NEW YORK - New York City pleasures are legendary. Enticements include theaters and entertainments where you can sit for hours; restaurants where you can eat 24/7; museums, tony shops and attractions where you can deplete your energy as quickly as your wallet.

With such an overload of attractions and distractions, travelers may take a big bite of the Big Apple and find it easy to let fitness regimes and budgets slide.

Savvy travelers know better. Both business and leisure travelers can weave health and fitness into a New York visit, saving money and extending the fun.

FIVE WAYS TO STAY FIT WHEN VISITING NEW YORK

1. Give up the tour bus, taxis, buses and subway. Walking saves money and burns calories.

2. Rent a bike. The city has about 100 miles of landscaped paths good for biking, walking, jogging, and skating and rollerblading.

3. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

4. Avoid calorie-laden street food and rich restaurant meals. Take-out delis with salad bars and other healthful meals and snack options can be found in every neighborhood. Pick up something nutritious and picnic in a park.

5. Choose a hotel with a fitness center - and use it.

As far as the hotel goes, those interested in fitness couldn't do better than staying at the Affinia Dumont. Located at 150 East 34th street in the Murray Hill neighborhood, this 37-floor, 241-suite hotel puts fitness first.

In addition to offering the Oasis Day Spa, a full-service spa with fitness center, the Affinia Dumont provides guests with a wide range of fitness-related amenities, including a fitness concierge (who doubles as a personal trainer in the spa), a library of fitness books and specially designed Fit Kits containing paraphernalia associated with yoga, walking and running.

I borrowed a yoga kit, which was delivered to my room at no charge. The kit contained a mat, block, strap and yoga DVD - and my room was large enough to stretch out for a yoga practice.

But fitness isn't the only reason to choose the Affinia Dumont. Business travelers like the suites' large executive desks; the Herman Miller Aeron desk chairs; high-speed internet access; two-line phones with voice mail, dataports for fax, computer and modem hook-up; and a 24-hour help line for technology assistance.

Families like the spacious rooms with kitchens, coin-operated laundry and Jet Set Kids package, which includes a gift bag. And most travelers appreciate the "My Affinia" program - an online service encouraging guests to customize a stay by choosing amenities (some free) from a list that includes six kinds of pillows, grooming aids, personal and business equipment, and fun stuff ranging from rubber duckies to acoustic guitars, cupcakes and golf putters.

The rooms - Suites come in three sizes. All have amenities found in major hotels, such as television, iron and ironing board, room safe, etc.; small but fully equipped kitchens; a workstation with a large desk; and an attractive mix of comfortable, upholstered and dark wood furniture. Bathrooms are more utilitarian than luxurious, with a single sink and bathtub-shower combo, but they do sport Aveda toiletries, a magnifying mirror and a strong shower with thermostatic control to preset water temperature. If you are lucky enough to book a corner room on a high floor, you'll have two large windows showcasing postcard-perfect views of the New York cityscape. The Fitness Suite even has its own gym and sauna.

The guests - In addition to business travelers, families and tourists from around the world, the hotel also attracts sports teams and others interested in health and well-being. The hotel is pet friendly.

The food - The Barking Dog restaurant is adjacent to the hotel and provides room service. It is a comfortable, family-friendly restaurant. The food, though not particularly health-focused, is generally well prepared and moderately priced. St. Louis-style toasted ravioli was a special appetizer the day I visited.

The bottom line - Suite prices, based on season and occupancy levels, start at $259. Special offers are often available. Spacious rooms plus the convenience of a kitchen give this hotel added value compared with similarly priced boutique hotels.

More information - www.affinia.com.