Getting in shape is one of those things that many of us want to do, but often struggle having success. Whether you’re looking to run the NYC Marathon, shed a few pounds, or just live a healthier lifestyle, we all can use a little help along our personal journey. Personal training can be rather costly, and many people in need of a trainer simply cant afford one. So what can someone, who’s looking to get in shape on a budget, do to help them reach their health/fitness goals? Join a Training Group, or a Running Crew. The greater Running and Fitness Training Community is full of experts/professionals who provide outstanding community based workouts for free. Checkout The Top Running and Training Groups, to help you reach your fitness goals.
GIRLS RUN NYC
Founded by USATF Level 1 Coach, Jessie Zapotechne, Girls Run NYC is a women's only collective of runners from all levels of experience and ability. They come together for a weekly track based workout every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park Track. No track experience is necessary, and you don’t have to be in shape to join in. The workouts are fun, challenging and organized. But most of all, they’re motivating. The community based group serves as an effort to empower Women thru running & fitness. These ladies know how to help anyone get in shape, and they do so by creating a positive/uplifting workout environments. Whether you’re a runner or just a Woman looking to get in shape, Girls Run NYC has a spot for you.
RESIDENT RUNNERS
Founded in 2013 by Eric Blevens & Raymond Hailes, Resident Runners holds weekly open runs on Thursdays at the Under Armor Brand House (583 Broadway) in New York City. Runners meet at 6:30pm in the downstairs "Row House" room and run a fast, tempo-styled route between 4-8 miles. Also a favorite, the TACO RUN hosted by Resident Runners is a gathering of friends and runners one Saturday out of every month; an easy, casual paced 5 miles is followed by hours of tacos & margaritas at the crew's favorite Brooklyn spot, Gueros Brooklyn. Technically Resident Runners consist of three guys, Raymond, Eric and Rahsaan Rogers. The Thursday runs are geared around their running style. They run in the streets dodging lights/traffic, and there isn't any stopping. The pace is encouraged to be "fast," whatever that means for each runner. Everyone is encouraged to chase the person ahead of them and to run hard; a wrong turn or getting lost is possible, but it helps you learn new routes and infuses an individual element into our group runs. Basically, try to keep up! It's this approach that has generated a tight, like-minded collection of runners we consider "FAM," who run, hang, and drink together - then do it all again the next week.
GOODWRK
Founded in 2014 by NIKE Personal Trainer Percell Dugger, #GOODWRK is New York City’s top community based training collective. Everything from the weekly group workouts, to their group runs, is customized for the individuals who participate. Whether you’re a professional athlete, Division 1 Basketball Player, or just looking to shed 10 pounds, #GOODWRK has a something crafted specifically for you. The squad is comprised of fitness enthusiast from all walks of life. Marketing Professionals, Winter Olympians, Lawyers, Teachers, Publicist, aspiring Collegiate athletes all come together to put the WRK(work) in. The workouts resemble a cross-fit class fused with loud Trap Music, with post workout cool downs to the smooth sounds of Erykah Badu and Solange. GOODWRK’s Pop-Up workouts, are communicated via groupchat. To be added to the groupchat, simply signup for their official Newsletter. The workout’s schedule, signup form, and link to join the groupchat are emailed to newsletter subscribers every Sunday. During the Fall and Winter months all pop-up workouts are indoors, at a private facility in lower Manhattan. Join in on the fun today, and get this WRK!
BLACK ROSES NYC
Led by Nike Running Coach Knox Robinson, Black Roses NYC is a closed group, membership based running crew. They’re comprised of people from all walks of life, whom all share at least one thing in common: A genuine love for running. Black Roses NYC’s primary focus is on furthering the culture of running through it’s intense, and unorthodox approach to training. They train often, they train hard, and they race in style. You may spot them on a Thursday night in the Meatpacking District, chatting over beers in pretzels after just wrapping up a 10mile tempo run. Or you may find them in a local NYC Park, running thru and around trees, simulating a Bekoji training session. This crew is no joke, but they know how to make weekly 8am 18 mile runs feel like fun.
MOVERS AND PACERS
Formed to encourage the running habit and provide an opportunity to network outside the night life and bar scene; Movers and Pacers is an influencer based running crew in Atlanta. Founded by Senor Kaos in 2013 after the sudden passing of a close friend in the entertainment industry. Movers & Pacers takes pride in curating the culture of Atlanta through it's members being Atlanta's movers and shakers thus giving birth to the crew name and hashtag #weRUNatl. Currently lead by Shay M Lawson and captains Tierra Clemons, Shawn Gatlin, and Tanya Marin, Movers and Pacers is the crew of choice for EA sports alum, the community manager for the Atlanta Braves, writers for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, film directors, Nike brand marketing professionals, entertainment attorneys and more. You can find Movers & Pacers out running the streets of Atlanta every Wednesday for sprint night in the Old Forth Ward and every Sunday for longer run options taking off from Atlantic Station in the heart of midtown. The crew's events are open to the public and while the focus is on running, Movers and Pacers have raised hundreds of dollars for charity, dedicates an event each quarter to community service, and turns up the fun hosting boozy brunches, football watch parties, and run themed vacations to destinations like South Beach and more.
WRU CREW
Founded by Joshua Mock and Hector Espinal in 2013, We Run Uptown (WRU CREW) serves as one of the premier running crews for anyone who lives in northern Manhattan. Their weekly Monday night runs meet at Coogan’s Bar, a long standing staple in the New York City running community. The runs are fun, and there’s always a huge turnout. Whether you just want to log a few miles or go the distance, WRU Crew is so strong in the community that you’ll always have a buddy to join you. The runs always have music playing to keep the crowd entertained, and with discounted drinks at the end of each run, the party just keeps going. There’s always fun times and good vibes with WRU Crew.
Founded in November 2013 by Alison Desir, Harlem Run is a collective of runners passionate about running and community. Strong, positive, and diverse, we all call Harlem home. They welcome runners of all sizes, ages and abilities as they run the streets of the iconic neighborhood and get fit together. They start on time and end together with a stretch. MONDAYS - social run, 3-6 miles - meet at 7pm at Marcus Garvey Park Amphitheater; drop your bags at Harlem Shake (124th Street and Lenox Avenue) by 6:55pm. THURSDAYS - speed workout - meet at 6:30pm at Harlem United (306 Lenox Avenue, 3rd Floor); workout starts at 7pm. Harlem Run is one of the most organized and uplifting running crews in the world. Their community based approach to running and fitness is felt throughout it’s members. From Teachers, Actors, Doctors, Full-Time Parents, Lawyers, and young kids, everyone is happy to run, and see you running. Membership is free, so come thru!
BRKTHRU
Inspired by a close friends suicide, BRKTHRU (Break Thru) finds purpose in revealing that unknown in the whole health of those closest to us by uniting people to promote mental fitness and fighting the stigma associated with mental health. Founded in 2014 by L. Ryan Shaffer, Mitch Brown, David Helfrich and Trey Barnette, BRKTHRU host the Yusuf Neville Hampton Homecoming 5K. The team can also be found in Miami every January for the Miami Marathon. BRKTHRU’s members are spread throughout the world, but they all share a common purpose, to uplift and unite people to promote mental wellness . Their efforts have gone on to inspire many people to live a healthier lifestyle. Feel free to check them out, as they’re always down to support and encourage anyone looking to promote mental health.
Founded in 2013 by Taylor Blake, Chaz Dawson, Matthew Green and Carlin Myrick, District Running Collective serves as the premier running crew in the Washington DC area. In terms of member participation, DRC is easily one of the strongest crews in the greater running community. Their weekly Wednesday run meets inside Colony Club at 6:30pm. Their runs are always fun and you will always have support and encouragement along the way. Whether you’re a stronger runner like DRC’s Aaron Allen, or just looking to catchup with some friends while getting in shape, DRC has everything you need...and then some. No crew knows how to party quite like DRC. They run, and they sure know how to have fun after a run. Their annual Midnight on Mars event is one of the coolest running events each year. If you’re in the DMV area, make it a priority to link up with District Running Collective. They’ll always have some love to share #RUNDRC