Summer is in full bloom, which means to keep (or get) your body beach-ready you've got spend time AND money cramped up in a sweaty gym. Or do you? You can still keep fit and save a few bucks by ditching the fitness club. Here's a list of free exercise options that can be done in your apartment, your backyard, or neighborhood park.

Create Your Own Obstacle Course
 

A video posted by Nikita Schmidt (@barfreaks) on Jul 17, 2015 at 11:27am PDT


Grab whatever sport or fitness equipment you have; basketball, hula hoop, rope, weights, etc and head to your neighborhood park. Set up an obstacle course with at least four different circuits. You can even use the hopstotch board and include that into your circuit. Do each circuit five times.

HIIT (High Interval Intensity Training)
 


According to BodyBuilding.com, HIIT is a training idea in which low to moderate intensity intervals are alternated with high intensity intervals. In research, HIIT has been shown to burn adipose tissue more effectively than low-intensity exercise--up to 50% more efficiently. It has also been shown to speed up your metabolism which helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Incorporate 5 different cardio moves; (butt kicks, high knees, jumping jacks, dips, squats, jump squats, leg lifts, etc) and do each 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off four separate times. This can be done in your living room or outdoors and no equipment is needed.

Outdoor Fitness Classes
 


Instead of paying a steep membership for fitness classes such as Yoga or Zumba, attend a free fitness class at a neighboring park. Major cities such as New York, Philly, DC & even Boston have implemented fitness programs where professionals host an hour class. ShapeUP NYC has partnered with the Parks Department to bring free Zumba classes to the public. The Boston Park Fitness Series brings Bostonians a variety of different classes including; Salsa Dancing, BootCamp and Tai Chi. NorthFace, the outerwear brand brings on the go training to the nation's capital. Washingtonians can take classes in skiing, climbing, running or general fitness. If you live in a smaller town, make an account on Meetup.com to find a group in your area hosting a fitness class.

Nature is Your Friend
 

A photo posted by Asne Lonne (@aasne_l) on Jul 17, 2015 at 10:56am PDT


With the weather being nice, nature is truly your best friend. The best things in life are free so take a walk over the bridge, take a 30 minute walk with friends, go hiking or kayaking. Tons of city parks provide them for free or a small fee. Take a dip in the pool, play some basketball, volleyball or go for a run. Whatever you do just keep it moving.

Online Workouts
 


If you're not really comfortable working out in front of people or if you're too burned out after work to go outdoors that doesn't mean you're off the hook. You have access to ZUMBA, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and any workout imaginable via your smartphone. Check out Fitness Blender on YouTube. Or get a free one month trial at DailyBurn.com and start sweating. Whatever your preference, it's all at the touch of your fingertips.

Tags: summer workout exercise free