Central Park Bootcamp

Stacy's Bootcamp meets in various parks throughout New York City, including Central Park, Battery, Washington Square and Prospect Parks

“I’m not reinventing the wheel. I’m going back to basics,” says Stacy Berman, a former master trainer at New York Sports Club whose co-ed one-hour classes start with a 10-minute warmup, followed by sprint drills, push-ups, jumping jacks, and other cardio and strength-training chestnuts. A few of her moves even recall elementary school field day, like piggybacking and wheelbarrow racing. The idea is that people use their own—and others’—body weight to build strength. To ensure that progress is being made, Berman measures participants’ strength and stamina with occasional timed tests. Harboring a hang-up about your hamstrings? Tell Berman, and she’ll tailor a workout or two for you.