Free Workouts Galore: How to Work Out for Free Every Day This Summer
There’s no doubt about it: A good workout class is certainly worth paying for. But there come those days — usually after an irresponsible, happy hour-induced online shopping spree — where I have to make a choice: A $20 workout class or $20 for SEPTA tokens for the week. SEPTA tokens always win. (Side note: Anyone want to help turn me into a responsible, budget-loving, money mastermind?) But thanks to this handy list, no money doesn’t have to mean no workout: Here, how to work out in Philly for free.99 every day of the week this summer. Happy sweating, people!
MONDAY
What: Yoga in the Garden at Front Street Cafe // Talk about the perfect start to your workweek: This free all-levels class, led by local yoga teacher Jenna Brown, is held in the courtyard at Fishtown’s Front Street Cafe every Monday morning. Afterward, yogis get 50 percent off (much-needed) coffee, tea, juice and smoothies. Yes, please!
Where: 1253 North Front Street, Fishtown.
When: 7 a.m.; no need to RSVP.
TUESDAY
What: Run with Manayunk Running Club // This running group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for four- to seven-mile runs, often working in hills (it’s Manayunk, after all) and the Wissahickon trails. Sometimes they have options for track workouts, too.
Where: Meet at 111 Cotton Street, Manayunk.
When: 6:30 p.m.; no need to RSVP.
WEDNESDAY
What: November Project // I know, I know: 6:25 a.m. is so early — like, too early to do anything but scroll through Instagram while putting off actually getting out of bed. But this fun, sweaty, free grassroots fitness group will convince you otherwise. And, conveniently, pups and kids are welcome, too. Meaning: You can combine your dog’s morning walk and your workout AND get your sweat on without securing child care. #Winning
Where: Art Museum steps
When: 6:25 a.m.; no need to RSVP.
THURSDAY
What: Run with Fishtown Beer Runners // Your Thirsty Thursdays are about to get a lot more fit. This running group meets for a three- to five-mile group run every Thursday evening. The finish point? You guessed it: A bar with good beer. (Running is free, but you’ll need some cash for drinks.)
Where: 2346 East Susquehanna Avenue, Fishtown.
When: Thursdays at 7 p.m.; no need to RSVP.
FRIDAY
What: Yoga on the Pier // If you’re anything like me, your plans to head to a post-work Friday-evening workout tend to fall through. (Because beer gardens and bad-movie Netflix marathons, duh.) So best to squeeze it in before work, right? The free yoga classes at Race Street Pier are a great option for a budget-friendly early-morning workout. And with the Ben Franklin Bridge staring down at your during Savasana, you really can’t beat the views. (Classes are free, but donations are welcome.)
Where: Race Street Pier,
When: 7 a.m.; no need to RSVP.
SATURDAY
What: The Ultimate Saturday Ride // This bike ride is a solo workout that’s free as long as you have a bike at your disposal. It takes you from the Art Museum area all the way to Phoenixville and back — a 52-mile ride that’s sure to leave you very sweaty and a tiny bit wobbly in the legs. But don’t worry: There are plenty of suggested pit-stops along the way to kick back and refuel.
Where: From the Art Museum to Phoenixville.
When: Whenever you want!
SUNDAY
What: SWEAT + Sip Summer Fitness Series // You get a lot of bang for, uh, no buck at this summer workout series, a collaboration between SWEAT Fitness and City Tap House. Each week, you’ll get a free hourlong outdoor workout, ranging from barre to cycling to boot camp classes. And the sweating is well worth it: At the end, you get a Bloody Tasty — that’s a green bloody Mary — on them. Oh! And the background music for your workout is spun by a live DJ? So yeah, it’s basically a Sunday morning workout party, complete with drinks — for free!
Where: City Tap House, 3925 Walnut Street, University City.
When: 10 a.m.; runs through September; no need to RSVP.
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