From circuits sessions to morning yoga, the best fitness freebies revealed
It’s November. The mince pies have been released, the Christmas party is in the diary and the festive season is burning bright on the horizon, tempting you with treats and tipples far beyond your usual fitness plan. ‘Tis the season for much merriment. And as the party mood gets into full swing, it’s easy for your wellness plan to fall by the wayside. After all, who wants to spend £20 on a gym membership this month when there’s presents to be bought, booze to be guzzled and festive frolics to enjoy?
If you’re agonising over whether to splash out on a PT or presents for your family, then hang on before you hang up Christmas. There are plenty of fitness freebies on offer this month, meaning you can maintain your lean physique and your relationship with your mother.
Weekly running club & yoga with lululemon | St Anns Square
The premium athleisure brand threw open its St Anns Square doors last month, bringing with it a host of fitness freebies to its fanbase. On Sundays, wellness enthusiasts can enjoy a free morning yoga session from the city centre store, with a variety of teachers leading new styles each week (10am-11am, mats provided on first come basis). Or those looking for a more active workout will enjoy the Your Pace Or Mine running club which kicks off every Thursday evening with a 5-7k run (6.00pm-7.00pm, meet at the store).
More information about lululemon events, visit their Facebook
7 St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7EF
Yoga sessions at Pantagonia | King Street
Sustainable outdoor clothing brand Patagonia is famed for initiatives that give back to the community and the King Street store is no different. A selection of free monthly yoga sessions are hosted at the store, with this month’s class focusing on Yi Yoga, a slower-paced practice with positions held for a range from 45 seconds to two minutes.
For more information about Patagonia’s free event, click here
Patagonia, 51 King Street, M2 7AZ
Outdoor circuits training & hiking trips with Never Stop MCR | Deansgate
Sweat it out in the city centre every Tuesday night with Never Stop MCR. Sponsored by The North Face concession in Blacks Deansgate, the group host weekly outdoor circuits sessions in locations across the city centre. From jump squatting up the steps in Castelfield Bowl to planking outside the Great Northern, the group bend key city centre locations into workout spaces. As well as weekly circuits sessions, the group also organise free hikes with previous ventures taking participants on everything from trail runs to waterfall routes.
For more information about Never Stop Manchester, visit Eventbrite
200 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3NN
British Military Fitness Bootcamps | Various locations
If shoehorning a workout into your busy routine requires military planning, then this could be you. Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping workout in the park as ex-military trainers push you to your fitness limits with these military-inspired bootcamps. Find your ability level from beginners to advanced, before breaking off into groups to get your blood pumping. First event free, £12 thereafter.
Find your nearest free event here
Bootcamps take place across Manchester in Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, Sale Water Park, Wythenshawe Halle Park
Manchester road runners | The Wharf
If mentions of the Wharf normally conjure thoughts of hearty meals and stiff drinks, then you may be surprised to hear that the cosy pub also plays host to a weekly running club. The group meet in the warmth of the Wharf every Wednesday at 6.30pm, before embarking on 5k, 7k and 10k runs along the canal and towards Salford. Runners can tag along to the runs for free, before enjoying a drink or two in the Wharf afterwards.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page
Meeting point: The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, M15 4ST
JAG FIT Bootcamp | Grindsmith
Aside from its fancy coffee, plush packaging and trendy co-working space, Grindsmith is also home to the intense JAG FIT Bootcamp. Burning up to 1,000 calories an hour, the energetic 45-minute session is designed to blast fat through a blend of strength, resistance and conditioning training as well as HIIT workouts. First session is free, £6 after.
For more information about the next bootcamp session, checkout JAG FIT’s Facebook page Grindsmith, 231-233 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Free gym passes | Various locations
As the pressures of the festive season tighten your purse strings, ‘tis the season to make the most of the free gym pass. And Manchester has plenty on offer. DW Fitness offers a free 3 day pass to new members, and both Anytime Fitness and Nuffield Health offer a free day pass. For those who like the sound of a membership plan but don’t want to commit to one venue, ClassPass gives you the chance to try exercise classes across the city from a variety of venues – and your first month is free. MoveGB also offers a discounted membership at £1 a week for subscription to thousands of classes across Manchester, so you can have your Christmas cake and eat it.
