NEW YORK -- The trendy Meatpacking district on Manhattan's west side was buzzing last Saturday afternoon at dusk, the cramped streets jammed with locals and tourists flocking to the many bars and restaurants.
New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine was in the middle of the mayhem, surrounded by 40 or so people in a crowded, pulsating room with flashing lights and loud music.
Early clubbing? Hardly.
Skrine was leading a high-intensity aerobics class at Kore New York on West 13th Street.
Welcome to his offseason.
Instead of working out on his own in preparation for April 17, the start of the Jets' offseason program, Skrine is staying in shape among mostly strangers and helping them do the same.
He decided to teach aerobics, in large part, to satisfy his charitable spirit. The proceeds go to a handful of charities, including his own foundation, Path Mentorship, which helps single mothers and children in need.
"We're giving back to people health-wise and they're giving to us in a way of serving the community," Skrine, covered in sweat, said after a 60-minute class. "It's a win-win. You can benefit and help other people."
Skrine said the idea was hatched last year while home in Atlanta. One day he visited the Atlanta Children's Shelter, where he got a chance to sit down with the kids. He did a lot of listening.
"Hearing the kids' stories and meeting the moms that were abused, I felt bad because I wasn't really doing anything," he said. "I said to myself, 'I have to do something.'"
Always into conditioning, Skrine figured aerobics would be a fun way to raise money. Essentially, he's sweating so those less fortunate don't have to. He taught himself how to be an instructor by watching videos on YouTube, practicing his routines in his home studio. With only 2.7 percent body fat on his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame, Skrine can be a poster boy for excellent fitness.
His first class at Kore drew only six people, five of whom were acquaintances. Now he's packing the place, even luring teammates to class. Fellow cornerbacks Marcus Williams and Darryl Roberts have participated. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson also stopped by.
"He just watched," Skrine said with a laugh.
Skrine teaches three classes a week and he has a big event on Saturday, Pros versus Joes at Life Athletic at Sky in Manhattan. Several teammates will be on hand, and proceeds go to Path Mentorship and Eternally Cherished, a non-profit organization that helps women.
"I'm probably in the best shape of my life," he said.
Sound body, big heart.