Namaste in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s fittest contingent can be found around a stretch of Bedford Avenue in North Williamsburg. There, nimble, mat-slinging millennials scurry between hip yoga classes, gyms and studios.
“I’m seeing a lot of people who are 25, 35 [years old] . . . in yoga pants and a leather jacket. They all have their smoothie from Juice Generation,” says CorePower Williamsburg’s studio manager Lara Gobins.
“It’s all here,” says Melissa Darling, 43, as she emerged from a Friday morning “Best Butt Ever” class at Equinox, which opened in the nabe in 2016. The Williamsburg-based real-estate agent, who works out with her best bud Claire Watkins most days, doesn’t leave her borough to go to a gym or for much else. “Someone wanted to go out to eat in Manhattan the other day and I was like, ‘Are there even restaurants there?’ ”
WHERE TO SWEAT
CorePower: The heated-yoga-studio chain opened its Williamsburg studio in September. Its “Sculpt” class incorporates hand weights and high-intensity cardio bursts. $32/class; 159 North Fourth St.; 917-8103578, CorePowerYoga.com
Flywheel Sports: The stadium-style stationary-bike studio rolled into Williamsburg in May. $24 to $36/class; 173 North Third St.; 718-233-9053, FlywheelSports.com
Y7: The hip-hop infused, candlelit hot yoga spot relocated to South First Street in October. $25/class; 170 South First St.; Y7-Studio.com
WHERE TO FUEL UP
By Chloe: In March, this vegan, fast-casual spot with baked goods, salads and “burgers” landed in Williamsburg. 171 North Third St., EatByChloe.com
Whole Foods: Locals say this is where you’ll spot the most yoga pants — moseying around the prepared food sections and picking up groceries for later. 238 Bedford Ave.; 718-734-2321, WholeFoodsMarket.com At Brooklyn’s Y7 (where they apparently “Flow Hard”) yoga spot, you’ll hear hip-hop. Quench your thirst nearby at By Chloe, with a beet, apple, lemon, ginger and romaine-lettuce juice (inset).
WHERE TO SHOP
Lululemon: Over the summer, athleisure champ Lululemon opened a Williamsburg location, fueling the neighborhood’s yoga-studio explosion. The store also offers free meditation classes Monday nights. 129 North Sixth St.; 718-387-4392, Lululemon.com
Brooklyn Running Co.: This indie running store offers shoe fittings and community runs. 222 Grand St.; 718-782-7866, BrooklynRunningCo.com