Commuting to the city every day  may mean that you won't have time to enjoy the free fitness options that Hoboken has to offer. But, it doesn't mean you have to skip out on outdoor exercise altogether. There are plenty of free fitness options across the Hudson to take adventage of.  

I've been heading across the water lately for yoga, pilates and even a hula hoop class, most of which are before or after regular working hours. So, if you work in Manhattan and you're pressed for time, but still in the mood to burn some calories, look no further. 

The most unique offering is the Hoopnotica Hula Hooping in Herald Square, hosted every Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. Classes are taught through October 11.  What a great way to start the week. With the convenient location, right near the 33rd Street PATH, commuters don't have to go far out of their way.

Later in the week, those near Herald Square can head to Thursday night, 6 p.m. Zumba classes. Just for attending, you'll get a free three-day pass to New York Sports Club, of which two branches are located in the Mile Square.

If you take the bus to and from the city, stick around after work on Thursdays for Lululemon-sponsored yoga classes in Bryant Park. More than 300 people attended last week's class. More than a dozen instructors walked around to show  to show beginner, intermediate and advance variations on poses. Lululemon also offers free sessions at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.  

If you're looking for an earlier class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can try out  Tai Chi in Bryant Park, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The classes, taught by the Tai Chi Chuan Center, are geared towards all ages and levels. 

Working further downtown? Check out a free fitness and movement class, offered on the High Line between 15th and 16th Streets. The 45-minute classes start at 9 a.m, and follow the Feldenkrais Method, to increase flexibility and coordination. Stick around for the next hour, as Frederick Schjang offers a free Pilates class. 

Wednesday night is the perfect free yoga class for anyone who's stuck in the office past 6 p.m. Laughing Lotus offers a class from 7 to 8 p.m. located in the park on 10th Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. On Friday, July 30, they will be hosting a special event, for free, with SistaShree from at 7 p.m.

On Thursday mornings, I head to Union Square for an hour of yoga. The class starts at 8:00a.m. and is taught by a new instructor each week. It is generally a beginner-level class. For commuters who need an earlier class, check-out Running 101. If you don't have to be at the office until 11 a.m., you can stay for the later class, an hour-long bootcamp run by Ariane Hundt. It's been tough during the recent heat waves, so I advise you to bring a bottle of water (or two). The location is convenient, located just two blocks east of the 14th street PATH station, that even non-commuters are hard pressed to find an excuse to skip the free workouts.

Another great Thursday night class is hosted bi-weekly, with the next session coming up on July 22. Taught by Paulo Hudson on Pier 64, the classes sometimes feature a live band strumming softly on the corner of the pier. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hudson will challenge you to move beyond beginner classes. Mats are provided for anyone who RSVPs. You don't always notice how hard you are working, as it is easy to get lost in the breeze coming off the Hudson and the beautiful views of the Mile Square's Jersey skyline. This is by far my favorite free summer class. 

Another free offering from Chelsea Piers is running with Evan Armbrister. Lace up your sneakers and head to Pier 62 at 6:30p.m. for an hour of stretching, distance and speed training.

Are yoga and Pilates not your idea of a workout? How about trying your hand on the ping pong tables in Bryant Park? Paddles and balls are provided free of charge, and there is often a crowd to cheer you on. Reserve a timeslot with an attendant at the park. 

Looking to escape the office for a lunchtime workout? Try free fencing lessons in Bryant Park, hosted by several members of the U.S. Olympic fencing team. Advanced registration is required. Email info@manhattanfencing.com for more information.

If you are commuting further uptown, don't fret. Pure Yoga West offers the choice of 6 p.m. Hot Yoga, 6:30 p.m. Basic and 7:15 p.m. Power Vinyasa on the fourth Thursday of every month (the remaining classes are July 22 and August 26.) Reservations are required, and can be made by emailing jenna.baker@pureyoga.com.

Seeing all of these options makes me wish I worked in Manhattan.