Your guide to free fitness classes in metro Atlanta

From pricey gym memberships to fresh food at the grocery store, an active and healthy lifestyle feels like it could take a big toll on your wallet. It can be expensive to be fit, but the good news is that metro Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities that allow you to get healthy on a budget. Check out some of the free fitness classes around metro Atlanta that set the bar high. NOTE: Some of these classes are only available during the warmer spring and summer months, so check the latest event calendars to make sure they’re still happening.

Atlanta BeltLine Partnership

There is no shortage of free fitness class offerings on the Atlanta BeltLine, available at all months of the year. No matter your fitness level, find a way to stay active and healthy while making friends with members of the community across all sections of this urban trail. In addition to HIIT, yoga, zumba and more, there are monthly runs, pickup soccer, and even sunrise and sunset hiking.

Website: beltline.org

Wellness Series at The Battery Atlanta

If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout that also happens to be low-impact, try Pure Barre. On Tuesday evenings (especially during the warmer months), the Battery in Cobb County hosts free Pure Barre classes at 6:30 p.m. Make sure you check the events calendar on the Battery’s website and pre-register in advance.

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave SE; Website: batteryatl.com

CrossFit

CrossFit may have a reputation as being intense, but the community is strong, cheering you on every step of the way. The WOD (workout of the day) changes daily and focuses on different muscle groups. From lifting barbells to swinging kettlebells to doing burpees, box jumps and more, you’ll come out of it healthier than ever. Many CrossFit gyms in the Atlanta area offer a free first class, and sometimes even more (though they usually extend this invitation to those with some CrossFit experience already). CrossFit Downtown Atlanta, CrossFit Identity and Venture CrossFit are good places to start, but also note that each CrossFit gym has its own personal character.

Vibe Ride

This indoor cycling studio with locations in Midtown and Grant Park is definitely a vibe, especially when they offer a free first class! If you’re unsure about cycling, you can give it a try at no cost. Vibe Ride offers industry-leading M3i bikes that will track your stats for the ride and set a good benchmark for you if you decide to go back for more.

Location: Multiple Locations

Orangetheory Fitness

Get in the “orange zone” at Orangetheory, a heart rate-based interval fitness program. Whether you are rowing, running, biking or doing floor strength exercises, the goal is to spend at least 12 minutes or more in the “orange zone,” one out of five heart rate zones that helps maximize fat and calorie burn. The first class is free and there are studios located all over Atlanta.

Location: Multiple Locations

Yoga on the Square - Colony Square

During the warmer months of the year, Colony Square offers free yoga classes from April to October. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Midtown life and look for a moment of zen when you take these outdoor yoga classes. Bring your friends along and follow up the sweat sesh with food and drinks at Politan Row.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St NE; Website: colonysquare.com

AvalOM

Try out this free fitness series at the Avalon in Alpharetta between the months of April through October on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. They offer yoga, barre and pilates classes through various community instructors and studios, sponsored by companies such as Lululemon and Allbirds.

Location: Alpharetta - 400 Avalon Blvd; Website: experienceavalon.com