It’s cold outside, but your workout routine doesn’t have to feel frigid. One of the thingsI love most about working out (besides the end-of-class wind down) is warming up my body to focus on my breath and its movements.
All photos via Chrissy Conners Photography
Right before the new year, I wanted to mix in a new fitness class into my wellness regimen so I looked at YO BK (607 Manhattan Ave). My current routine involves loads of morning stretches, Bar Method classes 4-5 times per week, and the occasional hot yoga class as a treat.
And one class at YO BK caught my eye in particular: Inferno Hot Pilates. I knew I had to try it out, and who knows? Maybe I’d be totally hooked.
The newly opened Manhattan Avenue studio offers Bikram Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates, and Baptiste Power Yoga classes to expand your body and mind. Bikram Yoga, known as the original hot yoga, is a therapeutic and challenging series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises done in a 105F room. Baptiste Power Yoga is an energetic and empowering vinyasa flow class practiced in 95F heat with music. And, Inferno Hot Pilates features a high-intensity, low-impact interval training class done in a 95F room with a disco ball and energetic music. These distinct and dynamic classes are great for fitness novices and seasoned wellness enthusiasts alike.
I consider myself somewhere in between, I’m no stranger to working out but I’ve only been seriously mindful of a regular fitness routine for the past two and a half years or so. Needless to say, I was more than ready for the Inferno Hot Pilates class since it’s designed for all fitness levels.
I entered the studio in my typical workout ensemble: high-waisted black leggings, sports bra, and a sweatshirt. Pro tip: Leave your sweatshirt in the locker and bring an extra towel and a water bottle. Things are going to heat up very, very quickly. The workout room is pleasant and relaxing: warm, low lighting, and ready for action. The class kicks into gear gently, with a series of floor work moves, standing exercises, and Tabata training. The dial turns up, the music heightens, and your muscles heat up.
Right from the start, I loved all of the movements. From working on my core to a series of fast-moving burpees, I felt my muscles immediately engage. The low-impact workout is challenging with high intensity. Not to mention, Inferno Hot Pilates is an express class (45 minutes), so students can expect to cycle through movements rather quickly. In short, you won’t be bored one bit.
As the class progressed, I sweated way more than I ever thought imaginable. (Don’t worry, everyone else is too). But as I completed the floor work and standing exercises, my muscles felt more ready and pliable to each brand new movement. It was a quiet and joyful realization in the middle of a challenging workout.
If you want to engage in mindful body movements, burn fat, and strengthen your muscles in under an hour, YO BK’s Inferno Hot Pilates is the ticket. As for me? I was positively hooked.
Ah, Black Friday. Thanksgiving is over and now it’s time to scoop up some sweet deeply discounted goods for your friends and loved ones. Maybe it’s also time to treat yourself (or that hot-to-trot lover). Whatever the case might be, there’s a whole lotta sales going on.
But, instead of shopping at corporate chains and big box stores, why not support some cool and dynamic local small business? These local spots are running some of their own Black Friday specials and they’re way too good to pass up. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.
Note: the store will be closed Thursday and Friday, but will be open Saturday and Sunday. Take 20% off all gift card purchases made online. No code required.
On Small Business Saturday, shoppers can score 20% off all in-store purchases over $50.
In the mood to get your fitness on and have a good time? And, for free? Of course you are.
Well, you’re in luck. To celebrate their first birthday, The Brooklyn Bar Method on 97 North 10th Street is hosting an open house with free barre classes, sweet treats from Marcy and Myrtle, a braid bar, and a live DJ. Put on your best leggings and head over to the studio on Saturday, October 13th to learn about the studio and even score some cool prizes. The dope swag includes a facial from GLO Boutique Spa, a mani/pedi from Paintbucket, a Counting Room gift card, and more.
Where are the free classes and who is eligible? Classes run at 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. And, you must be a new client. Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis and you must book the free class in advance.
To book your free class:
1) You must be a brand new client to The Bar Method Brooklyn.
3) Add your billing information in the My Info section.
4) Send us an email with the class time you would like to take. *Please note all new clients taking free classes are subject to our late cancel and no show policies.
Plus, if you sign up for their New Client Special during the Open House, you’ll get an extra week of unlimited classes for the regular price of $99. That’s a pretty good deal!
Sure, you can go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood this year to local mom-and-pop businesses, but there’s also some cool events happening this Halloween for tiny Greenpoint witches, pirates, zombies, and other spooky kidlets.
So make or thrift that costume and load up the kids for The Greenpoint Halloween Parade. The parade itself is free, but other spooktacular events for your supernatural sprogs start at $15. Kids can enjoy a Halloween party with crafts, music, games, face painting, and enjoy a Nerf war. Prices for the party or the Nerf War start $15 a piece, but there are combo special available – so get on it! (Note: The zombie Nerf war is marked on the Eventbrite listing for “older kids.” )
The proceeds of the Halloween parade and party will benefit Town Square, local Brooklyn Boy Scout Troop 26, and local Brooklyn Pack 7.
WHEN: 12 noon, Saturday October 28th WHERE: 176 Java Street
FYI: Fellow residents and neighbors, there’s a majorly important community meeting happening this Thursday, October 4th. And, we think you need to know about it. You might even want to attend and take action.
The NYS DEC has finally released its proposed plan to clean up the NuHart toxic waste site in Greenpoint and they’re holding a meeting about said cleanup plan this Thursday. This is mega news. So, what’s the deal?Download the proposed plans here and scroll down to Former NuHart Plastic Manufacturing – 224136 for more info.
The cleanup plan for the Superfund site is out for a 60-day public comment period. At this meeting, they’ll share the plan and your part is to give some sorely needed community input. Note: This is the only public meeting the DEC is holding for public input.
We’ll see you at the meeting, here are the need-to-know details:
WHEN: Thursday, October 4th, 7:00 PM WHERE: Polish & Slavic Center, 176 Java Street, Brooklyn, NY
Also, if you’d like to review the proposed cleanup plan in person, you can access the hard copy at these locations:
Brooklyn Community Board #1
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-389-0009
–and–
North Brooklyn Development Corporation
148-150 Huron St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-389-9044
It’s an undisputed fact that Greenpoint residents love pizza. From Paulie Gee’s to Vinnie’s and Ria Bella to well, Paulie Gee’s, we have a plethora of savory slices to choose from.
Stop what you’re doing and sit down. Now for the great news: The Museum of Pizza is coming and it’s headed to North Brooklyn. So take your love of pizza and enjoy an immersive art experience at The William Vale this month. By immersive, we hope this means that we can eat all of the pizza we want.
For $35, pizza revelers will enjoy “a place to take amazing photos and absorb every wonder of our larger-than-life, immersive installations. A space to bask in multi-sensory, psychedelic pizza joy.” Plus, you get a ticket for a free slice of pizza outside the museum. We assume this immersive experience will include sick selfie backdrops, music, and some dope video art (involving pizza, duh). And, a portion of every ticket sale will be donated to a free meal for a family in need.
Tickets for the opening weekend are already sold out, so act now. Buy tickets now.
WHO: The Museum of Pizza WHERE: The William Vale, 55 Wythe Avenue WHEN: October 13-October 28
October is going to be a jazzy month for pop-up shops and sales. In particular, The Wythe Hotel has a cozy and cool trunk show lined up all month long.
Starting 10/5, the Wythe Hotel’s store will be curated by The Callaway, and they’re putting Greetings from Nashville in the spotlight. Greetings from Nashville will be a pop-up store themed with the Music City’s creative buzz and musical sensibilities. Shoppers can revel and delight in apparel, accessories, beauty and skincare products, art, home goods, and more dope swag all centered around Nashville.
Throughout the month, the GFN space will change, all while highlighting noteworthy Nashville businesses. How cool is that? For many creative types in our lovable nabe, this pop-up shop might just wet your design palate. And if you’re dying to travel Nashville but can’t make it down there just yet, this trunk show might satiate your craving in the meantime.
Keeping an eye out for particular brands or small business owners? Check the schedule below:
Whether you’re a local parent or a way hip aunt/uncle (or whatever title you prefer), there’s a bunch of local, fun, and creative classes for Greenpoint kidlets to explore. Check out some of our picks below. Get learning, crafting, or exploring.
1. Brooklyn Craft Company. Is there a craft kiddo in your life? Well, look no further than Brooklyn Craft Company’s ballin’ after school program. All kids benefit from hands-on engagement and tactile, experiential learning. So, sign your sprog up for a sewing or fiber art class. Who knows, they’ll put a bird on something in no time.
Prices start at $495 for a ten week course. (Bonus: This class series can include an after school pick up for busy parents!)
2. Teacup Music. Music education is something sorely looked over in our contemporary school system and it’s an artistic outlet that has one of the most profound effects on kids. With Concetta at Teacup Music, kids can learn the art of the violin and gain priceless life skills.
The class costs $660 a semester (12 sessions) and includes a recital and instrument rental. Pick up on Wednesdays from PS 110 is also available.
3. Fairy School. Every kid benefits from having more magic and joy in their life. Children will learn and engage with a “curriculum of healing arts, creative play, and studies in ecological awareness.” That sounds pretty damn neat to me. If anything, I’d love to enroll in fairy school for myself. Adults need magic, too.
A full 9 week term costs $360 (plus $20 supply/snack fee). Fairy School will return in Spring 2019.
There are so many things that make Greenpoint so unique: from its creative denizens and cute dogs to offbeat cocktail joints and savory restaurants. Adding to that, is the neighborhood’s love of bicycles. With many bike shops and riders pedaling in and out of the nabe on a daily basis, there’s one brand that really takes living in North Brooklyn to heart.
Enter Brooklyn Bicycle Company. Founded in 2011 by local resident Ryan Zagata, the company aims to bridge the vivid lives of people and their local communities. And what does that mean? Bike models are inspired by Williamsburg and Greenpoint street names – Driggs, Wythe, Franklin, and so on – adding a familiar flair. But, this gear is also made for real people with real lives and real priorities. That includes affordable prices, top notch parts, and artfully and aesthetically crafted bikes.
When you slip in to the Brooklyn Bicycle Company showroom, it’s beautiful, modern, minimal, and pretty cool. And you want to know something even better? You won’t get hassled or pressured to buy anything on the spot. Zagata likens the showroom to a fun, casual, and educational conversation. You can touch, feel, and admire the bikes, while learning about what may be best (or not) for you.
The showroom itself is mega cool, like a contemporary mid century modern abode. I found the aesthetics to be dope and sensible – because shouldn’t even your bike be tailored to be totally-you? (Short answer: hell yeah). As a big believer in small businesses, it’s also awesome to see a small business supporting other small businesses. At Brooklyn Bicycle Company, if you order a bicycle from the showroom, it’ll be professionally assembled by a local bike shop. Don’t live in Brooklyn? The brand has partnerships with stores all across the United States. Pretty cool, huh? And, if you don’t see a local shop in your area, Brooklyn Bicycle Company will contact a local dealer and arrange for your bike to be built at no extra charge to you.
If you have questions about a bicycle, just curious, or want to visit the showroom, check our their FAQ or schedule a visit. You can also find a local Brooklyn Bicycle Company dealer here.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and ride.
Brooklyn Bicycle Company
61 Greenpoint Avenue
Suite 410
