New York City has some of the country’s best yoga studios and is a great place to live if you’re a practicing yogi. Surprisingly, many of these studios offer free classes and are even located near parks that offer free yoga sessions during warm weather months. If you’re looking to stay in shape on a budget during your time in the Big Apple, here’s our guide to the best free yoga classes in NYC.
Manhattan
The New York Parks Department has many free yoga opportunities in the summer months at Pier 25, which is located at 225 West Street and Pier 46 in Manhattan. Their Healthy on the Hudson program is a fun way to connect with other yogis from around the city while exercising in the great outdoors.
If you don’t own a yoga mat, Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan puts on free yoga sessions that provide free mats on a first come, first serve basis. Located between 40th and 42nd Avenues and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, these large, outdoor classes are an ideal way to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery and stay in shape at the same time.
Located at 42 West 14th Street in Manhattan, the Jack Rabbit Sports Union Square store provides free yoga classes for runners on Saturday mornings and are an excellent way to meet other athletes and learn a few yoga poses. Participants must register before attending and will also need to bring their own yoga mat.
Queens
The earthy Genesis Tree of Life Yoga and Wellness Center, located at 102-06 Metropolitan Avenue, provides free chair yoga classes for individuals with MS on Tuesday afternoons. The center is a Raja Yoga school which follows Himalayan tradition and is a hub for holistic approaches to wellness.
Attending a free yoga session is a great way to connect with other yogis around NYC.
Brooklyn
For outdoor sessions in the summer, Bend and Bloom Yoga offers free yoga classes called Prospect Park Yoga. This large, outdoor yoga class takes place in Prospect Park, which is located at Parkside Avenue and Prospect Park West and is perfect for both beginners and experienced yogis. Just be sure to pack your yoga mat.
The Kings County Hospital (at both Clarkson and New York Avenues) provides free yoga courses to the public every Wednesday night. From children to teenagers to seniors, all ages are encouraged to attend this open level class, and participants will learn how to focus on building body strength and flexibility.
Bronx
If you’re looking to attend a free yoga session in the Bronx, we recommend checking out the family-friendly Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, which is located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East. The center features free Shape Up NYC yoga classes on Thursday nights and provides yoga mats for a small fee.
