Where to Workout for Free: The Best Places to Get Your Sweat On
Contents
Get your sweat on at one of these free workout locations. From parks to public pools, there are plenty of places to get active without spending a dime.
Introduction
Gone are the days of entering a crowded gym and paying hefty fees to use equipment. Nowadays, there are so many options for working out and staying healthy on the cheap — or even for free. From parks and hiking trails to at-home workouts, you can break a sweat in many different ways without breaking your wallet. Here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to get your sweat on and stay fit without spending a cent.
At Home Workouts
When you don’t have access to a gym, working out at home can be a great option. There are a variety of exercises that can be done without the need for any equipment or a large space. It’s also convenient, as you can workout in the comfort of your own space without having to leave your house. Let’s explore some of the best at-home workouts to get you sweating.
Online Workouts
Thanks to the rise of modern technology, working out from the comfort of your home is becoming increasingly accessible. With countless social media challenges and video-based fitness groups, there are now more and more ways to stay active without having to leave the house. While free online workouts may not be as intense as those provided by your local gym, they give you the opportunity to still challenge yourself and push your limits in terms of endurance, strength, agility and flexibility.
Online workouts offer a wide variety of exercises that can be tailored to any skill level – from complete beginner to advanced athlete – making them perfect for anyone looking for no-cost exercise options. Whether you’re starting out with bodyweight exercises or have been practicing yoga for years, these types of workouts allow you to choose what type of program or routine best fits your goals.
From HIIT routines to pilates classes and even virtual boot camp style drills, online workouts are an excellent way for individuals who don’t have access to a gym or other equipment to get their sweat on without breaking their budget. Other advantages include being able to access instructions from any device at any time; exercising alongside peers; easily track progress; plus a wide range of different settings from which to choose depending on preference (e.g., music only vs verbal instruction). It is also great for staying motivated since there are many social media accounts that allow individuals struggling with motivation or self discipline can use these forums as support systems while they reach their fitness goals.
YouTube Workouts
YouTube Workouts offer a great way to get an effective and efficient workout in using your own bodyweight and don’t require any gym membership or equipment. Many professional trainers post their work outs to YouTube and can be followed along with at home, as you have access to hundreds of workout videos on the platform.
When selecting a YouTube workout, it is important to ensure that the one you are choosing is designed for your present level of fitness. Some of the best YouTube workouts are done by experienced trainers such as CarrotFit, FitFamTV, and Blogilates, who each offer challenging sessions that will keep you coming back for more. Follow along at home as they guide you through interval training or HIIT exercises designed to work your entire body in a short amount of time.
If you want some extra motivation during your workouts, look no further than Yoga with Adriene. Adriene Mishler offers beginners level classes where she will take you through breathing exercises and basic poses that are sure to bring your stress levels down and get you stronger mentally and physically.
So if you’re looking for something fast that doesn’t require equipment or even gym membership fees, grab some water and look for some great tutorials on YouTube for an easy at-home sweat session!
Apps
If you’re looking for a way to stay in shape during these times where traditional gyms and workout classes may be unavailable, apps are one of the best options. There are a number of apps available that offer free or low cost at-home workouts. Here we take a look at some of the best free and subscription-based apps you can use to get your sweat on:
Free
-7 Minute Workout: 7 Minute Workout provides users with seven minutes of rigorous workouts every day that focus on mobility and strength.
-8fit: 8fit has both abdominal workouts and bodyweight exercises, making it an ideal app for full body fitness.
Subscription Based
-FitOn: With FitOn you get unlimited virtual workouts from experts, plus nutrition guidance to help you meet your goals.
-Daily Burn: This app boasts over 2000+ different on demand courses that cover everything from yoga to cardio to stretching—all arranged in program form.
-Aaptiv: With Aaptiv you have access to trainers and audio classes like running and outdoor walks, as well as yoga, strength building, and stretching exercises—all tailored just for you.
Outdoor Workouts
For those looking to take their workouts outdoors and make use of the great outdoors, there are plenty of great spots to get your sweat on for free. Whether you are looking for a great running path, a spot for an intense HIIT workout or an open field for some calisthenic training, there are a lot of good options available. Let’s look at some of the best places to go for an outdoor workout, and what you can expect when you get there.
Parks
Parks are the perfect backdrop for a great outdoor workout. With plenty of space and often having grass, trees and benches, parks are sure to have something for any kind of workout. Although private gyms may be convenient and have more amenities, parks provide free access to a range of physical activities. Most cities offer basketball courts, soccer fields, jogging tracks and playgrounds as well as exercise equipment such as treadmills or pull-up bars you can use for free. Parks often also host group classes such as Yoga or Zumba so you can get fit with friends or work out in the great outdoors alone!
Trails
Trails are one of the best places for outdoor workouts, as there is a wide variety of terrains to suit your fitness level and goals. Trails are great for long-distance running or walking, as you can often find routes that are several miles long. You can also stop along the way to do strength training exercises such as sit-ups or push-ups. Because trails tend to be in natural settings, such as public parks or nature reserves, they offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while working out. Be sure to bring the appropriate supplies with you when you visit a trail, such as proper shoes and plenty of water. Popular types of trail workouts include jogging, mountain biking, power walking and even cross-country skiing in winter months.
Beaches
Beaches are some of the best spots to get a free workout in. Not only do they provide stunning views, but they’re also great places to find cardio and strength training activities. Depending on the beach, you may find different workouts available. For instance, some beaches include fitness parks with equipment along the shoreline or offer guided group fitness classes. You can also make use of any stationary objects like poles and sea walls for pull-ups, planks or handstands. Beach running and water sports like swimming or stand up paddle boarding can provide a full-body workout as well. And don’t forget about beach volleyball—it’s great for getting your heart rate up and working with others as a team. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen before you hit the shore!
Local Community Centers
Local community centers can be a great place to workout for free. They offer a variety of services, such as gyms, fitness classes, and weight rooms, to help you get active. Most centers offer some type of membership, which is usually more affordable than a commercial gym membership. In addition, community centers can be a great source of information about local fitness programs, such as running clubs and exercise classes.
Community Pools
As people get creative to stay in shape during these changing times, many are turning to their local community centers to utilize different amenities. With limited access to gyms, the great outdoors and access to many financial resources, your nearest community center should be your first stop. One of the big benefits to public pools is that they tend to be much less crowded than commercial gyms, which can make it easier for you maintain social distancing while getting your sweat on.
Most public pools offer a variety of aquatic activities and exercise programs such as aqua-aerobics classes and lap swimming. Many pools also have recreational areas such as hot tubs, water slides and even dive-in movies where you can take a break between sets of laps! If you are looking for an inexpensive way to stay active while still enjoying the comforts of a pool setting, then your local community pool may be the perfect option for you.
When evaluating which free or low-cost aquatic fitness options might fit your needs best, always remember that every facility offers something unique in terms of amenities, training schedules and class sizes. Be sure to do some research before diving in!
Community Gyms
When you’re looking for a place to exercise without spending money, community fitness centers offer a great alternative. From weight rooms with benches, free weights and cardio machines, to basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, there are plenty of options to choose from. Many community gyms are normally open for only certain times during the day, but if you have some flexibility in your schedule then these can be an ideal option. Most of these locations also offer group fitness classes such as aerobics and yoga (but you may have to pay extra fees depending on the individual gym). Additionally, many community centers provide discounted rates or even free access during special periods such as National Exercise Day or Senior Citizen Week. Be sure to check out your local fitness center and see what they have to offer — who knows; it may just become your favorite workout spot!
Community Classes
Community classes provide a great way to stay physically active without breaking the bank. Many local community centers, churches, rec centers and YMCAs offer free or low-cost exercise classes. Look for Zumba, kickboxing and pilates classes at these places, among many others. You can often find class schedules printed in local newspapers or posted on bulletin boards around town—even at the local library.
Some community centers will have advanced equipment that requires fees to use, but most of the time the class itself is low-cost or free of charge. Plus, because you’re working out in a group atmosphere rather than alone, it’s easier to stay motivated and stick with your routine—rather than giving up after a few days of going solo. So if you’re looking for an economical way to get in shape or just stick with your healthy lifestyle goals, try out some community classes!
Conclusion
There are plenty of options available for those looking to snag a good workout without breaking the bank. Outdoor spots such as parks, beaches and trails offer an ideal setting for running, bicycling and a variety of other exercise activities. Additionally, online services often provide access to free workout videos. Finally, brick-and-mortar gyms usually offer day passes or lower cost membership plans that can allow you to get your sweat on in a traditional setting.
No matter your preferred method of exercise, there’s no reason why fitness has to be expensive— you just have to know where to look! With commitment and creativity you can find plenty of free ways to work out, save money and reach your health goals.
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