OGS Announces Free Evening Fitness Classes this Winter at the Empire State Plaza

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Acting Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the February 1 start of the popular Winter Fitness at the Plaza program presented by Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.

Fitness at the Plaza classes are open to individuals of all ages, regardless of fitness level or experience. The classes will be held in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center from 5 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through April 28.

 “The Winter Fitness at the Plaza program helps New Yorkers living and working in Albany and throughout the Capital District follow through on New Year’s resolutions to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout the year,” Acting Commissioner Moy said. “We want to thank our generous sponsor, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, and our instructors from the Hot Yoga Spot and Three Six Nine Fit Zumba for joining OGS to provide the State workforce and the public with this opportunity to keep fit.”

“Fitness at the Plaza is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles by offering free fitness classes in a central location throughout the year— providing easy access and opportunities for our community to start or continue their journey to good health,” said Keith Dolan, Vice President, Commercial Sales, Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York. “As a community-based health plan and long-time partner of The Office of General Services, we applaud their efforts to support the health of safety of all who attend the classes.”

Classes

Tuesdays: Winter Flow Yoga with the Hot Yoga Spot

Refresh, restore, and rejuvenate in a winter flow suitable for all levels of experience. This class offers participants a playful, fun, and motivating practice that will help them gain a stronger sense of body awareness and correct alignment. Flows are designed for all levels, and more advanced poses are taught in stages so everyone can grow and safely challenge themselves.  

Thursdays: Three Six Nine Fit Zumba with Anzala

Zumba combines cardio, muscle conditioning, and a mix of low- and high-intensity dance moves that offer a fun fitness program. Described as “exercise in disguise,” Zumba provides a total body workout while dancing to Latin and international rhythms. Participants will enjoy a calorie-burning workout led by Anzala, who is full of energy and transforms the class into a dance party. All fitness levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary.

Fitness classes will not be held on Tuesday, February 22, and Thursday, February 24.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver to participate. People are encouraged to pre-register at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov to sign the waiver in advance and to be contacted regarding any updates to the schedule. Walk-ins are also welcome.

COVID Rules

Participants will be required to wear face coverings at all times.

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

NEW

Due to the evolving concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) and the  Omicron variant, participation in Fitness at the Plaza will be limited to those who are fully vaccinated or who provide proof of a negative Covid test taken within 48 hours of the class.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 when at least two weeks have passed after receiving either: 

• The second dose in a two-dose series (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
• A single-dose vaccine (i.e., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) 

Personal identification with name and photo or date of birth is also required for visitors ages 18 and older. 

Examples of accepted forms of identification include a valid:

• Driver’s license
• Non-driver government ID card, or
• Passport

Proof of vaccination may include: 

• Excelsior Pass 
• Excelsior Pass Plus 
• SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State 
• Full-course vaccination through NYC COVID Safe app 
• A CDC Vaccination Card, or
• Other official immunization record

Those who received the vaccine outside the United States must have an official immunization record that includes: 

• First name and last name 
• Date of birth
• Vaccine product name (only vaccines authorized by the FDA or WHO are acceptable) 
• Date(s) administered 
• Site where the vaccine was administered or the name of the person who administered it

When presenting proof of a negative Covid Test: 

• Results can be a printed copy or on a phone (e.g., digital health record or email or text message from a test provider or laboratory).
• Personal identification with a name and photo or date of birth is also required for visitors ages 18 and older and must match the information on the negative test result. 

In addition, please be reminded that simple steps can help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including: 

• Staying home when you are sick.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

For more on New York State’s response to novel coronavirus, please visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/