Public Art and Fitness Merge on the Esplanade

One of Boston’s most popular IGer’s captured this shot Tuesday night on the Esplanade. The exhibit begins Thursday.

A well-known Boston Instagram user took the above shot of the light display on the Esplanade Tuesday night. It looked like a public art display, but it turns out that it’s a fitness promotion starting Thursday from Lucy, an activewear apparel company for women, and it will run for the next 10 days.

The “Lucy Light Forest” is an interactive light and sound exhibit that will run 24 hours a day from October 3rd through the 13th. It was created, according to representatives at Lucy, “to celebrate movement and the women who love it.” The “forest” is 300 feet (the size of a football field!) and consists of more than 10,000 solar powered LED lights. The amber hues of light are complemented by forest sound tones which are activated by movement. And since the Esplanade is the most popular running spot in Boston, the light display is sure to see a lot of movement. Boston is the first stop for the exhibit which is on a national tour that will continue throughout 2014.

It’s a beautiful display of public art, but the best part is that Lucy is offering free fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, and barre amongst the lights.

Running through the lights. Photo provided.

You can experience the light display on your own during park hours, or join one of the free classes or group runs. Check out the schedule below:

Note: All classes in the Light Forest are BYOS (bring your own stuff) so don’t forget a mat and a water bottle.

Oct. 7, 2013

6 p.m. Yoga: Instructor Kate Heffernan leads a vinyasa flow class for all levels.

Oct. 8, 2013

6 a.m. Pilates: Rise and flow with the light. Join Lisa Johnson, founder of Modern Pilates in Brookline, with a flowing and challenging sequence of Pilates moves.

6 p.m. City Sports Run Club: Join City Sports for a run through the Light Forest. Meet at City Sports Back Bay for a three or five mile run.

6 p.m. Bootcamp: A high-intensity bootcamp, designed for all ages and workout levels, that combines kickboxing, band work, and pad work.

Oct. 9, 2013

6 a.m. Yoga: Hosted by City Sports, this vinyasa-style flow with creative sequencing and a strong focus on alignment will be hosted by Kimberly Rajotte of Back Bay Yoga.

6 p.m. Barre Blast: Btone Fitness is hosting a barre toning class that defines and tones muscles, while sprinkling in static and dynamic stretches.

Oct. 10, 2013

6 p.m. Pilates: Led bv Hanneke Antonelli, her signature Pilates class incorporates traditional Pilates moves, low impact cardio, and calisthenics.

Oct. 11, 2013

6 p.m. Hip Hop Vinyasa: Downward dog meets Snoop Dogg in this vinyasa flow class led by Jessica Ray. The class is designed to build strength and flexibility.

Oct. 12, 2013

9 a.m. Ultimate Boot Camp: Bringing their outdoor fitness program to the Light Forest, Ultimate Bootcamp is suitable for any fitness level and is led by a certified trainer.

4 p.m. Pilates: Led bv Hanneke Antonelli, her signature Pilates strength class incorporates traditional Pilates moves, low impact cardio, and calisthenics.

Oct. 13, 2013

4 p.m. Yoga: Creative, rhythmic sequences to end the day with a little glow (or zen). Expect a lot of powerful poses and deep breathing.