Skip The Gym: 9 Awesome Workouts That Won't Cost You A Penny

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Jun 8, 2012 3:00 PM EDT

Skip The Gym: 9 Awesome Workouts That Won't Cost You A Penny

UPDATED: It's officially bikini season, which means getting fit and healthy is high up on the to-do list. Luckily, these free workouts will save you a bundle in gym fees. This story was originally published on April 17, 2012.

We're fully aware of the benefits of pounding away on the treadmill, chugging through spin class, and sweating it out with hot yoga — you tone your bod, you feel good, you sleep better, and so on. But let's be honest: Working out on the regular can actually be pretty darn expensive, once you factor in pricey gym memberships and per-class fees. So, we did some digging and turned up nine super-cool ways to get fit without spending a dime — that's right, totally free.

We've got options for dancing, swimming, hiking, biking, and more, and we can assure you that these workouts are actually fun (and just as effective as your old gym routine). What's better than free and fun? Nothing — well, unless you count shopping for all the new things you can scoop with your recently restored funds.

Photos: Courtesy of Kingman Island; Photographed by Madeline Beard; Courtesy of Rock Creek Conservancy

Kingman and Heritage Islands Park
Situated in the Anacostia River near RFK Stadium, Kingman Island is the place to go if you like having the outdoors all to yourself. Composed of two islands, the park offers over a mile and a half of trails for hiking and biking in the midst of a peaceful, all-natural oasis.
Where: Entrance located at RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6, 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE; 202-488-0627.

Joe's Movement Emporium
A home base for Mount Rainier's art scene, Joe's Movement Emporium hosts performances, exercise classes, workshops, and more — it's a veritable hodgepodge of fun physical activity. On Mondays, the community arts center offers a free hip-hop dance class for beginners at 7 p.m.
Where: 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier; 301-699-1819.

Rock Creek Park
The green jewel nestled in the midst of our chaotic city, Rock Creek Park is one of Washington's go-to spots for free-and-easy exercising. Whether you're into running, hiking, biking, outdoor circuit training, rollerblading, or walking, you can do it here for the low, low cost of absolutely nothing. Some highlights: paved bike paths, a 1.5-mile exercise course, no-fee tennis courts, and fields for soccer, football, and field hockey.
Where: Headquarters are located at 5200 Glover Road NW; 202-895-6070. Rock Creek Park can be accessed from dozens of points around the city; click here for a map.