Move/Munch/Must | Form’s Wellness Guide to New York

New Yorkers are a special breed. Forever on the go, they are unphased by the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Perhaps this is mindfulness in action?

This is the guide for people that want to do as New Yorkers do; eat where they eat and move where they move.

From the boxing class that takes high intensity to, well, a higher intensity, to the meditation haven that’s hidden just a stone’s throw from the action, we’ve done the hard work of finding the local haunts so you don’t have to.

Simply head into the depths of the city and enjoy…

Move

The Class by Taryn Toomey

The Class by Taryn Toomey is a workout that not only combines callisthenics and plyometrics but boasts benefits to both body and mind. High-intensity exercise is not often associated with meditation, which might be why The Class is so popular with the people of New York. Toomey empowers people to be as authentic as possible, expressing themselves through movement. Observing and harnessing our thoughts on the mat can help us observe and harness them off the mat — and this philosophy comes through in everything taught here.

Sky Ting Yoga

As featured in Vogue, Sky Ting brings together yoga from several traditions, making it popular amongst seasoned and new yogis alike. Head to the outpost in Tribeca and you’ll feel the sensation of walking into a sanctuary; a far cry from the madness of New York city. The space is bathed in natural light, which is highly unusual for city studios, and plentiful comfy seating encourages its community to stick around after class to connect. Most important of all, though, is its accomplished teachers who offer an authentic yogic experience that comes highly recommended.

Rumble

For the days when the New York minute mentality gets too much, Rumble is on hand to help you channel your frustration. Set to the backdrop of hip hop beats, you’ll go through 10 rounds with a punching bag in this high-intensity boxing workout alongside New York’s characteristically energised boutique studio-goers. It’s the ideal place to vent (physically) should you have found yourself in gridlock traffic or the victim of pesky MTA delays.

Munch

The Butcher’s Daughter

This so-called ‘vegetable slaughterhouse’ is renowned for its plant-based, healthy dishes and fresh juices, though expect to find some indulgent twists such as pancakes on the menu, too. The Butcher’s Daughter uses ingredients in completely unexpected ways, fashioning bacon out of adzuki beans, for example. The café is renowned for its great atmosphere coupled with kind, knowledgable staff. We recommend heading to the one in Brooklyn.

abcV

From the culinary mastermind Jean-Georges, abcV is a completely plant-based restaurant that shows just how delicious vegan living can be. All ingredients are sustainably-sourced and non-GMO, whipped up into creative combinations that don’t just taste great but are mindfully made. Their mission ‘to nurture our personal and planetary ecosystems’ says everything you need to know about what to expect.

Cha Cha Matcha

Cha Cha Matcha is the matcha expert; you will not find any lumps in these drinks. The blend here is unparalleled both in taste and style, all consumed in their highly Instagram-able pink and green interior. You will also find longtime favourites such as avocado toast and vegan waffles to accompany your energizing matcha tea. We recommend washing down the vegan banana cake with a turmeric matcha.

Must

Aire Ancient Baths

This is not your typical spa experience. Set in a gorgeous historic building in Tribeca, it’d probably be pretty hard to simply stumble upon Aire Ancient Baths. Let its website suggest a unique experience for you, based on your budget and availability, or simply book in for a thermal bath and relaxing massage. If you’re visiting after a workout, The Athlete Ritual is our treatment of choice – a deep massage that varies between hot and cold to alleviate sore muscles.

MNDFL

MNDFL is a pioneer in the meditation world, setting the bar for studios around the world. Come here to try any number of different meditation styles led by a variety of teachers, all with different characters and backgrounds. Never meditated before in your life? Or have you simply not tried the specific style you’re booked in for? It doesn’t matter – experimenting is encouraged. Our favourite teachers are Lodro and Casto, so be sure to check in with them.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is heaven-on-earth for foodies and perfect for groups who can’t decide where to eat in New York. You’ll find cuisine from every corner of the globe here, from pizza to bao and matcha to horchata. We’d recommend scheduling in a 20-minute recce before making any impulsive decisions – food envy lingers around these halls.