Surviving New York City is akin to an unofficial sport, according to Ludnie Faustin, a Brooklyn native and professional bodybuilder who stars as "Empire" on Amazon Prime's "American Gladiators." Faustin, one of 16 Gladiators on the show, explained that the physical demands of navigating the city are similar to the challenges competitors face on the series.

"You gotta have strength. You gotta be quick and hang tough. You gotta be able to take some hits and dodge some hits," Faustin told The Post. She believes that the city's daily hassles present opportunities to build strength, balance, and endurance.

Mastering the Stair Climb

Faustin highlighted the challenge of ascending subway stairs, particularly at stations like Broadway Junction in Brooklyn, which lacks elevators. She views these climbs as a free StairMaster workout. To tackle such obstacles safely while carrying luggage, Faustin advises maintaining a neutral spine, engaging glutes by driving through the heels, and keeping heels and toes firmly planted. For those with strong backs carrying weight evenly, holding the suitcase centrally or lifting it to power upward is also an option.

Subway Balance and Core Strength

Standing on a moving subway without holding onto a pole is described as a subtle fitness test. Faustin emphasizes the importance of core strength for maintaining balance when the train brakes unexpectedly. She suggests keeping the core "firm, compact and stacked" – ribs, abs, and waist tightened – akin to preparing for a physical impact or performing a standing crunch. Proper diaphragmatic breathing, where the stomach rises with each deep inhale, is also key to bracing the core. This bracing technique is transferable to various strength exercises, including bicep curls and leg presses.

Efficient Grocery Hauling

Faustin, who relies on public transit, refuses to make multiple trips for groceries. She likens the effort of carrying heavy bags to exercises such as pull-ups, dead hangs, and farmer's carries, which challenge grip and forearm strength. She suggests utilizing urban structures like scaffolding for pull-up exercises if a gym is unavailable, turning everyday necessities into training opportunities.

Enhancing Walking Endurance

Faustin estimates she walks eight to 10 miles daily, a distance many New Yorkers may not realize they cover. She stated that simply walking around the city builds endurance. To make commutes more engaging, she recommends turning walks into a game of