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The best free workouts for the gym membership commitment-phobe

Save those hard-earned dollars sis

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / May 06 2021

If you’re anything like us, then the idea of signing your life away to a 12-month long gym membership is probably highly unappealing.

Ever find yourself falling out of your workout routine as soon as the initial glamour of being a gym bunny wears off? And then you just start making excuses to steer clear of the place entirely? Honestly, same.

While we’re fully aware we’re able to cancel a membership we don’t want to use, there’s always some hidden cancellation fee to worry about, or a gym employee highly trained in the art of guilt-tripping, who somehow manages to convince us to give it a go for another month before we give up entirely.

But we don’t want another month! We want workout routines that feel good on the inside and out. Workouts where on the days when we’re feeling a little blah and need a rest, we can do so with ease knowing we don’t have to worry about a big hunk of cash-ola flying out of our accounts every month.

So ditch the unnecessary feelings of guilt sis, and get your best workout fit at the ready because these six workouts don’t cost a red cent. Enjoy at your own leisure.

Walking/Hiking

Got a functioning pair of stems and a supportable pair of walking shoes? Then all you need for this workout is the gumption to step out of your front door. Need an incentive to get moving? Try taking a walking tour of your neighbourhood (you never know you might just find your new favourite coffee spot), or if you’re feeling adventurous, locate a walking track near you – just remember to tell someone where you’re going if you’re planning on venturing off alone into the wilderness.

Image credit: @patagoniaaus

Running

If you’re anything like fitness king Forrest Gump and you just feel like running, then you’re in luck. With most smartphones offering free fitness-tracking apps, there’s no reason you can’t finally get your career as a runner started. Make sure you invest in a good pair of shoes though, as there’s nothing like a case of bad knees to take you out soon after you’ve dedicated yourself to hitting the pavement. After a bit more of a challenge? Hit the beach for a run on the sand and a bit of resistance training. Bonus fit points if you take a dip in the ocean afterwards.

Image credit: @jacintabeecher

Swimming

Speaking of the big, blue sea… why not give swimming a go? While we don’t recommend dipping your toes in the ocean during the colder months unprepared (after all this COVID-19 business, don’t let a common cold be the thing that takes you out of action), this is definitely a great option for keeping that summer bod in shape while still having fun. Grab a group of friends and dedicate the day to some equally thrilling but fitness-focused activities. Bit of beach volleyball anyone?

Image credit: @bellahadid

Pilates

Cassey Ho of Blogilates fame has dedicated her YouTube channel to providing free, short and sweet pilates tutorials that can all be performed with minimal to no equipment. Short on time? Schedule in a quick 15-minute full-body pilates routine with Ho or get your notepad at the ready and take down some of the trainers tips for daily, healthy meals. Simply subscribe to Blogilates and hit that notification bell to get an update every time she uploads a new routine. No fuss, no muss.

Image credit: @blogilates

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a low-intensity workout that also incorporates mindfulness techniques, making it a great option for those of us with anxiety who just need to chill the eff out (in fact model Gisele Bundchen swears by the stuff). Tai Chi Australia offers free online video programs so you can enjoy the simple and easy-to-follow meditative practice from the comfort of your own home. Pyjamas optional, of course.

Image credit: @gisele

Nike Training Club

Need variety in your workout routine? Then the Nike training Club app is for you. It offers a range of favourite exercise activities like HIIT workouts, yoga classes, cardio training and even weight workout routines that utilise little to no extra equipment. We recommend starting things off by sampling a li’l bit of everything before you find your go-to workouts and maximise on all that free content.

Image credit: @simonebiles

In an excercise rut? In need of some fitness inspo? Here's how 12 celebs stay fit.

Main image credit: @shaninamshaik

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).