Sweating it Out: Best Activities in NYC to Burn Off Restaurant Indulgences
This is a collaborative post.
New York City is a culinary haven, offering a smorgasbord of delectable dishes that can easily tempt your taste buds. From savory slices of pizza to mouthwatering street food, the city’s culinary landscape is a dream come true for food enthusiasts.
But fear not! For every calorie consumed, there’s an opportunity to burn it off through an array of exhilarating activities. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the best calorie-burning activities in NYC.

Ice Skating in Iconic Locations
When winter wraps NYC in a blanket of snow, there’s no better way to embrace the season and torch some calories than by hitting the ice rink.
Lace-up your skates and glide along the iconic rinks of Central Park or the Rockefeller Center. You’ll engage your core muscles, strengthen your legs, and boost your cardiovascular endurance as you twirl and whirl on the ice.
Plus, the breathtaking cityscapes surrounding these rinks make for a picture-perfect workout. And for those exploring beyond Manhattan, the ice skating rinks in Brooklyn offer a unique charm and an opportunity to indulge in winter’s enchantment while keeping active.
Pedal Power: Biking Across the Boroughs
Explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of NYC on two wheels, cycling your way through the boroughs and leaving calorie counts in the dust.
Rent a bike and cruise along the Hudson River Greenway, enjoying stunning river views as you pedal toward a healthier you.
The Brooklyn Bridge offers another picturesque route, allowing you to soak in the city’s skyline while you burn off those extra restaurant indulgences.
Run the High Line: Elevated Exercise
The High Line, a unique elevated park built on a former railroad track, provides a scenic backdrop for a heart-pumping run or brisk walk.
Traverse the beautifully landscaped paths while viewing the city and the Hudson River.
With strategically placed art installations and plenty of seating, you can tailor your workout to your pace, alternating between jogging, sprinting, and stretching.
Elevate Your Climbing Game
For those seeking an exhilarating and calorie-burning challenge, consider indoor rock climbing. NYC offers a variety of climbing gyms, where you can scale walls of varying difficulty levels.
Climbing engages multiple muscle groups, including your arms, legs, and core, making it an effective full-body workout.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, conquering the heights of the climbing wall is sure to leave you feeling accomplished and invigorated.
Paddle the Urban Waters
Take your calorie-burning session to the waters by kayaking along the city’s rivers and harbours.
Organizations like the Downtown Boathouse offer free kayaking sessions during the warmer months, allowing you to build upper body strength and improve cardiovascular health while enjoying a unique perspective of the city’s skyline.
Hike the Urban Trails
Believe it or not, NYC has its share of serene hiking trails, offering an escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Head to Inwood Hill Park or Fort Tryon Park for trails that wind through lush greenery, allowing you to reconnect with nature and burn those extra calories.
The hilly terrain provides an added challenge, working your leg muscles as you climb and descend.
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Why not hit the dance floor and let loose for a dose of fun and energy? NYC is home to various dance studios and classes catering to different styles, from salsa to hip-hop.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or want to groove to the beat, dancing is a fantastic way to elevate your heart rate and let your inhibitions go.
Conclusion
Indulging in NYC’s culinary delights is a mouthwatering experience, but finding a balance and burning off those extra calories is equally important.
From ice skating in iconic locations to cycling across the boroughs and exploring urban trails, the city offers many activities to keep you moving and energized.
By incorporating these exhilarating pursuits into your itinerary, you can savour the flavours of NYC while staying active and ensuring that your travel memories are as vibrant and refreshing as the city itself.