By the time February rolls around, many New Year’s fitness resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Life gets busy, motivation dips and pricey gym memberships can feel like more of a burden than a boost. But staying active doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Try something new like Zumba in a pool, a water-based workout that combines dance and fitness, or free yoga downtown that could help stretch out those knots and twists! Whether you’re looking to keep your fitness goals alive or simply want to move more, this list of low-budget fitness spots in Broward County will help you stay on track.
FTL Free Workout
508 NE Second St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Monday and Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.
This is a free circuit-training workout based in downtown Fort Lauderdale. In December 2022, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale member Danny Somers approached lead coach Darwin Colebrook with the idea of starting a workout group to create a safe space for people in the community to socialize and grow physically. They recently celebrated the program’s two-year anniversary.
A typical hour-long class begins with a warm-up. A coach describes what each workout station will do and you then get into groups. To end the class, coaches lead participants in a cool down.
Colebrook says, “It’s bigger than just physical fitness, we want to see people grow and connect on a spiritual level.”
Throughout your workout, other coaches encourage you and fix mistakes while continually pushing you to try your best.
All you need is high energy, a water bottle, and maybe—bring a friend or two!
FTL Free Yoga
508 NE Second St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuesday: 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.
Yoga is a great way to work on your physical and mental health simultaneously! Downtown Fort Lauderdale hosts a free yoga session with lead coach Shannon Wiseman.
Starting back in December 2022, FTL Free Yoga is the sister workout group to the circuit training classes and has welcomed over 200 participants.
Circuit training coach Ray De Freitas says, “On Saturdays, after they finish their workouts at 10 a.m., most members step over into yoga because it’s a good cool down. That’s the fun dynamic of a Saturday.”
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in yoga, you are welcome to join this free community.
Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat and a water bottle. Prepare to clear your mind and relieve your body.
Fort Lauderdale Run Club
740 E Las Olas Blvd.
In front of Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
Running is one of the most effective ways to burn calories while improving your mental function. This sort of club is rapidly becoming more popular.
When Micah Archibald moved to Florida from Los Angeles with one of her best friends in 2022, they decided that a run club was a great way to meet like-minded people. And it grew quickly.
“We don’t pick sides, we don’t make you jump through hoops,” she said. “It’s come as you are with what you have.”
The club meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Participants gather at Eighth Avenue and Las Olas for a 5k (about 3.1 miles). Joining this group is free and all levels of runners are welcome. They even have social nights where you can mingle and get to know everyone.
Archibald says, “No matter your talent level or skill level, we want you to come. Movement is medicine!”
Yoga in Miramar Cultural Center Botanical Gardens
Miramar Cultural Center Botanical Gardens
2400 Civic Center Place
Miramar, FL 33025
Saturday: 10 a.m.
Looking for a peaceful way to relax and rejuvenate with a different view? Join the City of Miramar’s “Yoga – A Time to Heal” classes, hosted by Mayor Wayne M. Messam!
These free sessions are open to all, offering a welcoming space to stretch, unwind, and focus on your physical and mental well-being.
Messam, a former college football player, participates and creates as many fitness initiatives as he can for his community. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or just starting, this class is perfect for enhancing flexibility, reducing stress, and connecting with others in the community.
Free Aqua Zumba Class at Sunrise Civic Center Pool
Sunrise Civic Center Pool
10610 W Oakland Park Blvd.
Sunrise, FL 33351
Wednesday: 5:30 p.m.
Dive into fitness with a fun, medium-intensity Aqua Zumba class sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida! This water workout combines dance and fitness moves to keep you active while staying cool.
Baptist Health sponsors this class to improve health, increase muscle tone and bone density, build endurance, and provide a low-impact high-energy workout. Perfect for ages 16 and up, it’s a great way to burn calories and enjoy some midweek fun.
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, towel, and your best dance moves—capacity is limited to 20 people, so arrive early to secure your spot!
