Boston's Best Budget Fitness Classes
Gym memberships and the ensuing fitness classes can be a pricey amenity. There are some effective and enjoyable fitness classes around the Boston area that are budget-friendly for most. The collection of classes range from calming and relaxing yoga to high-energy spinning workouts or heavy duty crossfit. Fitness classes that do not totally break the budget are available at a variety of fitness centers or gyms in and around the city.
35 Northampton St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 534-5822
www.southendfitness.org
The South End Fitness Center has a unique relationship with the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Medical Center and some local non-profit groups. The group fitness classes include aerobic and core workouts, as well as yoga and pilates. All group classes are free for SEFC members; an annual membership is $360, which divides out to budget-friendly $1 per day. There is also a pool, full-size basketball court and training and cardio equipment available. The fitness center offers fee parking validation for up to two hours.
Coolidge Corner Yoga
1297 Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 879-0861
www.coolidgeyoga.com
The most economical yoga class is a "community class," which has open attendance and only costs $5 per class. The level of yoga skill at a "community class" is usually introductory, but at Coolidge Corner Yoga, the Vinyasa Community Class is offered to all levels of skill and proves to be a solid workout. Vinyasa yoga is an active style, which links breathing and movement.
November Project
www.november-project.com
November Project groups are found all over North America, even in Boston. This is a year-round, rain or shine, free-to-all fitness movement. The location of the 6:30 a.m., three-day-a-week, weekday only workout is announced on Friday for the following week. If participants live within six miles of the meeting place he/she is expected to walk or jog to the meeting place. Those who live over six miles away are allowed to drive or take public transportation. Wednesday is "Destination Deck," where a deck of cards is flipped one card at a time to determine the sequence of push ups (black card) or sit ups (red card) and the number of repetitions (according to the number on the card). Harvard Stadium in Allston is the meeting spot on Wednesdays to, literally, run the seats and the stairs. Hills are run on Fridays in the Summit Ave. section of Brighton-Brookline. The November Project is "free for life" and has participants that range from former Olympians to current couch potatoes.
lululemon athletica Run Club
lululemon
Prudential Center
776 Boylston St., Suite 5
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 262-2030
www.lululemon.com
Every Monday night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., lululemon athletica leads a three-to-eight-mile run from the Prudential Center store. The run travels along the Charles River and is for non-competitive runners who are looking for a fun and friendly fitness program. After the run, participants are invited for free appetizers and drinks at the Back Bay Social Club at 867 Boylston St.
Nike Boston
200 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-3400
www.nike.com
Nike+ Boston is a blend of live and digital training for runners of all skill levels with the guidance of expert coaches. The Nike+ Boston program and the Nike+ Running app are free with a free Nike+ membership. The programs require the participant to reserve a spot to enhance the experience for all. The Nike+ Running workout is a three or six-mile run starting and finishing at Nike Boston under the supervision of a Nike Master Trainer. There is also free NTC Yoga, a one-hour class opportunity, to increase upper body and core strength and flexibility through yoga drills and stretching.
Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.
