The NYC Parks & Recreation Center offers a great deal: $75/yearly membership for access to all city recreation centers in the five boroughs. Some recreation centers have a gym, pool, and other equipment to get you in excellent shape. Here’s a full list:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters

It’s especially great this time of year because most recreation centers have an Adult Swimming Lap program. It’s from 7 AM to 8:30 AM in the morning, and 7 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening. You must be 18 years and older. Surprisingly, not many people know about it.

Luckily for me, Astoria Park is a few blocks away and it’s especially great because it’s set up as a long course. Every lap is 55 yards long and is a better training ground to practice long-distance open water swimming.