Fit and fun, all for free
Get in shape without breaking the bank.
It is no secret that staying fit can often become mundane and sometimes expensive. You may be tempted by the many fitness DVDs, detox kits, body wraps and cleanses that promise quick results but leave you low on cash. Austin offers a variety of opportunities for people at all levels of fitness to stay in shape for free. Fitness groups are fun alternatives to your typical solo workout routine and they are accessible to everyone. If you are looking to try out a new gym or workout regimen, many fitness centers offer the first class discounted or at no cost. Classes vary from outdoor to indoor, some require equipment and some don’t. This is a great list to get you started on finding a suitable fitness routine.
WeViva Fitness
WeViva Fitness is a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness by hosting free classes for low-income families throughout the city. The organization offers Zumba, yoga, low-impact fitness, aerobics and nutrition classes. Sessions are hosted at apartment complexes, community centers and schools. All classes are bilingual, and WeViva even offers childcare at some locations. To view a full class schedule, visit weviva.org.
Austin Runners Club
Austin Runners Club is a training group that meets throughout the week. Some runs are designed for marathon training, while beginners and intermediate runners or those looking for something less intense can try a fun run or workout. Most groups meet early in the morning to avoid the summer heat. Group times and contact information are listed at austinrunners.org.
Title Boxing Club North Austin
Title is a nationwide fitness franchise and no-contact gym. Each hour-long boxing and kickboxing class burns a reported 1,000 calories. The first class is free for any boxing newbies wanting to punch it out. Class times are available at austin-us183.titleboxingclub.com.
Austin Runners Meetup
Austin Runners Meetup is a group that meets throughout the week and encourages runners at all levels to join. This meetup does not coin itself a training group, and some runs allow you to pick your own distance. Runs are in the mornings and evenings. For a full list of scheduled runs, visit meetup.com/austinrunnnersmeetup.
FIT Austin
FIT Austin is a family-owned fitness center that specializes in TRX training. This particular training features bodyweight resistance and suspension equipment, according to Owner Lateef Johnson.
“It’s a scalable piece of equipment so people at all fitness levels can benefit from it,” Johnson says.
FIT also offers high-intensity interval training. Register for free classes online at fitaustin.com.
CrossFit Central
If you are interested in trying a less traditional workout, CrossFit Central offers a free community class. There, beginners can get acquainted with the high intensity of CrossFit before making any commitments to the gym. The CrossFit Central community workout adjusts to the needs of each person so everyone can go at their own pace. Free workouts are capped at 30 participants and offered at both CrossFit Central locations. CrossFit Central Burnet: 6205 Burnet Road, 8 to 9 a.m. CrossFit Central Downtown: 702 E. Third St., 8 to 9 a.m. Visit crossfitcentral.com/our-community for information on the next free workout.
Salsa Night at The Oasis
Breaking out of that boring workout routine can be difficult, so if you want to add flavor to your regimen, try Sunday night salsa at The Oasis. Live salsa music is featured every week starting at 7 p.m., and there are free salsa lessons. The Oasis is located at 6550 Comanche Trail.
Synergy High Intensity Training
Synergy High Intensity Training offers a free boot camp, Get Fit Give Back, on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Arrive about 20 minutes early to secure a spot in the class. The class benefits Capital Area Food Bank, so bring a canned food item as your entry fee.
Classes take place at the following locations:
Boot Camp
Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
Boot Camp and Zumba
6719 N. Lamar Blvd. 4005 W. Parmer Lane 103 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park, Texas
A lot of these workouts may be new or unfamiliar, so try not to overexert yourself; if you’re feeling tired or fatigued, take a break. These classes are not competitive, so don’t feel pressured and have fun. Always remember to bring any gear you may need, such as proper shoes, water or a towel.
Weekly Yoga Itinerary
By Macy Moore
Yoga is a huge asset to the Austin lifestyle. It fits in perfectly with the city, but doesn’t always fit our budgets. Here are some cheap and free options to receive your Zen moment every day of the week without breaking the bank.
Monday
Lululemon on Sixth Street offers free Monday night yoga classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. lululemon.com/austin/6thandlamar
Head to Palm Door on Sabine Street for a free 60-minute class at 7:30 p.m. Donations are welcomed but not necessary. palmdoor.com/sabine
Tuesday
Why not kill two birds with one stone on Tuesday mornings? Get your caffeine fix before or after practicing yoga at Cherrywood Coffeehouse. The donation-based class begins at 8 a.m., and the relaxation of yoga mixed with espresso is the perfect energizing start to the day. cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com
Get some fresh air on the first and third Tuesday of the month with a free yoga class at Dick Nichols District Park. Texas Green Bird Fitness hosts the class at 6:30 p.m. austinparks.org/yoga
Wednesday
Palm Door’s Sixth Street location welcomes yogis for an evening class from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. palmdoor.com/sixth If you’re looking for a sunrise or sunset session, Yoga Vida hosts a $5 hot-yoga class Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and again at 8 p.m. yogavidaaustin.com
Thursday
Cherrywood Coffeehouse offers a donation-based class Thursdays at 8 a.m. Grab a post-workout snack and remind yourself that your week is almost complete. cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com
Friday
A $5 Yoga Vida class is offered Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend! yogavidaaustin.com
Saturday
On Saturday, give a little as you receive high-quality yoga. Several studios throughout town offer donation-based yoga classes. Some popular choices are Practice Yoga and Black Swan Yoga, which operate on the donation system for every class, every day of the week. Pure Bikram Yoga’s South and North locations offer a 4:30 p.m. donation-based class on Saturdays. practiceyogaaustin.com, blackswanyoga.com, purebikramyoga.com
Another option is to head to Stacy Park the last Saturday of the month for a free yoga class beginning at 11 a.m. austinparks.org/yoga
Sunday
Begin your day of rest at Luke’s Locker. The sport-clothing store offers two free yoga classes at 8:30 and 10 a.m. lukeslocker.com
Visit Wooldridge Square Park the third Sunday of each month for a free family class put on by The Little Yoga House. For the month of August, the class will begin at 9:30 a.m., but once fall begins, the free monthly class will begin at 11 a.m. austinparks.org/yoga
Full-moon Yoga
For 20 years now, Charles MacInerney has conducted a free yoga class at a scenic location once a month. This month, the class will be Aug. 29 at 7 p.m., at 4400 Ridge Oak Drive. Following the session, the class watches the sun go down and the full moon rise. yogateacher.com/yoga/full-moon-yoga
Crossfit photos courtesy of CrossFit Central
Fitness Steals and Deals
Finding Your Fitness Match
Barre Fitness
Share