RoAnn Destito, New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner, today announced the return of the popular exercise program, Fitness at the Plaza, presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York. The free outdoor workout classes at the Empire State Plaza will be conducted from 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 through November 19.

New health and safety protocols aimed at preventing the spread of the Coronavirus will require participants to preregister at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov for the workout classes and follow social distance guidelines. Unlike previous years, walk-ins will not be permitted to join the classes.

“With new health and safety guidelines in place for COVID-19, we at OGS are thrilled to once again offer this free, post-workday exercise program that for the past three years has been helping people keep fit at the Empire State Plaza,” Commissioner Destito said. “BlueShield of Northeastern New York is a generous sponsor of healthy activities throughout the year here at the Plaza, and we are grateful for their continued support of Fitness at the Plaza.”

“As the presenting sponsor of Fitness at the Plaza for the fourth year, BlueShield is excited to kick off our first “socially distant” exercise series this Fall,” said Keith Dolan, Regional Executive, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “We’re pleased to be able to bring the community together to get healthy in a safe way, especially during a time when maintaining your mental and physical health is so important.” 

Fitness at the Plaza classes are free and open to individuals of all ages, regardless of fitness level or experience. The classes will be held outside from 5 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday on the grassy area between Agency Buildings 2 and 3, weather permitting. The rain location will be in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

Classes 

• Fall Flow Yoga with The Hot Yoga Spot every Tuesday: Join Kiersten for a flowing yoga class designed to keep you balanced and grounded as you transition to the fall season. Participants will grow stronger and more flexible each week with a fun, motivating practice offering yoga pose modifications perfect for all levels of experience. 

• Bootcamp with Tanny Pro Fitness every Thursday: These are high-intensity, full-body workout classes for people at all fitness levels. The workouts will target and tone every muscle. Classes will include some bodyweight movements and ab-focused exercises. Participants will get fit and have fun while Tanny cheers them on through each fitness experience. 

Special Protocols for COVID-19 

Under the COVID-19 protocols for Fitness at the Plaza: 

• All participants will sign and date a sign-in sheet attesting that the answer is “No” to all the COVID-related screening questions that appear on the sign-in sheet. People unable to answer no to all questions will not be allowed to participate. People can read the questions ahead of time at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. 

• Classes are capped at 45 participants. 

• Pre-registration is required, and walk-in participants will not be permitted. 

• Participants must bring their own exercise mats, water bottles, and towels. No equipment will be provided. 

• Participants will be required to wear face coverings unless they are on their exercise mats for an outdoor workout and socially distanced from others. 

• Participants will be required to wear face coverings at all times if a class is moved indoors due to inclement weather. 

• OGS will follow Reopening New York guidelines for gyms and fitness centers. 

• OGS will mark socially distant spaces for exercise mats before each class. 

• OGS will provide a hand sanitizing station.