New workout studios are popping up on every corner these days, but Tone House is the first extreme athletic-based studio to grace the grid of New York City. The 2,000 square foot studio is located on a second floor just north of Union Square. Walk up the stairs and you'll find an open space fully equipped with TRX bands, elasticized harnesses for running resistance exercises, weights and other "toys" all atop a black turf that instructors will have you sprinting around for a multitude of high intensity drills to strengthen and tone your body.

Owner: Alonzo Wilson, a former collegiate and professional athlete and Wilhemina Model

Classes Offered: Lower Body/Core, Upper Body/Core, Core Focus, Conditioning and Total Body

What Makes It Such An Effective Workout: In a word? Intensity. The instructors here will push you to your limits, and you can expect that other athletes who flock here are well-trained. You'll be running relay-type drills, setting up and completing sweat-drenched obstacle courses, and jumping on and off Plyo boxes.

Know Before You Go: The atmosphere is high energy and there is a strong team vibe here: each workout begins with The Breakdown chant (think: hands together in a circle) and class-goers will regularly cheer and slap fives. The intensity is similar to CrossFit; those craving a yoga-like vibe should be warned!

Advice for First Timers: The building is a little tricky to find but go past Liquiteria on your left.

Don't Miss: Good neighborhood eats! Liquiteria, Chop't, and Hale and Hearty are all a stone's throw away.

Ready to unleash your inner athlete? Check out Tone House's schedule here.