Top ten fitness/gear shops

Paragon Sports
Paragon fulfills all sporting good need, from the more obscure (badminton, kayaking) to the everyday (it offers plentiful gym gear, plus essentials like sunglasses). Beyond the Parks Department, Paragon is the only place in the city where you can purchase permits to use public tennis courts (it has an extensive range of rackets and court-appropriate outfits). 867 Broadway between 17th and 18th Sts (212-255-8036)

City Sports
Founded in Boston by "a couple of local joes," this haven for athletic paraphernalia introduces the world of exercise to the urbanite, with gear aplenty for both the indoor champ and the marathon dreamer. 390 Fifth Ave at 36th St (212-695-0171)

Omni Fitness Equipment
Touting itself as the East Coast's largest fitness supplier, this company offers virtually everything you'll need for a home gym. Snap up affordable dumbbells ($15 and up), ankle weights (starting at $25) and resistance bands (from $12) to help you get toned in your apartment. 830 Broadway between 12th and 13th Sts (212-255-8036)

Adidas Sport Performance Store
While the brand has come a long way since its iconic three-striped shoe, the 29,500-square-foot flagship pays homage to its signature style through black-and-white striped walls and furniture. Packed with high-end goods for every athletic endeavor, the shop stocks vegan Adidas by Stella McCartney, and features Mi Adidas technology, which allows customers to customize footwear. 610 Broadway at Houston St (212-529-0081)

Niketown
Sure, the Swoosh's massive flagship is usually clogged with tourists, but where else will space-age chutes deliver your sneakers? Five floors brim with inspiring quotes by coaches ("If you have a body, you're an athlete"), top-notch athletes' clothing for both genders and iPod-friendly shoes ($85–$140). Its top floor also hosts the freshly minted NIKEiD studio, where you can customize your kicks. 6 E 57th St, between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-891-6453)

Lululemon Athletica
This popular Canadian company—whose clothing is designed in part by working yoga and fitness instructors—may be a bit upscale, but innovative ideas, such as reversible pants and zipper pulls that double as hair ties, justify the hefty price tags. The company employs extremely durable fabrics like Silverescent (which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungus) to create pieces that you'll be inclined to wear outside of the yoga studio, too. 1928 Broadway at 64th St (212-496-1546)

JackRabbit Sports
Neatly organized to outfit runners, cyclists and swimmers alike, this depot offers NuMetrex heart-rate-sensing sports bras ($50), Craft ProZero's insulating, second-skin-like shirts ($50) and BOB Revolution strollers ($359) for those overextended parents who run their kids around the park. 151 Seventh Ave between Carroll St and Garfield Pl, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-636-9000)

Danskin
Packed with apparel, yoga gear and fitness equipment strictly for—and designed by—women, this loftlike space also boasts an expert staff, many of whom are dancers and athletes. The store holds "Wellness Wednesdays," biweekly events focusing on women's minds, bodies and spirit. 159 Columbus Ave between 67th and 68th Sts (212-724-2992)

New Balance
Weekend warriors suit up to conquer the running path at this sneaker company's midtown location. Pluck frill-free shoes ($70) to cushion your stride along, with quick-drying zip-neck tops ($29 and up). 51 W 42nd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-997-9112)

Champs Sports
Get your old-school kicks while you can, because this joint, frequented by Spike Lee, regularly burns through its stock of Michael Jordan retro sneakers ($115–$200). Also known for its fan gear, the 5,500-square-foot emporium in Times Square can outfit you for every game in the book. 50 Times Sq at Seventh Ave and 42nd St (212-354-2009)

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