Sports and fitness have a funny way of reminding us of what really matters. In triumph and defeat, we celebrate with and take comfort in our teammates, coaches, or supporters. We love sports in part because of how it feels to score a goal, hit a home run, or cross the finish line, but even more so because of the people we meet along the way.
"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day?” - Lou Gehrig
Today, the camaraderie we feel from practicing our athletic passions together is proving hard to replicate outside our gyms, fields, courts, and other athletic facilities. People all around the world are facing an epidemic of loneliness.
- In a 2022 New York City DOH survey, 60% of residents reported feeling socially isolated in the prior month.
- Just recently, the World Health Organization declared loneliness as a global public health concern.
- Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murphy released an advisory making the loneliness epidemic a top public health concern.
Through Sports and Fitness, Asphalt Green Offers a Solution
Experts agree that social connection is critical to our well-being—and that is why our mission to transform lives and build community go hand-in-hand. Bringing people together through sports is scientifically proven to change lives.
“People who feel close to their community are 2.6 times more likely to report good health” - Department of Health & Human Services.
At Asphalt Green, New Yorkers of all backgrounds come together to take part in our sports and fitness programs—and you’re invited too! Community is at the core of our mission and there is no shortage of ways to get involved.
Things To Do at Asphalt Green:
- Take a class- We offer more than 80 group exercise classes weekly with countless options that include yoga, cycling, Zumba, and much more.
- Get in the game- Become a part of a team in our recreational or competitive sports leagues.
- Dive in- Our water exercise classes keep you active and connected without putting pressure on your joints.
- Become a member- Gain access to free programming and state-of-the-art facilities you’ll share with our passionate community that’s eager to support your goals.
- Join the party- Accompany thousands of New Yorkers by attending our special events throughout the year.
No matter what you decide to participate in, you will be welcomed into a vibrant and passionate community of New Yorkers dedicated to improving their lives through exercise. But don’t just take it from us; Here is what our community members have to say about their experience at Asphalt Green:
A Final Note
While sports can offer a solution to the loneliness epidemic, many barriers to play exist in New York City. We work to diminish these barriers by providing high-quality sports and fitness programs to New Yorkers with financial need.
Your participation at Asphalt Green will bring you closer to your community and help us ensure all New Yorkers can have the chance to be a part of something special too. Are you ready to get started? Visit our Upper East Side or Battery Park City campuses to find out how you can become a part of our community.