New York: Brooklyn Bridge Boot camp
What to expect: A butt whooping with a view. For 2.2 miles across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and back, you'll do step-ups on benches, push-ups on the cement walls and total-body resistance-band moves.
Know before you go: Sign up for the 6:30 a.m. session to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the East River. Of course, we can't promise you'll have breath to spare.
Your turn: Nab the $35 DVD off the website; it comes with resistance bands and shows 27 moves.
More: The Benefits of Bootcamp
New York: Hot Figure 4
What to expect: Creator and former professional ballerina Kate Albarelli cranks up the thermostat to a sweltering 105 degrees for this barre class (named for the four areas it targets: abs, arms, butt, thighs) so muscles loosen and you can go deeper into the leg lifts, squats and arm raises.
Know before you go: For typical barre routines, H2O isn't a necessity. Here, it's nonnegotiable. Double up on bottles; make them cold.
Your turn: Try Albarelli's go-to move for envy-worthy thighs and calves: Stand with feet wide, toes turned out; place right hand on a chair back. Lift left heel, then squat. Pulse 50 times; switch sides; repeat. Do three sets.
More: 4 Morning Yoga Poses
New York: Metcon 3
What to expect: Smarty-pants training with Metabolic Conditioning. You'll do all-out bouts designed to increase endurance. Prepare to heft weights (medicine balls and Body Bars) and do cardio finishers (burpees, squat jumps) for one minute, doing as many reps as you can.
Know before you go: You move nonstop, so veterans keep several towels handy to wipe down quickly.
Your turn: Try a trio of MetCon sculptors: Do as many side lunges, bent-over rows and jumping jacks as you can muster for one minute each. Rest, then repeat three times.
New York: Candle Flow
What to expect: An Iyengar class (you hold poses up to a minute and use props, like straps and blocks) with mood lighting. You grab a spot in a circle around 20 unscented candles, then gaze toward the blaze and let the serene vibe calm your breath.
Know before you go: The room is a music-free zone, so be prepared for a meditative, Zen-like and quiet-as-a-mouse atmosphere.
Your turn: Turn off the lights and fire up candles to om at home. Just as in this class, the calming ambience will help you focus your practice to better your poses and results.
