With today’s “get fit now” culture, it is not uncommon to see boutique gyms and fitness centers selling classes for $20 (or more) a pop. And hey, we’re not bashing that idea! Sometimes the music, lights and niche fitness techniques provided in this setting are worth every penny. But for those looking to get in shape without spending a fortune, there are plenty of options, too. In fact, many workout classes and groups in Omaha are available for $10 or less, and sometimes even for free.
We rounded up some of our favorite, low-cost ways to get fit in the Omaha area ranging from free yoga events to cycling + taco meetups. No more excuses — it’s time to work up a sweat!
Yoga
Photo courtesy of Yoga Rocks the Park
Yoga Rocks the Park
Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, Omaha
Spice up your Sunday routine with a free yoga class and a concert at Omaha’s Midtown Crossing! Yoga Rocks the Park is a celebration of life and community that the whole family can enjoy. The event features an all-levels, hour-long yoga class led by a local professional, live performances, and a kid-friendly class designed for ages 4-10! The classes are free, although there is a suggested $5 donation that will benefit Gift of Sight. Classes will be held every week through the end of June. Find additional details on their Facebook page.
Pranam Yoga Shala
This donation-based yoga studio believes that yoga should be available to everyone — regardless of their financial situation. The studio provides suggested (and very affordable) donation brackets. For instance, $8-$18 for a drop-in class or $65-$120 for a 10-class pass. The motto is “come as you are, pay what you can.” For your donation, you can expect a rejuvenating, inspiring and community-oriented class led by a certified expert! In fact, Pranam Yoga Shala landed on our list of the best yoga studios in Omaha.
Happy Hour Hatha at Yoga Now
Nestled in the heart of the busting Benson neighborhood, Yoga Now offers tradition-based classes for all levels. The studio was actually the first yoga center to open in Omaha in 1983 (under the name the Omaha Yoga & Bodywork Center), and founder Susan Gillespie Amendola still leads the team of talented instructors. While most drop-in classes go for $15, the studio offers Happy Hour classes for just $7. Check the schedule for more information!
Cycling
The Taco Ride
The Wabash Trace Trailhead, Council Bluffs
Every Thursday night, the Wabash Nature Trail welcomes hungry cyclists from the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for the weekly Taco Ride. Cyclists meet at the Wabash Trace trailhead around 6 pm for a fun ride down the scenic trail. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or meet new people with similar interests! Afterward, enjoy a taco special at Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse. Follow @tacoride on Twitter and check the Wabash Trace calendar for the latest updates!
HIIT & Bootcamps
Photo courtesy of the YMCA
YMCA Get Fit Outside
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most popular fitness crazes of the modern era — and it really works! Participants cycle through a number of exercises designed to elevate their heart rate for short bursts, which enables you to work harder for longer, and keeps your metabolic rate high for hours after the workout is complete. Omaha’s YMCA hosts FREE outdoor HIIT bootcamp classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:30 pm beginning on June 12. The classes continue through August 30, and exercises can be modified to suit any fitness level.
Free Wednesday Night Workouts in Turner Park
Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, Omaha
Presented by Prairie Life Fitness, these free Wednesday night workouts allow Omahans to work up a sweat in the scenic Turner Park. Propel yourself towards the weekend with classes like Zumba, sports conditioning, Insanity and more. Classes are scheduled every Wednesday from June 6 through August 29, so bring your fitness crew, a water bottle and a mat, and plan to grab drinks on your favorite Midtown Crossing patio afterwards!
Walking
Walking Club at Lauritzen Gardens
What’s better than walking? Walking through picturesque gardens! The stunning outdoor environment of the Lauritzen Gardens is a wonderful alternative to your local health club. Stop by at 8:30 am every Tuesday through October 30 to join the walking club — free to garden members, or included with daily admission ($10).
Running
The Omaha Running Club
Various locations
While this is technically more than $10, it is worth mentioning since this very affordable annual pass grants you access to different workout options and events throughout the year. A $20 annual membership fee earns you access to fun runs around Omaha, unique training opportunities and discounts at your favorite local athletic vendors. Once you’ve paid your dues, you can choose from several groups or events to join, including the Ladies of the Evening Running Group, the Beginning Training Program or the Distance Clinic.
The G.O.A.T.Z
Various locations
The Greater Omaha Trail Runnerz group hosts fun, community-friendly events throughout the year, including the Tails ‘n’ Trails Half Marathon (May 19) and the Skyline Ranches Cross Country Runs (October 27). Their mission? To promote local trails and trail runners, bring people with shared interests together, support other trail advocacy groups in the region, and have fun while they’re doing it! Check out the calendar of events to see what the G.O.A.T.Z are up to in the coming months.
Enjoy your workout!
What are some of your favorite ways to get fit in Omaha? Please share in the comments! Looking for more #Fitspiration? Here are the top gyms and fitness classes in the Omaha area.