(Some of) The Best Free and Pay-What-You-Can Exercise Classes Around Govanhill
We all want to be healthier but sometimes it can be hard to fork out money for a gym membership every month. Luckily there are several places here in the Southside that offer free and pay-what-you-can classes — check out ten of them below.
Free Korfball session at Shawlands Academy
by Jack Howse
Health Walks in Queen’s Park
Weekly walks led by Good Move volunteer walk leaders and partner organisations happen all around Glasgow. Walk leaders are there to ensure they go at a pace you are comfortable with and all abilities are welcome. There are also walks for people with sight impairments run in conjunction with the RNIB.
Mondays at 11am | More info here
Tai Chi at the Hidden Gardens
If you’re looking for a gentle exercise class, open to all abilities, what better way to spend your Tuesday and Thursday mornings than in the verdant Hidden Gardens practicing Tai Chi? The class is open to all abilities (including children aged over 10 accompanied by an adult). It’s drop-in and free of charge. The class is held in the boilerhouse during the winter months.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-12pm | More info here
Yoga at Category is Books
Did you know that everyone’s favourite queer bookshop also doubles up as a yoga studio? Well now you do! Head down to their space on the corner of Alison Street and Niddrie Road for this beginner-friendly gentle yoga class, to start your weekend right. You need to bring your own mat.
Every other Saturdays 9:00-10:00am | More info here
Cycling Lessons at Bike for Good
Join Bike for Good every Sunday to get your cycling skills into gear. Whether you are just starting out or wanting to learn the rules of the busy Glasgow roads, Bike for Good can help you get to the next level of cycling. Sessions run on a pay-what-you-can model.
Saturdays – there are a number of beginner and intermediate sessions | More info here
Korfball at Shawlands Academy and Hillpark Secondary School
Korfball is a Dutch ball game that shares similarities with basketball and netball. The game sees two mixed teams of eights players battle it out to score points by throwing the ball through the opposing team’s basket. Their beginners sessions are at Hillpark Secondary School and are totally free, while club sessions at Shawlands Academy have different membership options.
Mondays 7-9pm (beginners) & Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm (club training) | More info here
Tai Chi at the Larkfield Centre
Danny Doherty (featured on the cover of Issue 9) runs free beginner classes for tai chi newbies or those wanting to pick it back up. He hopes to start running his intermediate class again so get in touch if you want a bigger challenge.
Thursdays 1:30-3pm | More info here
Woman on Wheels Activities at Govanhill Workspace
An organisation designed and led by women to get women back on a bike or get them on a bike for the very first time. They run sessions on Mondays and Saturdays for groups cycling lessons and confidence building led cycles. The scheme runs on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale from £0 up to £10 for lessons and £15 for led-rides.
When: Mondays and Saturdays, various times | More info here
Keep Fit For Over 55s at The Dixon Community
The Day Opportunities Project has regular weekly sessions plus monthly special events held at Dixon Halls on Cathcart Road. These include chair yoga, line dancing and keep fit. If you are over 55, or a carer, and you would like to join in, call 0141 423 2481.
Fridays 1pm | Call 0141 423 2481 for more info
Parkrun at Queens Park
Parkrun is a nationwide initiative that encourages people to go for a 5k walk, jog or run every Saturday morning. To find the start, head into the park through the Victoria Road entrance and turn right. Entry is free but you need to register online to get a barcode which will be scanned to record your time.
Saturdays 9:30am | More info here
Youth Football at Toryglen Football Centre
The Active Life Club down on Prospecthill Road offers a safe place for indoor and outdoor football for ages 5-25 years. Come along and enjoy fun coaching sessions and matches specific to your age group. Activities are free, but you need to become a member via the Active Life Club website.
Saturdays 12-2pm | More info here