How to Stay Fit in Your City for Free (or Almost Free)
Forget expensive gym memberships—your city is a free fitness playground if you know where to look. Here’s how to get in shape without spending big.
1. Use “Urban Workout Spots” That Most People Ignore
Many cities now have free outdoor gyms in parks with pull-up bars, parallel bars, and even full-body resistance machines. But did you know that some old city architecture works as a gym too?
🏛 Look for:
- Staircases for cardio and strength training
- Railings for dips and inverted rows
- Playgrounds with monkey bars for bodyweight exercises
📍 Find public fitness-friendly spots on MonkeySet’s interactive map.
2. Join Donation-Based Yoga & Group Classes
Instead of paying €20 for a studio class, look for community-run yoga sessions that work on a pay-what-you-can basis. Some parks and beaches also host free outdoor yoga sessions.
3. Join a “Plogging” Group
Plogging = jogging + picking up litter. It’s a Swedish fitness trend that lets you stay fit while helping the environment. Many cities now have plogging groups that meet up to run while collecting trash.
4. Do Free “Trial Classes” Every Week
Most gyms, dance studios, and martial arts centers offer a free first class—so why not try a new place every week instead of paying for a membership? Many climbing gyms, CrossFit boxes, and dance schools also have community days where you can join for free.
