New York City's Best Pools for Getting in Shape

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Welcome to Workout Wednesday: every hump-day, we'll be rounding up some of the city's hottest fitness trends and studios.

New York City is knee-deep in a boutique fitness boom, but if you're not into the scene, the prices, or need to work your way up to Barry's Bootcamp, there are still tried-and-true alternatives. Like swimming.

First things first: it's a total-body workout, as all four classic strokes work to strengthen and sculpt your entire body. It's also easy on the joints, burns calories, and maximizes cardio.

With gorgeous weather headed our way this weekend, why not take a dip one of New York City's free public pools, take a class geared for adults, or skip the treadmill and go straight to the lanes at Equinox or Chelsea Piers? See a total of twelve suggestions after the jump.—Paula Ya-Jen Ho

Free Pools

Astoria Pool
Nestled between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate bridges, this spot (opens June 26th) offers spectacular views of the Upper East Side. Equipped with Olympic-size lanes and ample waterside tanning space, it's a great place to swim, relax, and take in the sights. Astoria Park, 19th Street at 23rd Avenue, Queens

Pop-Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Complete with its own makeshift beach, the Pop-up Pool (opens June 27th) measures only 30x50 feet in size and 3.5 feet in depth. Even though it's shallow, it gets the job done: entrance is capped at 60 swimmers for each 45-minute session. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2. Enter at Furman and Old Fulton Streets, Dumbo

The Floating Pool
This seven-lane pool (open June 26th) sits on top of a movable barge and has the added benefit of a waterfront view. The closest subway stop is more than a mile away, so you'll get a good walk in, too. Barretto Point Park, Intersection of Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue

Adult Swim Classes

The Y
Starting June 30th, YMCAs across NYC are offering their annual 8-week adult summer swim sessions. Classes run once a week and range from Beginner to Advanced (for those looking to "refine strokes and diving skill"). Prices are $138 for current members and $185 for non-members.

Physique Swim School
Physique offers adult swim classes (Beginner Adults and Adults Swim Drills) in seven locations around Manhattan. At $450, classes are once a week beginning June 30th for 9 weeks. Swimmers also have the option to sign up for private lessons, which are $95/hour and semi-private sessions for $65/hour. There's a 10% discount on all Physique Swim classes when registering on their website.

Manhattan Plaza Health Club
The Adult Swim Clinic and Swim Club at the Manhattan Plaza Health Club are included in the $89/month membership. Inquiries can also be made about private lessons. 482 West 43rd Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenue

Gyms With Pools

New York Health and Racquet Club
The NYHRC has saltwater pools in eight of its nine locations and boasts an indoor waterfall spa at the Cooper/Astor Place gym. Membership inquiries can be made in person or by phone call at all locations.

Reebok Sports Club
Complete with a junior olympic-size swimming pool and jacuzzi, the Reebok Sports Club is New York's largest gym, towering over the Upper West Side and clocking in at a whopping six floors. New members can purchase month-to-month memberships on their website, but we're told you'll get a better deal on the initiation fee if you stop by in person or call. 160 Columbus Avenue at West 68th Street (212) 362-6800

Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green has two locations: one on the Upper East Side and one in Battery Park City. As a promotion for the month of June, they're waiving their $200 initiation fee. See the addresses here.

Chelsea Piers Sports Club
Memberships range from Full Access to Weekend, Student, Senior, and Corporate memberships at the facility that includes a 6-lane, 25-yard, competition-style indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool spa and expansive views of the Hudson River. 20th Street and Hudson River Park (212) 336-6000

New York Sports Club
Pro-tip: try either of the New York Sports Club's four Manhattan pools for just $30 for 30 days, before making a full-on commitment.

Equinox
Equinox also has four pools at its various locations throughout the city, but a special membership is required for its rooftop pool at their Printing House location in the West Village.
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