Free sport in the UK: running, swimming and the gym for less

A gym membership costs tens of pounds a month, but you can stay fit almost for free. In Britain there are free runs, outdoor gyms, NHS workouts and discounted pools for that. Here is where to get active for nothing.

parkrun: a free run every week

parkrun is a free, community 5k run held across the country every Saturday morning; on Sundays there is a 2k junior parkrun for children aged 4–14. You can take part however you like — run, jog or walk: "there is no time limit and no one finishes last". You only need to register once, free, at parkrun.org.uk, and then turn up at any of more than 1,400 events nationwide.

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Free workouts from the NHS

The NHS publishes ready-made workouts and plans for free: the Fitness Studio has videos for aerobics, strength, Pilates and yoga, while the Strength and Flex plan guides you through exercises with how-to videos. There are also walking programmes and strength, flexibility and balance exercises you can do at home with no equipment. All of it is free and open to everyone.

Outdoor gyms and parks

Many parks in Britain have free outdoor gyms — just turn up and use them, no booking and no payment. Parks and riversides also work for running, bodyweight workouts and walking, which the NHS counts as proper exercise. It is the simplest option: nothing to pay and nothing to sign up for.

Discounted pool and gym through the council

There is no nationwide free gym, but local councils and operators such as Better (GLL) offer discounted access to the pool and gym for certain groups — children, over-60s, students and people on benefits or a low income. You apply for a "concessionary membership" with proof of eligibility, and Pay As You Go is often cheaper than a membership. Check what is available near you on your local council's or Better's website.