Seven ways to shake up your summer fitness in Canberra (without the gym)
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New year, new fitness goals? Before you sign up for another gym membership, we have a low-cost solution.
Make the most of Canberra’s outdoor spaces, free facilities, and natural beauty. From swimming spots to early-morning walks and outdoor yoga, we live in one of the easiest cities to stay active without ever setting foot in a gym.
Here are seven ways to shake up your summer fitness routine – no membership required.
Try outdoor yoga and Pilates
Perfect for building your mind-body connection and soaking in some Vitamin D, taking your yoga or Pilates workout outside will leave you feeling zen.
The Summer Series holds free Pilates-inspired classes on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin most Sundays, and YOGA-W-ME often holds outdoor yoga events in the warmer months.
Make sure to keep an eye on our What’s On section as well – it’s always being updated with events!
Go for a long walk
A low-impact way to boost both physical and mental well-being for all ages and fitness levels, going for a walk is the simplest way to spice up your fitness routine this summer.
Here are some of the ACT’s most underrated trails, and here are Canberra’s top five hikes according to bushwalking expert John Evans.
And because the HerCanberra team also loves a walk, here are some of our favourite walks around the capital.
Make the most of Canberra’s swimming spots
From the Art Deco stylings of Manuka Pool to Stromlo Leisure Centre’s family-friendly facilities, there are plenty of public and privately-operated pools to cool off in Canberra. Take your pick from 20+ options listed here.
Not keen on the public pool scene? Don’t worry. There’s also lots of natural waterways where you can make a splash – here are some suggestions. Just be sure to check water quality advice before you head out, make sure to swim to the conditions and check out these safety tips.
Visit one of the free Fitness Stations
With so many free fitness stations scattered around Canberra, why not make the most of the equipment? Located in various parks and open spaces in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek and Central Canberra there’s sure to be one near you. Equipped with sit-up benches, chin-up bars and balance beams, you can find your closest location here.
Want to give it a go but have no idea what to do? You can find workout videos filmed by the ACT Government here which will show you how to safely make the most of it.
Get cycling in our bike-friendly city
Incorporating bike riding into your daily routine is an environmentally friendly, affordable and easy way to increase your fitness – whether it’s riding to work or going for a pedal on your lunch break. And as a bike-friendly city, you might as well make the most of it. Not only are we lucky enough to have a network of shared paths and on-road bike lanes, but we have mountain bike trails on our doorstep. Check out maps and cycling guides here.
Don’t have a bike and not ready to commit to buying one? You can visit the Pedal Power ACT website to find out more about The Bike Library – a service providing free long-term access to second-hand bikes – or you can hire a bike through services such as Cycle Canberra and Share A Bike.
Have a go at skateboarding
Hear us out – this is a fun hobby that will not only keep you active, but you won’t even realise you’re exercising. With seven major skate parks across Canberra suitable for all levels, as well as 12 additional parks that offer skate features, you have plenty of opportunities to practice. Find a skatepark near you here.
Aren’t ready to invest in a skateboard or would like to try before you buy? Drop into a free Learn to Skateboard session held by the Canberra Skateboarding Association on Saturdays.
Organise a group tennis session
Gather up the gang and head to one of the free tennis courts and tennis practice walls in Canberra. Located at Crace Community Recreation Park, Franklin Community Recreation Park, Kambah District Park, and Moncrieff Community Recreation Park, take your own rackets and a ball and spend a few hours having a swing to get your heart rate up.
Feature image: YOGA-W-ME. Supplied.
