Cheap and Free Ways to Get Fit in Omaha

Spring is almost here, which is great news if you’re trying to get fit on a budget. Warmer weather means you can get outside and move—and you won’t have to spend a lot of money to do it.

I work at a gym and I’m a certified group fitness instructor. I’ve been teaching fitness classes for about 9 years. Through this time, I’ve learned that you don’t necessarily need all the perks that a fitness club offers if you are on a tight budget. You also don’t need to purchase a ton of expensive equipment, either.

It’s better to get the workout done, than wait for the funds to do it!

What you do need is some motivation and be willing adjust your expectations to what you can do for free (or cheap)!

Work at a Gym

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash and get fit, many fitness centers and clubs offer complimentary memberships to part-time employees. This was one of the reasons I started working at my gym over 10 years ago. I started in childcare and worked my way into teaching fitness classes to adults. A lot of local clubs offer positions in childcare, customer service, cafe services, front desk, membership sales, aquatics, fitness, and more.  

Free memberships give you the chance to enjoy the perks of a gym without worrying about the cost each month.  I got to attend free classes, use the pool, and take advantage of all the equipment I didn’t have at home. Plus, it’s easier to grab a quick workout before or after your shift rather than make excuses to miss it.

YouTube Videos

I have some days that I just don’t want to go to the gym. Sometimes the kids are sick, it’s too cold, or I need a change of pace from my usual routine. Despite all that, I still need to get a workout in. I’ve found some great YouTube channels that offer quality workouts for free and require little to no equipment.

Get Fit for CheapSome of my favorites are Fitness Blender, PopSugar Fitness, and Trifecta Pilates. These channels offer a wide variety of workouts that can suit your needs for time, ability, and access to minimal equipment. Many use only your own body weight (or a couple hand weights or bands). No yoga mat for a pilates workout? No problem. Substitute a beach towel if you need to!

Find your own Paths of Discovery

It’s finally that time of year where we can go outside again without bitter cold slapping us in the face. We have an extensive trail system through Omaha known as the Paths of Discovery. The name is quite fitting, because we have so many different places to discover, even if you’re a regular trail-goer. The best part is that access is free!

Get Fit for CheapMy favorite place to run is the West Papio Trail, as it is easily accessible from various parts of West Omaha. If you live to the East of this area, I enjoy the Big Papio or the Keystone trail. The Keystone goes all the way into Bellevue. So, if you want to get a long bike ride in, this is my favorite (safe from traffic) place to ride.

Omaha and the outlying areas have so many options for outdoor runs, walks, hikes, and bike rides even beyond these noted paths. There are several lakes and neighborhood paths that are suitable for walking, running, or biking.

If you want to make a family fitness outing adventure, do that.  Take a stroller, bike trailer, or coax your kids to walk/run. Or just go on your own for some “me time” while your kids stay with your partner or other caretaker.

Join a Run Club

If you’re not a runner, don’t skip by this one just yet. Even if you like to walk, this one’s for you too! You can join the Omaha Run Club for $20 for an individual or $25 for a family. The Omaha Run Club is a non-profit group that caters to runners, joggers, and walkers.

By joining for this insanely low price, you get to participate in up to 8 fun runs through the year, all of which are a “go at your own pace” type of thing with no pressure and a lot of fun. Additionally, you have the opportunity to join women’s run groups for free or a very low additional cost.  What a great chance to network with other moms!

This is a great cost-effective way to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and meet other people in the community. Who knows, maybe you’ll start as a walker and end as a runner?

Check out the Midtown Crossing, Aksarben Village, and Village Pointe Calendars

These venues are well-known through the summer months for offering free fitness and yoga classes in the common areas during the week. Most of these are hosted by fitness merchants within the shopping centers. These sessions give you a low-stress and no-pressure way of trying something new.  

Get Fit on a budget

You don’t have to spend a fortune on getting and staying fit. Find a less expensive way to enjoy an active lifestyle, and you’ll develop a habit that will last a lifetime.  Better yet, you can pass it on to your kids!

What is your favorite cheap/free way to stay fit?

tiffanifrost
Tiffani is wife to David and mother to 4 boys, and they live in their self-proclaimed “frat house” in Bennington. She is a Nebraska native, freelance writer, and certified group fitness instructor. She earned her Journalism degree from the University of Denver in 1999, and returned to Omaha in 2007. As an active family, they enjoy exploring local parks and trails, participating in races, and traveling. Tiffani is an avid triathlete and runner, and completed her first (but not last) Ironman race in 2016. She writes about her adventures on her blog MomCanTri.com.

1 COMMENT

  1. Or come check out Fit4mom Omaha South. Unlimited passes are no more then you would spend on a trip to Target! It’s awesome when the mom force comes together to break a sweat, come try out the mom side. It is always free to come try a class- and the playdates, moms night outs, and events are always free!

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