Story by Michelle Jackson. I love working out but have discovered over the years that I get bored easily working out on my own and that I get the best results when I take fitness classes. I personally love meeting the other participants, working toward a shared goal, the camaraderie, and connecting with a community of fitness focused people.
The one problem with my love of classes is the cost. It can get really expensive taking all of the classes that I would like to take. Fortunately Denver and many cities in the metro area have a ridiculous number of free fitness classes for us to enjoy.
The November Project
One of the most challenging workouts I’ve ever done was with the amazing November Project Community here in Denver. The November Project was started in Boston with the goal of using the city as your gym.
There are groups all over the world and the Denver community is phenomenal. They meet twice a week typically at the State Capital or the Civic Center. However, sometimes the location changes. Join the Facebook group to stay up to date and in the loop each week.
Trails and Ales Meetup Group
Trails & Ales Meetup Group
If you’re as obsessed with hiking as I am then you need to join the Trails and Ales Meetup group. There are almost weekly free hiking trips scheduled with varying degrees of difficulty.
What I love about this community besides the fact that they are great people, is that they make the hikes accessible to folks who don’t have transportation. Carpooling is almost always an option and the only thing they ask is to give the driver some money for gas.
Rising Routes
This outdoor community was created to foster diversity and connection between those who love enjoying the outdoors. You will find this group scheduling amazing hikes typically on a monthly basis for all to enjoy.
Free Fitness Denver
If you’re looking to find free fitness classes across the Denver Metro area, then you must follow Free Fitness Denver on Instagram. This incredible resource shares classes weekly that range from yoga, to fitness boot camps and more.
Power Vinyasa Yoga
If Mondays have you feeling a little down, then the free Power Vinyasa class hosted by Civic Center Moves will pick you up. This class is held every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park located in downtown Denver. Always check the Facebook page for the most up to date information on the class.
Workout Roulette with Compass Fitness
Every Tuesday from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. sweat your stress out with a little Workout Roulette hosted by Compass Fitness and Civic Center Moves. This class is also located in the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park.
Outdoor Afros
Outdoor Afros
This outdoor recreation community was founded in Oakland, California and has spread across the United States. It’s goal is to create opportunities for people of color to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Each chapter hosts weekly or bi-weekly; free or inexpensive events unique to the region that they are in. The Denver chapter goes hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, camping and anything else you would expect Coloradans to do outdoors. All are welcome.
Hip Hop Fitness with Brandon Harris
If you love dance and old school hip hop, Brandon Harris’ Hip Hop Fitness class is a must. Held every Wednesday from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the McNichols Building, enjoy dancing to old school hip hop while getting in shape. Don’t forget to check the Facebook page for the most up to date info on the class.
Yoga Cross with Fitness in the City and the River Yoga
Every Thursday from noon to 12:45 p.m. workout with Fitness in the City and the River Yoga. Yoga Cross is a fun, and intense workout and a great way to unwind towards the end of the week.
This class is hosted at the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park and is part of the Civic Center Moves program. As always, check the Facebook page for the most up to date information on the class.
Yoga Rocks the Park
One of my absolute favorite fitness events in Denver is Yoga Rocks the Park. Enjoy your yoga practice for free at the Sunken Gardens Park located at 401 W. 9th Ave across from West High School.
Milk Market Denver Weekly Run Club
1800 Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
Milk Market/Dairy Block
Are you training for the Colfax or Rock and Roll Half Marathon? Do you need some people to run with? Join in on the fun with the Milk Market Denver weekly run. Participants will meet at the Milk Market around 5:15 p.m. every Tuesday with the run starting at 5:30 p.m.
If you haven’t visited Milk Market Denver before you’re in for a treat. It’s a cool venue with great food and the alley behind it is beautiful.
Prana Free Community Yoga
Cherry Creek North
105 Fillmore Street, Unit #109
Denver, CO 80206
Besides loving the clothing at Prana, I love the free classes and events that they share with their community. I even snagged a ticket to a free Puppies, Prosecco, and Yoga event one month. You can join in on the fun during their Free Community Yoga class hosted on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W. 104th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80020
Almost every kid who grew up somewhere in the Denver Metro area has visited the Butterfly Pavilion and attempted to hold Rosie, the tarantula. I bet you didn’t know that they also host Rainforest Yoga for individuals 13 years old and up.
The class is $10 for participants who register online or $12 if you drop in. And, it’s an amazing experience because the butterflies want in on the fun too. Classes are Wednesday and Saturdays. Check the website for exact times as they may change.
Denver Beer Runners Meetup
If you like beer and running this community may be a dream come true. Events are scheduled via Meetup and increase with frequency as the weather warms up.
Run the Bird Blackbird Restaurant Run Club
305 S. Downing Street
Denver, CO 80209
This running group begins in April and meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Hosted by the Blackbird Restaurant in the Washington Park area finish up your run and enjoy free food and $3 craft beers afterwards.
FITT
Is an online resource dedicated to all things fitness around the state. FITT shares free classes, cheap resources, and the best of fitness related resources in Denver. If you’re looking for the best fitness classes in Denver, check out FITT to see where your favorite workout ranks.