NY Fit Fest moves off the sand, adds new fitness classes 

Imagine a tasting menu that showcases exercise, not eating; that's a good idea of what awaits at the NY Fit Fest. The annual event for workout and wellness enthusiasts returns to Long Beach on Sept. 25, this time in a new location. 

As in the past, the daylong schedule features a veritable A to Z of classes — Ab lab to Zumba — plus lectures, workshops and top-tier instructors eager to get you moving.

Running 9 a.m. and until 3 p.m., this year’s fest takes place on the rooftop of the oceanfront Allegria Hotel. That’s a change from past years when the beach doubled as a busy outdoor gym. Why the switch? 

“It’s all about making a more intimate and VIP experience,” says Colette Lee Morales, a certified trainer who co-founded the fest with Ingrid Dodd, who's in public relations. “And the setting is gorgeous.”

That includes a splashy rooftop pool and that will definitely come in handy for some classes making their debut at NY Fit Fest. Exercise sessions and wellness-related talks are streamlined to 20 minutes to give participants a chance to sample a number of options.

Want to burn calories? Fire up your mind? Both? Choose accordingly. Since the venue space is limited, organizers suggest pre-registering. 

“Part of what’s so great is that there are so many choices,” says Christina Russo, 57, an operations supervisor at LifeTime Fitness in Syosset who does CrossFit to stay in shape. 

“I always have fun,” says Russo, who’s a frequent fest-er, “It’s fun to try new things.”

Mandi Budah, 38, a Massapequa social worker who runs, rides horses and dances, echoes that sentiment. She’s considering getting her feet wet with a yoga class that takes place in the pool. “I’d like to try it,” she says. “I dance and I like to think that I have good balance.” 

New challenges along with pushing oneself is what the day is about. “It brings a whole different kind of feeling to working out,” says Budah. “The camaraderie is insane.”

Budah has attended and volunteered at the fest since it began in 2017. She’s looking forward to classes with returning stars and favorites. Among them: boot camp with retired U.S. Marine Tony Hernandez, who invites you to “say goodbye to your comfort zone,” and zumba with Brian Thompson and Coco Xie (“They’re playlists and energy are amazing,” she says). And there’s a TikTok dance tutorial with Buddy Casimano, who’s known for touring with Debbie Gibson. 

Here’s a handful of the new activities on deck — in addition to Pilates, a booty blast targeting an area that speaks for itself, HIIT training, barre workouts and CPR/AED first aid training. A full list can be found at nyfitfest.com.

FLOATING YOGA

Everybody in the pool: For this yoga sesh, trade a mat for a paddleboard. You start seated and gradually work your way to a standing position, while offering a perfect storm of a challenge to your core, balance and agility. “You have to stay present,” says Salty Soul Yoga owner Deanna Arecco, 40, who lives in Hicksville and will teach the class throughout the day.

BARRY'S LIFT

The popular fitness brand premieres at the festival with a high-intensity interval training workout that uses body weight and minibands to build muscle and rev your metabolism. "The energy of a group fitness class is awesome," said Luke Skolkin, a Barry's Roslyn instructor leading the session. "We're bringing the experience of what Barry's is all about to the fest.

JTL WORKOUT

U.K.-based fitness trainer Josh Tweed is known for putting fashion designers and footballers through their paces, and now he’s doing that for Long Islanders. This session will focus on toning your upper and lower body and core. 

FITNESS LECTURES

The festival prides itself on being for everyone ages 16 and older at all fitness levels. This workshop promising talk about “the things no one talks about” regarding menopause and aging speaks to that fact. Other lecture topics include what it means to live a plant-based lifestyle and pelvic fitness and health. A panel discussion will cover balancing mom life and mental health.

DRUM CIRCLE

Music and mindful movement are focused upon in this end-of-day session that closes the fest on a “spiritually connected note,” says Morales.