SPOTLIGHTS

FROM LAWYERS TO ROWERS

KENNY + NADAV FROM ROWGATTA

Kenny and Nadav met while working as corporate lawyers at a big midtown firm. They also happened to be avid CrossFit fans, and would work out together in the mornings before heading off to their less than fulfilling jobs. Ultimately, they decided to leave the corporate world behind to pursue their passion for fitness. After dealing with a multitude of injuries following years of high-impact training, including CrossFit competitions, marathons, and Ironman races, Kenny and Nadav decided to create a program that would allow them to continue pushing themselves physically for years to come.

And so, they opened up Rowgatta, right here in Union Square. Rowgatta is NYC’s first high-intensity, low-impact training (HILIT) studio. Their 50-minute bootcamp classes, which integrate rowing and resistance training, are designed to create an effective, fun, and safe way for their Athletes (as they like to call them) to consistently improve their strength and endurance while burning fat and building muscle. And if the beautiful studio, great workout, awesome amenities, or amazing community aren’t enough to get you in for a class, at least stop by to meet Rosie, Rowgatta’s official office dog and mascot!

KEEPING THE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHY AND FIT

Whether you are looking to work with a personal trainer, take part in their broad range of classes or take advantage of their beautiful amenities, the 14th Street Y has everything you need for your fitness journey. With over 50 fitness classes per week, a full range of cardio + weight equipment, a full-size indoor basketball court and a state of the art swimming pool, there are so many ways to get fit at the 14th Street Y. Even if you are short on time, you can participate in their Lunch Crunch classes, ranging from boxing to book camp, toga to Zumba. And check out some of their unique offerings like punk rope outdoor adventure, Tabata and pre-natal yoga.

The 14th Street Y’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that contemporary Jewish sensibilities can be a source of inspiration, connection, and learning. No matter what your background, they aim to inspire you to live your best life. They’re committed to the development of the whole person, to strengthening family connections and to building inclusive and sustainable communities.

DANCING YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER YOU

SADIE FROM 305 FITNESS

Tired of being a slave to the elliptical and feeling like a zombie on a machine, Sadie Kurzban founded 305 Fitness in 2012 while a student at Brown University. Kurzban created the concept as a way to merge fitness and fun. Seven years later, 305 Fitness, backed by Tiesto and Kevin Durant, has seven brick-and-mortar locations throughout New York City, Washington, DC and Boston and permanent pop ups in Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.

This workout is more than an addictive 55-minute cardio dance party. It’s a safe space where you can release your inhibitions, let your freak flag fly, and meet open-minded people while getting stronger and happier. In an industry obsessed with scales and calories, we’re all about twerking hard while loving and appreciating our bodies exactly the way they are. Union Square is 305's newest location and was chosen as the 5th NYC studio because it is a major traffic hub that connects Manhattan to parts of New Jersey and Brooklyn. Not sure which class to try? Jimmy’s Cardio 2 at Noon is always a good choice - Jimmy's down-to-earth, grounded presence gives you instant bff vibes.

TURN YOUR WORKOUT INTO A PARTY

EVAN BETTS FROM GRIT BXING

Meet Evan Betts, one of GRIT Bxing’s incredible instructors! Evan started his fitness journey as a diver in college., but during his sophomore year he suffered a stress fracture in his lower back that almost ended his diving career. Through shear strength and determination, Evan battled through the fracture, medalled in nationals, smashed records and became a 6-time All American diver in college. Evan was selected as one of 9 trainers at GRIT from hundreds of applicants across the world. “I welcome anyone who is willing to come sweat with me, laugh with me, cry with me, and have some fun while pushing your body to the limits.”

GRIT Bxing was started by Bill Zanker and his children Ediva and Dylan. The trio wanted to create a workout experience that made sure everyone was having a great time before, during and after class. Zanker teamed up with motivational speaker Tony Robbins and rapper Pitbull and launched their gym with a full service bar, club lighting and bumping beats. It truly feels like a party every time you walk inside!

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1908

PARAGON SPORTS

For over 100 years, Paragon Sports has been a staple of the Union Square neighborhood. For sports enthusiasts around the world, Paragon Sports is considered the benchmark of quality for all types of sports equipment and clothing. They take pride in showcasing products from the brands you know and love as well as unique and exceptional brands that you may not be familiar with yet.

And in addition to their extensive retail collections, Paragon has their very own run club! The goal is to help each other achieve athletic success in running, as well as to foster friendship and camaraderie on- and off- the beaten path. Paragon is open to all who want to participate in the New York running community at no cost. 

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE BIKE

BRIAN FROM SWERVE FITNESS

Slaying all the way from Houston, Brian has a passion for fitness that began at a young age on the pitching mound and continued to develop throughout his college baseball career. His fitness journey has since brought him to work in areas of fashion, personal training, and group fitness.

Even though he knows the struggle is real, Brian will help you reach your fitness goals with his positive energy, an infectious smile and a little bit of sass. He lives loud and proud and encourages each rider to do the same.“SWERVE is a place that brings strangers and friends together through teamwork and sweat. You may not know your teammates by name, but by the end of class, you have a shared experience that can’t be taken away from you." 

NOT YOUR MAMA’S DANCE CLASS

McBURNEY YMCA TAP CLASS

Experience the joy of tap dance at the McBurney YMCA. These open level classes are suitable if you’re just starting out or have some experience under your feet. You’ll learn techniques, concepts, and steps based on the Tap Dance Freedom method. You can sign up for an 8 week session or just drop-in.

New York City’s YMCA is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services. The McBurney Y offers 12 various dance classes at all levels including tap, contemporary and ballet. 

SELINA FENG

SELINA WAS BORN IN RAISED IN QUEENS AND SPENT HER UNDERGRAD YEARS IN UNION SQUARE. THIS WAS SELINA’S FIRST YEAR PARTICIPATING IN UNION SQUARE SWEAT FEST, WHERE SHE ATTENDED 4 OF THE 6 SIGNATURE EVENTS.

“I've always known about Sweat Fest, but I missed out on the past two years because I missed the registration period. Once I received the email this year I threw four classes into my cart within seconds and reserved my spot! I loved having my friend join me each class, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts as well (big shoutout to the staff for their contagious energy every event). People sometimes find working out to be a daunting activity, but fitness should be fun! And that's because they haven't found what they're into yet or don't have anyone to do it with, and Sweat Fest is a great way to not only explore what Union Square has to offer but to try out different classes. There's a lil something for everyone: cycling, boxing, yoga, personal training, you name it - it's out there. BONUS: delicious & healthy post workout fuel and freeee swag! Should've led with that. Loved the entire experience and it's so great to bring the community together one sweat drop at a time. Excited for next year's #USQSweatFest :)”

MARCIA TORO

MARCIA HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN UNION SQUARE SWEAT FEST SINCE 2016. SHE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN NYC AND CURRENTLY WORKS JUST NORTH OF UNION SQUARE.

“I can still recall the first Sweat Fest at the Athleta store floor. This was before they had a studio; we just moved all the clothing racks to the side and had our first great #USQSweatFest workout with Andia Winslow. One of the things I love about Sweat Fest is the time of year. It’s usually right at the beginning of February, just when some folks New Year’s resolutions are failing and BANG here’s an opportunity to re-commit to being fit, try new studios to motivate you all with great swag and the camaraderie of old + new friends. What kept me coming back every year was the opportunity to try new studios and meet new people. It’s funny how there are always new participants either because they just moved into the city or heard about the events from previous attendees. Union Square’s fitness community is unique because we really are a family! I love reconnecting with friends and making new ones. There are people I met 6 years ago that I still keep in contact with.”

KEN ANTHONY

KEN ANTHONY IS A PERSONAL TRAINER AT COMPLETE NYC. NOT ONLY HAS KEN PARTICIPATED IN PREVIOUS SWEAT FEST EVENTS, HE HOSTED ONE OF THIS YEAR’S SWEAT FEST SIGNATURE EVENTS AT COMPLETE AND STILL FOUND TIME TO ATTEND ANOTHER SIGNATURE CLASS!

“I initially heard about Sweat Fest in January of 2015. I was restarting my fitness career after several years out the industry. A friend emailed me about Sweat Fest after hearing about it on a blog she followed. She knew I had been using creative means to market my services and thought it was a unique opportunity. She was right! What’s unique about the USQ fitness community is the wide range of interests represented by fitness enthusiasts. We host cyclists, marathoners, skateboarders, aerialists, tumblers, martial artists of varying types and degrees, Cross Fit gurus and the like. Walk through Union Square Park in the Spring or Summer and you’re bound to run into groups of skaters, BMXers or a cluster of yogi’s perfecting their handstand. My favorite part of this year’s Sweat Fest was our post-workout mingling session. I didn’t have a scrolling to-do list in mind, so I took a deep breath and simply enjoyed the participants we’d brought together for the day. That was my favorite moment.”

MICHELLE MONDREY

MICHELLE HAS WORKED IN UNION SQUARE FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS. SHE WANTED TO FIND NEW WAYS TO GET FIT CLOSE TO WORK, AND DECIDED TO ATTEND ALL 6 OF OUR SWEAT FEST CLASSES!

“I was looking for fitness events on eventbrite and I came across the different workouts for each day. Thought it would be a good commitment to complete all of them. I wanted to try out some of the different workout classes that union square had to offer. After New Years I was looking for something to jumpstart my workout goals for the new year and this looked like the perfect way to complete that. I also wanted to try some healthy options of places to eat. The Union Square fitness community surprised me of how many Health and Wellness studios, beauty stores, and restaurants come together to support a healthy lifestyle. I liked how motivating and supportive everyone was during the events. During one of the workouts another participant was cheering me on to give it my all and finish strong. It's amazing how people that don't know each other can come together to support each others fitness goals. The best part of Sweat Fest was finishing all 6 workouts. As each day through the Sweat Fest progressed I was sore and begin to doubt if I could finish all the days. The 4 mile run in the middle was a huge accomplishment for me personally and helped push me through to the end. It was also nice to have one of the events FREE to lighten the financial barrier and make it more accessible for those they may not be able to afford the other classes. Having the last class at Grit Boxing was the icing on the cake and was a great way to celebrate my accomplishments with drinks and community at the end of class. Overall, I can't wait for next year and all that it brings!”