on each side)! This one is a burner and a great way to end the circuit!
I hope you found some of these tips helpful for your trip to New York City! Plus, you know I always give you great workouts to do while traveling so you can keep up with your goals and healthy living 🙂 Send me a tweet and let me know if you try it!