Summer is just around the corner, and you are wondering how you are going to get yourself in beachwear-shape. Fortunately for you, and for most New Yorkers, there are plenty of opportunities available to help you get fit in the Big Apple. There are well over 600 health clubs and gymnasiums spread out around the five boroughs, but don’t think that you need to join a health club to break a sweat. Take the advice of some in-the-know New Yorkers.

Group-exercise and walking-for-fitness expert Grace DeSimone suggests that you use your environment to accomplish your fitness objectives. “Use the tools around you. Midtown Manhattan provides a fast-moving environment. People walk, talk, and generally live fast. Take advantage of this pace by keeping up with pedestrian traffic. Get competitive and decide how many walkers you will pass before you reach the next corner. Make a game out of it,” says DeSimone. “If you want to take it down a notch and focus on a little stress reduction, make your way to the far west side or west side to get away from that crazy pace. Sit, breathe, and relax as you watch the boats go by on the Hudson or East Rivers.”

Lewis Maharam, MD, medical director of the ING New York City Marathon, recommends the varied offerings available from the NYC Road Runners Club. “My patients rave about these classes. They are fun, and give participants an opportunity to exercise in a social, motivating environment,” says Dr. Maharam. Classes include both outdoor and indoor activities and feature everything from running classes and healthwalking to IM=X Pilates and deep-water running. For more information on membership and a schedule of classes, visit www.nyrr.org.

“Do something outdoors,” suggests Liz Neporent, fitness expert and co-author of The Fat-Free Truth (Houghton Mifflin, 2005). “Head to Central Park, where there are loads of formal and informal activities. You can rent a boat and row in the lake or — did you know that there is excellent bouldering all through the park? It’s an awesome full-body workout you’ll have so much fun doing you won’t even realize it’s exercise. There are rocks for all different levels, including beginners; some aren’t too [high off] the ground, but it’s good to bring your own mat just in case.”

“If you want a one-of-a-kind fitness experience in Manhattan, you have to try the African dance class taught by Djoniba-Neal,” says fitness enthusiast, Danielle Butin. “The dance space transforms as 6-10 drummers fill the room with their djembe drums, and we learn amazing dances from Ghana and Senegal — all symbolic and incredibly meaningful. I have taken other classes for years, and nothing compares to this: it is as close to being truly “one in spirit” as you can get while sweating. It is totally free spirited, and best of all, you don’t have to be dancer, you just have to want to be free and let it rip. Nothing is better than setting your body free with the guidance of a drumbeat! As Djoniba quotes from the African proverb, ‘If you can walk, you can dance.’” The Djoniba Dance and Drum Centre is located at 37 E. 18th St. For more information, visit www.djoniba.com or call 212-477-3464.

Manhattanite Daria Osifchin, a former group-fitness instructor, prefers a more “classic” approach. “I love Fluidity,” says Osifchin. “This is one of the City’s best-kept secrets in fitness. It’s a one-hour class workout that you do at your own personal ballet bar. It has helped me develop the long, lean look of a ‘dancer’s body,’ and helps me feel great!” For more information on class availability or Fluidity’s in-home version, contact info@fluidity.com or visit www.fluidity.com.

“Running outdoors during the summer in New York can be a drenching experience,” says Stephen A. Siegel, MD, FACC, clinical assistant professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. “My best advice is to go early in the day before the sun has risen too high and the heat settled in. Of course, the best outdoor running, perhaps in the world, is in Central Park. The shade of the trees and the frequent water fountains allow for a respite from the heat. Almost anytime of day, you will not feel alone — however, the presence of other runners can be inspirational. The backdrop of the incredible skyline only enhances the run. Of course, if you need external motivation, participate in the New York Road Runners races — there is almost always one every weekend. The set starting time can be the stimulus to get out of the house and remain committed (this is also true during the bitter cold of winter). Don’t forget to adjust your pace and distance for the weather, wet your head to cool off, drink moderately, relying upon your thirst to guide you, and most of all, enjoy.”

Neal Pire is executive vice president of Triplexx Fitness, a premier fitness company featuring medically-oriented adult fitness programs, sports-conditioning programs for young athletes, and the Youth Achievement Center, a cutting-edge fitness program for overweight and inactive youth, headquartered in Bergen County, New Jersey.