Exercise for Free

I know many of you feel that someone should pay YOU to exercise, but the reality is that group exercise is often very expensive. If you have a private trainer you might spend $50 per session, or an exclusive gym could cost you upwards of $100 per month. There are some free and fun ways to exercise for free!

My favorite free group exercise is at LuLu Lemon (http://www.lululemon.com/) in Carlsbad. Every Saturday at 9am they have a yoga class given each week by a different instructor from the area. It's a great way to experience many teachers and styles of yoga and find out what's best for you. They also teach pilates and zumba on Tuesday mornings, and they have a training program for those interested in triathelons and long distance running. They really perform a great community service.

In Encinitas there is a walking group that meets at the Lumberyard for early morning walks several times a week. Again, this is a free offering, and has a nice group of regulars. You can find informal groups of people walking almost anywhere, from Carlsbad to Torrey Pines. Several months ago a group of us walked from Moonlight Beach to Carlsbad during low tide. Most only expected to be able to walk one way, but with the group energy and encouragement, most of us made it all the way.

Many gyms and yoga studios will give you a trial offering of their program. Most yoga studios give you a free class, after that you have to pay. Cottonwood Creek Park in Encinitas has a bootcamp every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am. The first class is free, then it's $20 per class.

Other free classes in the San Diego area include hula hooping, which is great fun and wonderful exercise for your core.

Perhaps the best value is the Ecke Y in Encinitas. All the Y's are great, and at $35 per month for a senior the price can't be beat, but the Ecke Y is outstanding. Everything from group walking to belly dancing, tap dancing, pool aerobics, zumba and pilates. There is truly something for everyone. I just love it.

Whatever you do, I hope you get out and enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches, and trails. We are so lucky to live in Southern California and have a climate that just begs us to put on our shorts and tennis shoes. Exercise really can be fun.