Cheap, Free Ways to Exercise in Chicago

Looking for free or cheap ways to exercise around town? So was reader Heather S. 💪 Here’s what we came up with:

Best Yoga Among Plants: Garfield Park Conservatory

For $5, flow with DuShaun in the West Side conservatory. If you can’t make it in person, there are virtual yoga classes you can stream, too.

• 🥈 Runner-up: El Paseo Garden in Pilsen offers yoga outdoors in the summer. A $5 donation is suggested.

Best Post-Yoga Snack: XMarket

After completing class at the new plant-based food hall in Uptown, get a $5 credit to put toward vegan treats.

Best for Runners: Tortugas Run Club

Whether you’re a runner, jogger, or walker, all are invited to meet up and move together in Pilsen on Sundays.

• 🥈 Runner-up: Read & Run Chicago hosts runs in various neighborhoods. Routes are informed by Chicago books runners read and then discuss.

Best for Early Birds: The November Project

The Chicago chapter of the free fitness club works out twice a week in the early mornings downtown — rain or shine.

Best Bootcamp: The Salud Center

Be ready to sweat at the Saturday bootcamp series in South Chicago.

Best Family Fun: Kidical Mass

Keep your eyes peeled for family friendly bike rides through Chicago neighborhoods from Irving Park to Humboldt Park to Hyde Park.

Most Accessible: Chicago Park District

The parks offer everything from core strength to aquatic exercise.

• 🥈 Runner-up: YMCAs have group fitness, personal training, and swim lessons.

Best for Dancers: SummerDance

Whether it’s salsa, swing, or stepping, Chicagoans can dance summer nights away at local parks.

Best Summertime Chi Workout: Millennium Park

Not only are Millennium Park’s summer workouts free, but you can try new types of exercise from tai chi to Zumba.

Best Meditation: Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center

After all that movement, slow down your mind and body at the West Loop center or via Zoom. Classes are open to all, but donations are suggested.

• 🥈 Runner-up: Among its array of yoga and herbary classes, Haji Healing Salon also offers sound meditation classes.