Video
Shopping
Essentials
Blick Art Materials Dick Blick lets you find your true colors on a budget with an array of discounted brand-name art supplies and its own line of premium paints and accessories. 1–5 Bond St between Broadway and Lafayette St (212-533-2444, dickblick.com). Subway: 6 to Bleecker St. Mon–Fri 9am–8pm; Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
B&H Customers come by the busload to this 34,000-square-foot photo, video and audio superstore for the latest and rarest equipment at the lowest prices. 420 Ninth Ave between 33rd and 34th Sts (212-444-6615, bhphoto.com). Subway: A, C, E to 34th St–Penn Station. Mon–Thu 9am–7pm; Fri 9am–2pm; Sun 10am–5pm.
Bed, Bath & Beyond The & Beyond includes kitchen and dining hardware, luggage, home decor, electronics, storage units, cleaning products and everything else you could possibly need to make the closet you live in feel like home. 620 Sixth Ave between 18th and 19th Sts (212-255-3550, bedbathandbeyond.com). Subway: 1 to 18th St. Daily 8am–9pm. Other locations: • 410 E 61st St at First Ave (646-215-4702). • 1932 Broadway between 65th and 66th Sts (917-441-9391).
Bloomingdale’s Brace yourself for crowds—this gigantic, glitzy department store is the third most popular tourist attraction in NYC, after the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The ground floor features designer handbags, scarves, hosiery, makeup and jewelry. In the upper levels, you’ll find furniture, linens, two floors of shoes, designer names and a variety of less expensive goods. The new downtown location features edgier brands meant for a younger group—though the prices there aren’t exactly student-friendly. 1000 Third Ave at 59th St (212-705-2000, bloomingdales.com). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St. Mon–Fri 10am–8:30pm; Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–7pm. Other location: • 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-729-5900).
Concrete Through an unmarked door and down a hallway lies this eensy skate-gear paradise, where boarders can watch videos of serious tricks while scoping out decks from Shut NYC ($50). 37 W 13th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-242-5770, myspace.com/concreteny). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Mon–Fri noon–6pm.
Container Store Is your closet a war zone? Is there a black hole under your bed? Look to this store to make sense of your mess. Choose from foldable storage hampers, decorative boxes and glass jars to organize your odds and ends (and junk), or create more space with a range of DIY shelving. If you’re struck with a bad case of don’t-know-where-to-start, sales assistants can make handy-dandy suggestions. 629 Sixth Ave between 18th and 19th Sts (212-366-4200, containerstore.com). Subway: F, V to 14th St; L to Sixth Ave; 1 to 18th St. Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 10am–8pm. Other location: • 725 Lexington Ave at 58th St (212-366-4200).
Conway Inflation hasn’t hit Conway yet. Where else can you score a shopping bag full of stuff for $25? In this haven of designer knockoff knockoffs, fashion typically doesn’t exceed $16.99, yet the real deals are in the basement, where you’ll find discount eyewear like Versace frames for $80 (usually $200 and up), the latest perfumes for 50 percent off the retail price, and a hodgepodge of 99-cent items like brand-name toothpaste, mouthwash, makeup and Barbies. 1335 Broadway between 35th and 36th Sts (212-967-3460). Subway: B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W to 34th St–Herald Sq. Mon–Fri 8am–8pm; Sat 9:30am–8pm; Sun 10:30am–7pm. Other locations throughout the city.
Fairway Go grocery shopping and savor more than 1,000 different cheeses, an endless supply of bread samples and even a fresh cup of cappuccino. 2127 Broadway between 74th and 75th Sts (212-595-1888). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. 6am–1am. Other locations: • 2328 Twelfth Ave at 133rd St (212-234-3883) • 480–500 Van Brunt St at Reed St, Red Hook, Brooklyn (718-694-6868).
FreshDirect You’ll know you’re a true New Yorker when you’ve become hooked on this service. Fresh, excellent groceries at competitive prices—delivered to your doorstep. If only classes were this easy. Freshdirect.com.
Ikea Pro: You can sleek up your pad on the cheap. Con: That desk you’re eyeing comes in ten different boxes and will take you all weekend to assemble. Elizabeth Center, 1000 Ikea Dr, Elizabeth, NJ (908-289-4488, ikea-usa.com). Free shuttle (800-BUS-IKEA; Sat, Sun only) from Port Authority Bus Terminal (Eighth Ave at 42nd St) to Elizabeth Center every half hour 10am–2:30pm; return trips every half hour noon–6pm. Mon–Fri 10am–9pm; Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 10am–8pm. Other location: 100 Ikea Dr, Paramus, NJ (201-843-1881).
J&R Music and Computer World You can order online, but why miss the fun of exploring a whole block of all things electronic, from satellite navigators to musical toothbrushes? You can score pretty much anything at this mecca of gadgetry, which includes a whole building dedicated to discounted stock and CDs. 1–34 Park Row between Ann and Beekman Sts (212-238-9000, jandr.com). Subway: A, C to Broadway–Nassau St; 2, 3 to Park Pl. Mon–Fri 9am–7:30pm; Sat 9am–7:30pm; Sun 10:30am–6:30pm.
Kmart It’s a pharmacy. It’s a grocery store. It’s the Big K. There’s nothing like one-stop shopping, and you’ll find everything from towels and storage bins to plants and cheap T-shirts at this megastore. 770 Broadway at Lafayette and 8th Sts (212-673-1540; kmart.com). Subway: N, R, W to 8th St–NYU; 6 to Astor Pl. Daily 8am–10pm. Other location: • 250 W 34th St at Seventh Ave (212-760-1188).
Mondo Kim’s New Yorkers hope for certain things from their record stores: long hours, a selection that would traumatize your average Midwesterner and a staff that’s knowledgeable. The three-story Mondo Kim’s delivers long hours, a mind-boggling selection of music and a staff that’s knowledgeable but not pushy. It’s hard to beat Kim’s sprawling stock of old and new CDs and vinyl—from big-name rock and hip-hop to the most arcane metal, folk, reggae, techno, avant-garde and international sounds. If you’re hard up for a gift idea, the store also offers a similarly impressive selection of books, as well as videos and DVDs for sale or rental. 6 St. Marks Pl between Second and Third Aves (212-598-9985, mondokims.com). Subway: N, R, W to 8th St–NYU; 6 to Astor Pl. Other location: • 2906 Broadway between 113th and 114th Sts (212-864-5321).
Macy’s This place doesn’t have the cheapest or the hippest merchandisein NYC, but it’s still worth the trip. Macy’s calls itself the biggest department store in the world, and it occupies an entire city block. You’ll find everything from designer labels to cheap, colorful knockoffs; there’s also a Metropolitan Museum gift shop, a Starbucks and a McDonald’s. Beware the aggressive perfume sprayers and resign yourself to getting hopelessly lost. The store has its own concierge service (212-560-3827) to help you maximize your shopping potential. 151 W 34th St between Broadway and Seventh Ave (212-695-4400, macys.com). Subway: B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W to 34th St–Herald Sq; 1, 2, 3to 34th St–Penn Station. Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–8pm.
National Wholesale Liquidators This three-story wholesaler is stocked with more than 120,000 deals on brand-name closeouts and everything else, from cookies to socks. There are new bargains every week, so you can find just about anything you need at the lowest prices in town. 632 Broadway between Bleecker and Houston Sts (212-979-2400, nationalwholesaleliquidators.com). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St. 9:30am–8:30pm.
Pearl Paint This artist’s mainstay is as big as a department store and features everything you could possibly want for creative pursuits including crafts. Even if you’re not the aesthetic type, Pearl is worth the pilgrimage just to revel in the assortment. 308 Canal St between Broadway and Church St (212-431-7932, pearlpaint.com). Subway: A, C, E, J, M, Z, N, Q, R, W, 6 to Canal St. Mon–Fri 9am–7pm; Sat 10am–6:30pm; Sun 10am–6pm. Other location: • 207 E 23rd St at Third Ave (212-592-2179).
Pearl River Mart You can find all things Chinese at this Soho emporium, including clothing, gongs, woks, teapots, medicinal herbs, bedroom slippers and traditional stationery. It’s a must for decorating on the cheap. 477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-431-4770, pearlriver.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St; 6 to Spring St. Daily 10am–7:20pm.
Sephora Sephora, the French beauty chain that’s slowly working its way across America, has given gals a one-stop glamour shop: It has everything. The 8,000-square-foot makeup library looks like the cosmetics floor of a department store, but no one is standing behind the display cases (staffers hang back until you choose to seek them out). Best of all, you can try on any and every cosmetic you desire without spending a dime. 555 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (212-625-1309, sephora.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St; 6 to Spring St. Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–7pm. Other locations throughout
the city.
Trader Joe’s When it opened in NYC, this quirky California-based grocery chain attracted mobs of New Yorkers hungry for its top-shelf chili-lime peanuts, organic cereal, chips, dark chocolate and other low-priced gourmet essentials. Lines can still snake out the door, but the Hawaiian-shirted staff help make your wait worthwhile with free samples. 142 E 14th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-529-4612, traderjoes.com). Subway: L to Third Ave; L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Daily 9am–10pm.
West Elm The younger, hipper sibling of Pottery Barn has finally gone from catalog to a bricks-and-mortar outpost in the arty ’hoods of Dumbo and Chelsea. The stores showcase affordable minimalist furniture and accessories in a starkly modern space. Look for couches, futons, beds, sturdy tables and more for adding some chic style to your cookie-cutter dorm room. 75 Front St at Main St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-875-7757, westelm.com). Subway: A, C to High St; F to York St. Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–6pm. Other location: • 112 W 18th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-929-4464). Subway: 1 to 18th St.
Whole Foods Market This glossy megamarket’s Time Warner Center location proves that premium-quality fresh food is not impossible to come by in the city. Not only is everything 100 percent natural, the selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and more seems endless. There’s also a café, a Jamba Juice, a Genji Express sushi bar, a well-stocked wine shop and a chocolate-enrobing station where customers can cover the baked goods of their choice in fine chocolate. Bring your parents, grab a cart and stock up on all sorts of goodies. 10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, concourse level (212-823-9600, wholefoods.com). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle. 8am–10pm. Other locations: 4 E 14th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves • 250 Seventh Ave at 24th St (212-924-5969).
Best deals
Century 21 Few shopping experiences rival a successful hunt at the venerable Century 21, where department-store items sell at 40 to 70 percent discounts. The labels here—from Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino to Calvin Klein and Michael Kors—are among the best there are, and the price tags (which also list what C21 claims are the original prices) are the stuff of fantasy. The store’s shoe department is legendary. 22 Cortlandt St between Broadway and Church St (212-227-9092; c21stores.com). Subway: E to World Trade Center; R, W to Cortlandt St; 2, 3 to Park Pl. Mon–Fri 7:45am–8:30pm; Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–7pm. Other location: • 472 86th St between Fourth and Fifth Aves, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (718-748-3266).
Forever 21 Like many other chain stores, this teen-style emporium offers a rotating lineup of cut-rate designer knockoffs, but it’s also a great place to stock up on basics. For guys, supersoft cotton V-neck T-shirts are $8. For girls, the store stocks cute solid-colored tees, tunics and long,lean tanks for $7 to $10. And the accessories are no splurge: Trendy sunglasses go for $5–$6; polka-dot ’70s-style head wraps for $3; and triple-strand necklaces for $9. 4 Union Sq South at 14th St (212-228-0598, forever21.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Mon–Fri 9am–9:30pm; Sat 10am–9:30pm; Sun 11am–8pm. Other location: • 50 W 34th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-564-2346).
H&M This absurdly inexpensive Swedish megamart is always mobbed with fashionistas of both sexes who can get great styles for next to nothing. Clothing is grouped by various house “brands,” such as the trendy Divided line and the sporty L.O.G.G. collection. Line up early whenever a celebrity-designed line hits the store—it’s often sold out before day’s end. There’s also a huge selection of undies and accessories. 640 Fifth Ave at 51st St (212-489-0390, hm.com). Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St; F to 57th St. Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–8pm. Other locations throughout the city.
Loehmann’s Since 1921, bargain seekers have found discounted designer garb at this New York native. The Seventh Avenue location is filled to the brim with in-season merchandise, consisting mainly of overstocks and samples. For even deeper discounts, head to the back room, where stuff is always 30 to 65 percent lower than prices at other stores. Loehmann’s also has men’s clothing, shoes and a fragrance department. 101 Seventh Ave between 16th and 17th Sts (212-352-0856, loehmanns.com). Subway: 1 to 18th St. Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm.
Old Navy This something-for-everyone chain churns out a colorful collection of casual, lighthearted essentials at cheapo prices. Look for seasonal novelties (stars-and-stripes swimwear, golf-ball–printed boxers) and prepare to leave with more than you had planned. 503 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts (212-226-0838, oldnavy.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St; 6 to Spring St. Mon–Sat 9am–9:30pm; Sun 10am–8pm. Other locations throughout the city.
Steve & Barry’s When Sarah Jessica Parker finally decided to launch a clothing line (we all knew it was coming, right?), she chose to debut it at S&B’s, where everything is under $20. Manhattan Mall, 100 W 33rd St at Sixth Ave, second level (212-564-3450, steveandbarrys.com). Subway: B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W to 34th St–Herald Sq; 1, 2, 3 to 34th St–Penn Station. Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–8pm.
Target Target’s expanding list of designer collaborators makes it the go-to chain for style-seekers on a budget. Committed Manhattanites make the trek to the outer boroughs for cheap-and-chic clothing by Isaac Mizrahi, cheerful accents for the home by Cynthia Rowley and sleek appliances designed by Michael Graves. Find everything you need to spiff up that dorm room—plus some groovy new duds. 8801 Queens Blvd between 55th and 56th Aves, Elmhurst, Queens (718-760-5656, target.com). Subway: G, R, V to Grand Ave–Newtown. Mon–Sat 8am–10pm; Sun 8am–9pm. Other locations: • 139 Flatbush Ave between Atlantic Ave and Hanson Pl, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-290-1109) • 519 Gateway Dr near Erskine St, Spring Creek, Brooklyn (718-235-6032) • 13505 20th Ave near 132nd St, College Point, Queens (718-661-4346).
Uniqlo The hottest clothier in Japan chose Soho for its global flagship. This means you’ll not only find the well-priced basics-with-a-twist that the Japanese are hip to, but pieces that will only ever be carried in New York. 546 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (917-237-8800, uniqlo.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–8pm.
Zara More sophisticated and serene than its trendier counterparts, Spanish chain Zara continues to quietly go about the business of supplying style-conscious spendthrifts with supercheap voguish wardrobes. This franchise can be counted on for a reasonably priced classic coat or party dress (most clothes are $100 or less). 580 Broadway between Houston and Prince Sts (212-343-1725, zara.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–7pm. Other locations throughout the city.
Streetwear
Mr. Joe What started in 1975 as a spot to buy Converse sneakers and Jordache jeans has evolved into an essential destination for hip-hop shoes and clothing. DJ Clue and Mark Wahlberg are among the stores patrons. 500 Eighth Ave between 35th and 36th Sts (212-279-1090). Subway: A, C, E to 34th St–Penn Station. Mon–Fri 9:30am–8pm; Sat 9:30am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm.
Nort/Recon It’s perfectly legal to wear graffiti, as all tagging junkies know. Many converge at the joint venture of former artists Stash and Futura. 359 Lafayette St. between Bleecker and Bond Sts (212-614-8502). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St. Tue–Thu, Sun noon–7pm; Fri, Sat noon–8pm.
Phat Farm This store showcases Def Jam impresario Russell Simmons’s classy, conservative take on hip-hop couture: phunky-phresh baggy clothing for guys, and the curvy Baby Phat line for gals. 129 Prince St between West Broadway and Wooster St (212-533-7428). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–6pm.
Triple Five Soul The label is no longer exclusive to New York, but the city’s still home to the brand’s only two stores. Find the very necessary hoodies and tees stamped with the Triple Five logo. 290 Lafayette St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-431-2404, triple5soul.com). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; R, W to Prince St; 6 to Bleecker St. Daily 11am–7pm. Other location: • 145 Bedford Ave at North 9th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-599-5971).
Vintage & thrift
Allan & Suzi Models drop off worn-once Gaultiers, Muglers, Pradas and Manoloshere. The platform-shoe collection is incomparable, as is the selection of vintage jewelry. 416 Amsterdam Ave at 80th St (212-724-7445, allanandsuzi.net). Subway: 1 to 79th St. Mon–Fri noon–7pm; Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–6pm.
Beacon’s Closet The prices are great and so is the selection at this Brooklyn fave. Bring your unwanted clothes to either shop or make a trade—you’ll get a 55 percent store credit for the duds you deliver. Beware: Attitude is high here, and trading with the Closeteers can be almost as humiliating as turning in your old CDs to a record shop. 88 North 11th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-0816; beaconscloset.com). Subway: L to Bedford Ave. Mon–Fri noon–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–8pm. Other location • 220 Fifth Ave between President and Union Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-230-1630).
Buffalo Exchange If you’re looking to swap out your wardrobe castoffs, the warehouselike Williamsburg shop—NYC’s first outpost of the Tucson, AZ–based buy-sell-trade clothing emporium—offers a choice of cash (30 percent of your threads’ resale value), trading credit (50 percent) or any combo of the two. There’s also a tightly edited collection of gently worn men’s and women’s clothing, plus a smattering of new accessories. 504 Driggs Ave at North 9th St (718-384-6901). Subway: L to Bedford Ave. Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–7pm.
D/L Cerney Choose from the store’s line of men’s clothing or its collection of vintage accessories. Mint condition must-haves include hats (some pristine fedoras), ties, boxer shorts and shoes. 13 E 7th St between Second and Third Aves (212-673-7033). Subway: R, W to 8th St–NYU; 6 to Astor Pl. Noon–8pm.
Domsey’s Warehouse It’s usually easy to turn up a funky find from Domsey’s huge selection of used jeans, jackets, military and industrial wear, shoes, hats and a vast sea of Hawaiian shirts. 431 Broadway between Hewes and Hooper Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-6000). Subway: J, M to Hewes St. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm; Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–5:30pm. Other location: 1609 Palmetto St at between St. Nicholas and Wyckoff Aves, Ridgewood, Queens (718-386-7661).
Foley + Corinna Vintage-clothing fiends like Liv Tyler and Donna Karan know they can have it both ways here: Shoppers freely mix old (Anna Corinna’s vintage finds) with new (Dana Foley’s original creations, including silk tops, belted pants and sheer wool knits) to compose a truly one-of-a-kind look. 114 Stanton St between Essex and Ludlow Sts (212-529-2338, foleyandcorinna.com). Subway: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Delancey–Essex Sts. Mon, Sun noon–7pm; Tue–Sat noon–8pm. Other location: Foley + Corinna Men, 143 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-529-5043).
Housing Works Thrift Shop Huge consignments of brand-new and previously worn garments arrive daily at this upper-crust wardrobe clearinghouse. The luckiest visitors might find Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein duds fresh from the catwalk. It’s also a great place to score used furniture if you want to dress up your digs. 143 W 17th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-366-0820, housingworks.org). Subway: 1 to 18th St. Mon–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat 10am–6pm; Sun noon–5pm. Other locations
• 157 E 23rd St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-529-5955) • 306 ColumbusAve between 74th and 75th Sts (212-579-7566) • 202 E 77th St between Secondand Third Aves(212-772-8461)
• 245 W 10th St at Hudson St (212-352-1618).
INA For more than a decade, INA has reigned supreme over the downtown consignment scene for high-end designer resale clothing. Be sure to visit the men’s store, too. 101 Thompson St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-941-4757). Subway: C, E to Spring St. Mon–Thu, Sun noon–7pm; Fri, Sat noon–8pm. Other locations: • 21 Prince St between Elizabeth and Mott Sts (212-334-9048) • 208 E 73rd St between Second and Third Aves (212-249-0014)
• INA Men, 262 Mott St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-334-2210).
Resurrection This vintage boutique is a Pucci wonderland, where Anna Sui and Kate Moss come for 1960s and ’70s clothing. The shop’s space was reputedly once a funeral home. Have no fear: Katy Rodriguez’s place looks more like a jewel box than a haunted house. 217 Mott St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-625-1374, resurrectionvintage.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–7pm.
Salvation Army There’s always the possibility that a little time and patience could unearth a hidden gem—say, a rare Frank Zappa tour T-shirt—concealed by acrylic sweaters and abandoned wedding dresses. And then there’s all those cheap couches and chairs, random forks and spoons and odd works of art, allowing you to furnish your apartment for the price of a fancy dinner out on the town. 3402 Steinway St between 34th and 35th Aves, Long Island City, Queens (718-472-2414). Subway: G, R, V to Steinway St. Mon–Fri 10am–7:30pm; Sat 10am–6pm Other locations throughout the city.
What Comes Around Goes AroundWhile the Western shirts on the hardwood walls might discourage you from venturing farther inside, there’s more to this vintage outpost than a toe-tapping hoedown. The Reconstruction Project, the store’ sin-house design division, transforms vintage T-shirts, jeans and other fabrics into one-of-a-kind statements. You’ll bump elbows with fellow vintage addicts as you scour wall after wall of vintage jeans, leather, fur and designer pickings. 351 West Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-343-9303, nyvintage.com). Subway: C, E to Spring St. Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–7pm.
Mind & body
Classes and studios
Afro-Caribbean Body Movement This full-body workout keeps you fit while you learn Afro-Latin moves from instructor Frankie Martinez. Empire Dance, 127 W 25th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, 11th floor (212-645-2441, empiredance.com). Subway: F, V, 1 to 23rd St, 11th floor. Tue 9–10:30pm; Sun 3–4:30pm. $20. Ongoing.
Anti-violence self-defense The small nonprofit Center for Anti-Violence Education is committed to empowering women and transgender people by teaching them self-defense. The classes include karate and women’s tai chi chuan. Fees are on a sliding scale and limited free space is available to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence or childhood abuse. 421 Fifth Ave at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-1775). Subway: F, M, R to Fourth Ave–9th St. Karate: Mon, Wed 6–7:30pm; Sat 10–11:15am. Tai chi chuan: Thu 6:10–7:30pm. Ongoing.
Bellycore Both beginners and advanced students will benefit from this class taught by fitness instructor and belly dancer Melissa, who incorporates both backgrounds into her sessions. CAP21, 18 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, sixth floor (melissasdance.com/fitness.htm). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 18th St. See website for upcoming schedule.
Beyond Pilates Don’t just go to Pilates, go Beyond Pilates. At this intimate studio, you’ll get plenty of attention in the small (four-person) group reformer classes, offered five days a week. Private sessions are also available, as are special package deals—though the regular rate of $299 for two sessions a week for four weeks is a pretty great deal already. Beyond Pilates, 545 Eighth Ave between 37th and 38th Sts, suite 1600 (212-216-9797, beyondpilates.net). Subway: N, Q, R, W, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St–Times Sq. Mon–Sat. Ongoing.
The Breathing Project This wellness and yoga center focuses on breath-centered, individualized yoga, ranging from basics and open-level classes to those focusing on strong abs or mental wellness. The center offers classes in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, and offers free community classes on a weekly basis (call or check website for dates and times). New students can take their first class for only $8, or a week of unlimited classes for $20. (See also Wellness Centers.) 15 W 26th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-979-9642, breathingproject.org). Subway: R, W, 1 to 28th St • 235 Warren St between Court and Clinton Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (212-979-9642). Subway: F, G to Smith–9th St. Members $11–$13, nonmembers $14–$16.
Buddhist meditation groups Part of DPunx Nation, these Dharma Punx-inspired meditation groups focus on training the mind and body in the path of wisdom and compassion through loving-kindness and radical acceptance Beginners welcome. Rebel Saint Buddhist Meditation Center 302 Bowery #2, 3rd fl (dharmapunx.com). Subway: F, V to Lower East Side–Second Ave; 6 to Bleecker St. Tue, Thu 7–9pm. Ongoing. By donation. Other location • Kusala Yoga Center, 159 Franklin St at India St. Greenpoint, Brooklyn (347-228-0716). Subway: G to Nassau. Sunday 6–8pm.
Bendyboys Designed specifically for the male body, this class for queer men and their friends includes breathing exercises to increase energy and immunity, and restorative poses to rebalance the body and mind. Two rotating gurus take turns leading sessions. Also check the website for updates about additional class days. Starlite Studio, 224 W 4th St at Seventh Ave South, second floor (212-337-9526, bendyboys.net). Subway: 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq. Wed 6-7:30pm. $17. Ongoing.
East West Yoga In addition to such classes as therapeutic yoga—a restorative style paced slower than most vinyasa practices and designed to alleviate stress and fatigue—East West offers classes and workshops on yoga, ayurveda and spiritual matters. On the ground floor is East West Books, an excellent resource for books, CDs, DVDs and other material relating to yoga, meditation, and religious and philosophical study. East West Yoga, 78 Fifth Ave between 13th and 14th Sts (212-243-5995, hinyc.org). Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Sat 11am–12:15pm. $15. Ongoing.
Jivamukti Yoga Jivamukti is the Taj Mahal of NYC yoga centers; its environment is practically posh and its space sprawling. Classes (all are hatha-style) are energetic, and typically run about $15 each, though free sessions are offered the last Sunday of each month. Teachers and practitioners here are serious and knowledgeable, with classes incorporating sanskrit chanting and other, more spiritual aspects of the practice. Jivamukti Yoga Center, 841 Broadway at 13th St (212-353-0214, jivamuktiyoga.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Free classes the last Sunday of each month. Other location: 853 Lexington Ave between 64th and 65th Sts.
Laughing Lotus Yoga CenterThese roomy Chelsea digs accommodate a kind of yogic community center that has weekly holistic workshops, classes and an in-house tarot reader and astrologist. Among the regular offerings: midnight yoga, reflexology and absolute-beginner classes. 59 W 19th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 3rd fl (212-414-2903, laughinglotus.com).
Mang’Oh Yoga While this Murray Hill studio calls itself a yoga and Pilates center, among the 40 classes it offers each week are also tai chi, NIA, cardio, belly dancing and Callanetics. 322 E 39th St between First and Second Aves (212-661-6655, mangohstudio.com). Subway: 4, 5, 6, 7, 42nd St S to 42nd St–Grand Central.
Om Yoga Yoga master Cyndi Lee, who has more than 20 years of teaching experience, runs this beautiful and welcoming studio, where classes are playful and offbeat, yet incorporate the mindfulness and compassion of Buddhism. The center offers more than 150 classes per week, and also offers sessions at the Alvin Ailey school in midtown, which has a stunning new facility. 826 Broadway between 12th and 13th Sts (212-254-9642, omyoga.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, 405 W 55th St at Ninth Ave (212-405-9000). Subway: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle.
Punk rope This fitness trend, taught by running guru Tim Haft, is 50 minutes of fast rope-jumping set to punk music. Haft calls it “part pogo, part noncontact mosh pit.” No jump-roping experience is necessary; choreography is kept to a minimum and ropes are provided. 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St between First and Second Aves (646-654-0668). Subway: L to First Ave. Mon 7–7:50pm. $13, members $11.
World Martial Arts Practice Hapkido, a Korean martial art that incorporates strikes, blocks, holds, throws and more, from seasoned, second-degree black belt instructors. Not only does Hapkido provide physical strength, agility and balance, but it helps relieve stress and lends the practitioner a more peaceful state of mind. 475 Atlantic Ave between Nevins St and Third Ave, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-855-9898, happykicks.com). Subway: B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic Ave; D, M, N, R to Pacific St.
Yoga Sutra Though new yoga centers may seem a dime a dozen, it’s worth making a trip to midtown to view this gorgeous new 7,400-square-foot studio, which was modeled after an Indian temple—complete with 90-year-old marble floors and artifacts and paintings from India. Take in a view of the Public Library while practicing ashtanga, vinyasa and Iyengar styles. Yoga Sutra, 501 Fifth Ave at 42nd St, second floor (212-490-1443, yogasutranyc.com). Subways: B, D, F, V to 42nd St–Bryant Park; 7 to Fifth Ave. Call for schedule. Classes $16–$19, students receive 20 percent off packages.
Yoga Works At Yoga Works you can choose from a variety of styles to practice, depending on whether you prefer a rigorous workout, a restorative session or a more meditative practice. Yoga advisers are available, free of charge, to help you choose a style that’s best for you. 37 W 65th St between Central Park West and Columbus Ave (212-769-9642, yogaworks.com/ny). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. Classes $10–$20. Other locations throughout the city
Wellness centers
Acupuncture Happy Hour Long gone are the days when we Westerners thought acupuncture was just a bunch of hocus-pocus. Numerous studies have confirmed its benefits for such ailments as chronic pain, fatigue and depression. Treat yourself to this amazingly priced session once a month and keep your energy and your well-being in good shape. Acupuncture for Athletes, 122 W 20th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves. (917-881-8096, acupuncturehappyhour.com). Subway: F, V, 1 to 23rd St. First Thursday of each month 5–7pm. $15.
New York Open Center The New York Open Center is a mecca for those seeking illumination on spirituality, nutrition, alternative healing and other subjects related to improving your well-being. Though most classes require a fee, many offer a free introductory session, wherein you can get the basics on the topic of interest. The well-stocked on-site bookstore is a good resource for following up on your own. 83 Spring St between Broadway and Crosby St (212-219-2527, opencenter.org). Subway: R, W to Prince St; 6 to Spring St.
Body Central Under the direction of Dr. JoAnn Weinrib, Body Central offers health and wellness services including chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, massage, acupunture and ayurvedic medicine. 99 University Pl at 12th St, fifth floor (212-677-5633, bodycentralnyc.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq.
Sea Change Healing Center Sea Change focuses on the body’s innate power to heal itself, and offers complementary disciplines such as chiropractic, acupunture and herbal medicine, along with massage and yoga, tai chi and meditation classes. The goal isn’t so much to “fix” someone as to develop ongoing health. 31 W 26th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave (212-889-7300, seachangehealing.com). Subway R, W, 1 to 28th St.
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