Free and crazy cheap workouts in Shanghai

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Photograph: Jadranko Marjanovic Mare (FitFam)

Ah, spring. Time to go out, enjoy the sunshine and get your exercise on. Despite what you may have heard about Shanghai – a city famed for being expensive – there's still plenty of fun to be had on a tight budget. If you're chasing a good workout, here are a few free (or crazy cheap) options.

FitFam

Started by six friends who wanted to stay active during winter, FitFam is now a large non-profit, volunteer-led community that believes fitness should be available to all. FitFam offers base-level workouts such as HIIT, running sessions, yoga, meditation and boxing all throughout the year, all for free across Shanghai. Follow FitFam on WeChat for the class schedule and to book a class (ID: FitFamChina) or visit its website for more.

TrashRunners

'Make friends, keep fit and clean the streets', TrashRunners is Shanghai's answer to a global trend of plogging. The fun and eco-conscious community meet at 7pm every Wednesday in Puxi and every Thursday in Pudong. Follow the group's official WeChat account for more details (ID: TrashRunning).

Puxi Run

Part of FitFam, Puxi Run is a women-only Shanghai running community that meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm and every Wednesday morning at 6am for easygoing seven- to ten-kilometre jogs along the West Bund riverfront. Visit the group's website for details.

Lululemon community classes

The cult Canadian yogawear brand organises a load of regular free workouts around city, from Zumba and yoga to outdoor cycling and running. They've got a yoga class coming up on Fri 22, a HIIT class Mon 25 and a lot more. Follow Lululemon on WeChat for the class schedule and booking information (ID: lululemonathletica).

Century Park

Take advantage of the awesome spring weather and cough up 10RMB park entry to run to your heart's content around Century Park's scenic 5km running track.

1001 Jinxiu Lu

West Bund Climbing Wall

A free outdoor bouldering wall, West Bund Climbing Wall is close to Long Museum. No equipment rental, changing rooms, lockers or route-setting, but hey, it's free, plenty of fun and it's outdoors. Just bring your own wrench for securing any loose holds and basic first aid in case someone gets a flapper.

3398 Longteng Avenue, near Dong’an Lu