Hey UBC! Being in Vancouver, we’re surrounded by hundreds of fitness studios and different classes on just about every corner we go. I don’t know about you, but I know there’s a lot of places and different forms of exercise I’ve wanted to try, but when I check it out, it’s a little (or a lot) out of my budget.
Nonetheless, a lot of studios and centres offer your first class free or host free sessions for you to try out! Here’s a list of offers for FREE classes and sessions around the Lower Mainland, ranging from cardio workouts, boxing, yoga and everything in between:
1) Pure Barre
Pure Barre is a low-impact, high-intensity workout aimed to strengthen and tone your body. They offer your first class for free, and they recommend that you start with their Pure Barre Foundations class that gives you an introduction to the techniques and basic movements of Pure Barre workouts.
2) Fraser Street Run Club
This Vancouver-based community run club aims to unite people of all levels to run in a social setting. They host running events, volunteer, and fundraise together! You can join them on Track Tuesdays for a structured, classic speed workout or Feel Good Fridays for a 5k or 10k social run. Follow them on their Facebook for more details for how to join!
3) Acroyoga at Acrowest
Ever heard of Acroyoga? Acroyoga combines acrobatics, yoga, and dance, and includes lots of partner work, where you work together with others to create beautiful and challenging poses. At Acrowest, a Vancouver-based non-profit organization, you can try it out with their free Intro to Acroyoga class that runs about once a week.
4) Rumble Boxing
Rumble Boxing is where the fit club meets the night club – check them out for a 50-minute high-intensity boxing workout that’s fuelled by new music. All experience levels are welcome, so go punch it out with their First Time Intro Offer! Although, do keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase wraps since their required to participate in their class.
5) House Concepts
At House, which is known for combining four studios under one roof, you can run, box, strengthen, stretch, which means you can find boxing, yoga, pilates, and running sessions all in one place. Be sure to make use of their First Timer Free Class and check them out!
6) CMMN GRND
Known for having a class for every mood, CMMN GRND is a fitness and social wellness collective that categorizes their classes based on what you’re hoping to focus on. You can choose from categories such as “fiery,” “playful,” or “quick sweat,” so whether you’re looking to sweat or looking to chill, they’ve got something for everyone so go try your first class for free!
6) UBC Recreation
To end off, we can’t forget about all the classes offered here right on our UBC Campus. Although this semester’s Free Week has already passed, at the beginning of every semester, UBC Recreation offers a Free Week! Free Week is one whole week where you can take any class for free, ranging from K-pop, Yoga, to Spin and Martial Arts! If you missed out this year, this is your reminder to take advantage of Free Week next year.
Hope you all enjoy your free workouts! And if you’re looking to stay on campus, you can always drop-in for free sports at the SRC.