One of my goal’s for the summer is to enjoy the great outdoors more and be active! With the warmer temperatures finally, here it’s the perfect opportunity to take your workout outside. I’ve rounded up some of the best free Ottawa workouts that you can do this summer. I love that many of the free workouts below have created communities around their activities. It’s a great opportunity to improve your fitness and make friends all at the same time. Here are some ways to get active this summer with these free Ottawa workouts.
Parliament Hill Yoga
When: every Wednesday from 12-1pm until August 28th, weather permitting
Where: Parliament Hill
This is one of the most popular fitness events of the summer. Join hundreds of other yogi’s for a lunchtime session of yoga. The sessions are led by certified yoga instructors. Leave the office for a bit and stretch out those muscles under the sun. Make sure to bring a yoga mat and water. Yogis of all levels are welcome at Parliament Hill Yoga.
Parliament Hill Zumba
When: every Sunday at 4pm until September 22nd
Where: Parliament Hill
Join in for a free hour of Zumba on the hill. Dance along to Latin jams as the instructors guide you through the dance moves. All the instructors are certified Zumba instructors. I’ve been a few times and it’s such a fun way to get some cardio in. Keep up to date on their Facebook page here.
Stadium Workout
When: every Sunday from 8am-9am until Fall
Where: meet at the Goodlife Lansdowne Lobby at 7:50 am
Enjoy a free stadium workout at TD Place at Lansdowne. It is open to all fitness levels and kids age 12 and up are more than welcome to join us with their parents! These workouts will go on rain or shine. There is also free parking validated by Goodlife. Join their Facebook group here.
November Project
When: every Wednesday from 6:29-7am
Where: meet at the TD place stadium
The November Project originated in Boston as a way to stay in shape during the colder months. Join the Ottawa chapter for their weekly workouts. The November project is open to everyone. You’ll love working out in this community atmosphere.
Parliament Hill MoveCamp
When: every Thursday from 12:00-1:00 pm from June 6th until the end of August
Where: Parliament Hill
MoveCamp is about getting people moving and having fun at the same time. Get in shape with Ottawa fitness experts as they share their expertise for this 12-week fitness series. MoveCamp founder, Mia St-Aubin says “It’s not about how hard you push or how much you sweat, but about listening to your body and taking care of yourself. In many cases, less is more.” MoveCamp is open to all ages and there are options for every fitness levels. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, running shoes and bring a water bottle and exercise mat with you. Learn more and register for this free fitness series here.
National Health and Fitness Day
When: June 2nd from 10am-11am
Where: Parliament Hill
Celebrate National Health and Fitness Day on the hill with a free workout. Join Parliament Hill MoveCamp Founder, Mia St-Aubin and Founder of Greco Lean and Fit Tony Greco for a free 45 minute energetic, fun and uplifting workout.
Happiness on the Hill
When every Monday from 12pm-1pm until August 27th
Where: Parliament Hill
Strengthening your mind is just as important as your body. Join in on meditation Monday’s with Happiness on the Hill. This meditation series will help infuse your day and life with a greater dose of positive vibes and happiness. Meditation has been proven to reduce stress, increase happiness and so many other wonderful benefits. I’m excited to jump into the world of meditation through this series. Join their Facebook event here.
Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal pathways are always open 24/7 making it a convenient spot to get in a run, walk or bike ride whenever you want. This is one of my favourite choices for a quick run or walk because of the scenic views you get along the way.
Sunday Bikedays
When: every Sunday until September 2nd
Where: Ottawa parkway and Gatineau Park
For Nokia Sunday Bikedays, parkways will be closed to cars allowing you to enjoy cycling on car-free roads. This activity is free if you own a bike, otherwise, you can learn about rentals here. In Ottawa, from 9am-1pm you can bike the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (9 km), Colonel By Drive (8 km) and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (8 km). In Gatineau, from 6am-11am you can bike a total of 27 km for cyclists who enjoy steep hills which includes the Gatineau Parkway, Champlain Parkway, and Fortune Lake Parkway. From 6 am to 1 pm there will be a total of 3.5 km north of Chemin du Lac-Meech. This section is ideal for families with young children. Get more info here.
Do you love attending or hosting a free workout in the capital? Let me know what it is here.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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