Free and Cheap Ways to Work Out in Toronto

Whether you’re trying to stay active between classes or just want to move your body without wrecking your budget, Toronto has way more workout options than you might think. You don’t need a pricey gym membership to stay fit in this city.

Here are some of the best free and affordable ways to get moving:

1. Toronto Community Centres

The city of Toronto operates dozens of community centres across the city, and many offer free or low-cost drop-in fitness options including weight rooms, swimming pools, and fitness classes. Pricing is often subsidized, making it one of the most affordable ways to stay active in the city. Check out the City of Toronto’s recreation page to find the closest one to you.

Pro Tip: Some centres offer free drop-in gym access during off-peak hours, so it’s worth calling ahead to ask.

2. Try ClassPass for Free

ClassPass is a credit-based membership that gives you access to hundreds of studios and gyms in Toronto, covering everything from yoga and Pilates to boxing, spin, and regular gym sessions. New members can sign up for a free trial that gives you a set of credits to use however you like across participating locations. Sign up at classpass.com.

Pro Tip: Not every studio is available to trial users, and credits expire at the end of your trial period, so plan your bookings in advance and use them all. 

3. Outdoor Bootcamps & Running Clubs

Toronto has a surprisingly active free fitness community. Local groups meet regularly for free outdoor workouts, rain or shine. Running clubs also pop up all over the city, with routes through High Park, the Waterfront Trail, and the Don Valley. These are great for accountability, meeting people, and getting a solid workout at zero cost.

Pro Tip: Sites like runclubs help you find various community runs or workouts happening around the city.

4. YouTube Workouts at Home (or in Common Areas)

You don’t need a gym to get a solid workout in. YouTube has tons of free full-length workouts from channels like Nike Training Club and Chloe Ting that you can do right from your room. 

Pro Tip: Already have Spotify Premium? Lucky you (sorry to the Apple Music users). The app recently launched a Fitness hub with over 1,400 on-demand classes from Peloton instructors covering yoga, Pilates, cardio, and strength, all included at no extra cost. Free users can access content from wellness creators too. Just search “fitness” in the app.

5. Ask about Guest Passes

If your friends have gym or studio memberships, ask if their plan includes guest passes. Many do. It’s a low-key way to try a proper gym facility without committing to a membership.

6. Students: Use What You’re Already Paying For

Many Toronto schools have fitness facilities that students can use at no or low cost. For example, if you’re a student at Toronto Metropolitan University, you already have access to the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) right on campus. No matter what school you go to, be sure to check what facilities and maybe even workout classes are available to you.

Pro Tip for TMU Students: The MAC includes a full fitness centre, gym floor, and group fitness classes, all included in your student fees. It’s one of the most central and well-equipped facilities in the city, and a lot of students don’t take full advantage of it.  Check the TMU Recreation schedule for drop-in fitness classes and intramural sports. It’s a great way to stay active and meet people without spending a dollar extra. 

7. Explore the Waterfront & Ravine Trails

Sometimes the best workout is just a long walk or run somewhere beautiful. The Toronto Waterfront Trail stretches for kilometers along Lake Ontario, and the ravine trail network winds through the whole city. Free, scenic, and genuinely good exercise.

Staying active in Toronto doesn’t have to cost anything. The city has the resources; you just have to know where to look.