yourdon on Flickr

Every year, spring sparks my desire to get out of my stuffy apartment, stretch my legs, and enjoy what the city has to offer. I want to enjoy a little time outside or find an event that requires some movement.

Certainly getting out, exercising, and discovering a new activity has many great benefits to your general health, but finding the activity that puts a smile on your face can also give you something to look forward to after a hard day at work or add a little fun to your Mondays.

With so many positives, how can you argue?

My first spring in the city I was bit lost where to start but spotted an ad for New York City Parks and Recreation. Deciding to check it out and see what my new city's parks have to offer, I found lots of free and inexpensive fun all around the boroughs. There are some real gems out there if you're willing to go a tad off your normal trail and try something new.

Enjoyable activities in the NYC Parks and recreational centers are plentiful and waiting for you. Take a walk, join in on some African Dancing, learn to swim (or join the swim team), you can even have an adventure with a Park Ranger.

Are the programs offered not your pace? BeFitNYC invites you to create your own activity with their Facebook App.

Love the parks and want to be even more involved this season? There are lots of volunteer oppourtunities.

Parks and Rec doesn't actually plan activities for all the parks in the city. You'll want to check the offical calendars for some of the different parks throughout the city.

For instance, Bryant Park offers yoga, fencing, juggling, tai chi, and other fun activities.

Central Park has several events each month. While they don't share the same popular appeal as the events Bryant Park offers, they are a great excuse to get out and try something different or learn something new about a favorite spot. I always keep an eye on the Central Park Calendar for new and interesting walks and events.

Same goes for Prospect Park Events in Brooklyn.

New York Public Library also has health and wellness events at a few of our branches. Check out our events calendar for more information.

Need some music to get you moving? Download DRM-free music for your iPod or MP3 player with Freegal and your library card.

If these events don't fit your schedule, I've included some library materials you might find helpful.

Children's Books

The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness
Rockwell, Lizzy

From Head to Toe
Carle, Eric

Get up and Go!
Nancy L. Carlson

Keeping Kids Fit: A Family Plan for Raising Active, Healthy Children
Len Saunders

Strong Kids, Healthy Kids: The Revolutionary Program for Increasing your Child's Fitness in 30 Minutes A Week
Fredrick Hahn

Teen Books

Seventeen Presents 500 Health & Fitness Tips

Breathe: Yoga for Teens
Mary Kaye Chryssicas

Toning for Teens: The 20-minute Workout That Makes You Look Good and Feel Great!
Joyce L. Vedral

Adult Books

Working Out Sucks! (and Why It Doesn't Have To) (also available as an eBook)
Chuck Runyon

LL Cool J's Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle: A Full-Circle Guide to Developing your Mind, Body, and Soul
LL Cool J

The Longevity Prescription: The 8 Proven Keys to A Long, Healthy Life
Robert N. Butler

Champions Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength

Strength for Life: The Fitness Plan for the Best of your Life
Shawn Phillips

T.O.'s Finding Fitness: Making the Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection for Total Health
Terrell Owens

NYPL has more resources and fun stuff for you to check out. One of my favorite blog posts: Start a New Hobby with the Help From NYPL's Periodical Collections!

This post on 50+ Fitness Fairs also has information on local organizations that promote fitness for all ages.

Have any hidden treasures in the city for us to discover? Share in the comments.

See you outside!