The Morning Jo’s running group at Jo’s Coffee (Credit: Andrew Holmes)
Guest article by Lee McClendon
Austin has a lot to offer, so FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is one thing you don’t have to worry about in our unique, beautiful city. Besides the nightlife, art events, and live music, there’s another option for people that doesn’t cost a penny: free fitness.
No hidden agendas here. The only thing you have to do is bring positive vibes, encouraging your friends or the strangers you just met. Below are five free workout groups in Austin. They all have the same intentions, but with different styles intended to help you find yourself while exploring the city.
1/ RAW Running
Members of RAW Running participate in the Statesman 10K, with a podium finish for Sarah Lancaster
(Credit: RAW Running)
This group is helped by Ryan Fenton. Members of Raw Running enjoy being social while exercising together. Whether they’re eating well, having a beer, or meeting old and new friends, runners range from newbies to marathons experts. The main goal is to find your better self and make each run better than the last one. No matter what kind of runner you are, the focus is to go out and have fun.
Tuesdays at 7 p.m./Deep Eddy Cabaret, 2315 Lake Austin Blvd.
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2/ ATX Sprint Squad
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You may think sprinting doesn’t sound like much fun. But in reality, ATX Spring Squad is all about having fun and getting your heart rate up. Group leader Shea Boland is a brilliant, humble person who’s constantly reaching out to people to help them achieve their goals.
This free fitness group in Austin started with some friends who wanted to better their lives and reach fitness goals. Shortly afterwards, the idea came up: why don’t they open their goals to the Austin community? ATX Sprint Squad now has over 100 members and counting. There are always new faces joining the squad. Will you be next?
The author (right) with ATX Sprint Squad Leader Shea Boland
Saturdays at 10 a.m./Gillis Park, 2410 Durwood St. (January 2019)
Saturdays at 10 a.m./Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (February 2019 and on)
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3/ Z-Fit
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Z-fit is run by Zack Sagay. He’s full of energy, spreading positivity each day by inspiring people around him. Z-fit workouts are typically held outside. But with the weather being cooler and rainy during these winter months, they’re currently taking place indoors.
Each week, the work-outs are different. They’re kicked off with meditation and a warm-up, then the main workout is endurance. The music will keep you grooving with motivating beats-per-minute.
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Wednesdays at 11 a.m./South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Road
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4/ The Morning Jo’s
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Rise and shine, and smell the coffee. Leader Rachel Fury leads a group of runners for a 3- to 6-mile run with an out and back route. Newbies are always welcomed and highly encouraged to join.
After the run, the group meets at Jo’s Coffee to have breakfast and strike a pose in front of the famous “I Love You So Much” sign. Weatherproof group that loves running and sharing passion with each other. Part of Austin Runners Club.
Tuesday mornings at 6 a.m./Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave.
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5/ East Side Beer Runners
East Side Beer Runners at Hops & Grain (Credit: Jessica Carroll)
For those who like to run in the evenings, this group is made for you. Founder and leader Jon Pafk combines running and beer, and it’s all free! Yes, I said free. craft. beer.
East Side Beer Runners meets as a group at Hops & Grain for this workout on the east side. Open to all running paces, they do a different running workout each week, averaging between 3-5 miles total. Then the group returns to Hops & Grain and enjoys the post-run free beer together!
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m./Hops & Grain, 507 Calles St. #101
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These are just five of the many free fitness groups in Austin. Fitness can be small or big, but always remember it should be all about having fun while you’re doing it.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Do you know of any free fitness groups in Austin that should be included on our list?
Lee McClendon is a unique blend of coffee. With an original blend of Chicago, a mixture of Wisconsin, a hint of Australia, a blend of Seattle, and now serving in Austin. Connect with him on Instagram.
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