Get fit for free!

Find fun, free entertainment in your city!  Go ice skating, hiking, jogging, or take leisurely walks in new neighbourhoods.  Some of my most favourite moments with Josh include the times we’ve spent walking and jogging in the winter.  I still recall those brisk winter runs and how refreshing they felt, even though they were tough.  We would talk to each other throughout the run and point out different restaurants or shops we wanted to try.  

Another favourite memory is the time we left the house during a huge snowstorm.  None of the roads were plowed but we were crazy enough to go out anyway.  It was a Sunday and we took a walk to get a custard tart and coffee at a nearby Portuguese bakery, and then walked through a snowy park before picking up some dumplings at another European bakery. Being out there in the snow was so romantic – there were no cars, only crazy fools like us, walking dogs or playing in the snow.

If you want to stay indoors, try a new gym for free!  Many fitness clubs give a daily or even weekly pass to try out their gym – this is especially common among the fancier, up-and-coming fitness clubs that are trying to compete for new members.  In Toronto, there are a countless number of gyms, revealing lots of opportunities to exercise for free!

Yoga and pilates need not be expensive. Yoga Space in Toronto offers community classes that are only $7 each.  They also offer Pay What You Can Yoga on Sunday evenings. They also occasionally offer free Pilates classes. If you don’t live in Toronto, ask around and look into other affordable options.  

If you’re heading out in the snow or going sledding or ice skating, bring a thermos of hot chocolate with you.  This means you can enjoy a warm treat without buying anything.  (Hint: you can slip a little Bailey’s in it, too!)

What is your favourite method of enjoying athletic activities for free?