In December, it's important to engage in healthy activities to help balance out any excesses from holiday partying. New York City offers many delightful ways to keep fit in December, including some in world-famous settings. Feel like the star of your own movie as you skate in Rockefeller Center or stroll through a snowy Central Park.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a low-impact exercise that burns about 600 calories per hour. Skating in Rockefeller Center is a classic experience immortalized in many movies. The rink is below sidewalk level, ringed by restaurants and bars, with spectators leaning on railings above. Bryant Park has a rink larger than Rockefeller Center's, thoughtfully selected music and free admission. The rink in Central Park has a spectacular setting, surrounded by trees and tall buildings.
Walking
Walking is good exercise for people of all fitness levels. If you take a walk along Fifth Avenue in New York in December, you'll be treated to spectacular holiday display windows in the stores. Take a detour and walk a block west at Rockefeller Center to see the famous huge Christmas tree. You can extend your walk on the northern end by strolling through Central Park. The park appears magical in December, especially when snow clings to the tree branches.
Shopping
f you visit New York's outdoor holiday markets, you can get your shopping done and get some bracing fresh air at the same time. The Union Square Holiday Market has over 100 booths. Bryant Park has over 125 festive booths, decorated with twinkling lights. You can find unusual, often handmade gifts, and avoid the stress of fighting the crowds in the department stores.
Singing
Singing lifts the spirit and gives a boost to mental health. Become a part of a New York tradition by singing the holiday classic, Handel's "Messiah." In addition to the churches that put on sing-along Messiahs, the National Chorale hosts a huge "Messiah" sing-in every year that fills Avery Fisher Hall with 3,000 people, led by 18 world-class conductors and accompanied by the Avery Fisher Hall concert organ.
Swimming, Biking and Running
You can't swim outside in December in New York, and running and biking may be unpleasant on cold days. You can enjoy all those activities, though, by participating in a New York mini indoor triathlon. These feature 10 minutes of swimming in a pool, 30 minutes of spin biking and 20 minutes of running on treadmills. The first indoor triathlon of the season is held in December at the Vanderbilt YMCA.
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