Feel better without spending a cent by taking up one of these fitness opportunities in South Australia - from planting trees to free yoga sessions by the sea.

Words Ben Kelly

Golden hour of yoga

Throughout February, free yoga sessions will be held by the beach each Friday and Sunday at 7:30pm, alternating on a weekly basis between the Rotary Park in Christies Beach and the beautiful Moana beach.

The sunset yoga classes have been designed to cater for all age groups and skill levels, so if you’ve never tried it before there’s no better time to have a go.

The classes are run by Yuki Health And Happiness in conjunction with the City of Onkaparinga. Check the website for timetable and locations.

A run (or walk) in the park

Parkrun is a not-for-profit organisation, arranging free, weekly five-kilometre timed runs, with locations around the world.

In South Australia, Parkrun has locations across Adelaide and regional centres. (Go here for a map of locations)

They are open to everyone, safe and easy to take part in, with the added benefit of exercising with others in a social setting. And you don’t need to run.

People from all walks of life are encouraged to take part, from walkers and beginner runners to athletes, as well as children.

Once you sign up, you can track your progress each week and aim to improve on your five-kilometre time. Christies Beach Parkrun, for example, sees droves of runners meeting at 8am every Saturday morning to tackle the picturesque coastal trail.

Events are held throughout the state, and you can even start a new Parkrun in your town.

Walking with friends

There are 145 registered Heart Foundation Walking Groups in South Australia, offering free and social outdoor activities for all ages.

The Heart Foundation website contains information about listed by suburb, with details of walk times, speed, duration and whether they are pram or dog-friendly.

Each group has a weekly meeting point, and contact details of the walk organiser.

If your area doesn’t have a group, why not organise one?

More new year yoga

Throughout the year, the peaceful and reflective surroundings of Centennial Park provide the backdrop to regular wellness events from yoga to Tai Chi, walks and meditation.

This month, people are invited to a free, gentle yoga session and guided meditation.

To be held on Wednesday, February 26, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, this first yoga class of the New Year is about slowing down to connect with inner strength, and will be lead by instructor Evelyn Krull. Participants must register online.

Take action

For an active day out, while making a difference to the local environment, consider becoming a bush carer with Trees for Life.

Bush action team days are a fun, healthy and rewarding way to make your contribution to the health of a local bush location.

Along with helping to protect threatened species and habitats, the program provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors with others and connect with nature.

The program was created in 1994 to help people take practical steps to conserve bushland. Today, volunteers look after more than 300 sites covering over 4000 hectares, returning valuable bushland to health.

Fitness and fresh air

With councils increasing their focus on wellbeing and health, there has been a surge in the number of outdoor fitness trails and gym stations dotted throughout South Australia.

For a workout in the Adelaide Park Lands check out the City of Adelaide’s website, which has an interactive map showing all locations of various fitness stations.

The City of Charles Sturt 90 separate pieces of fixed gym equipment, catering for everything from squats to chest press, sit-ups and monkey bars. Some stations also provide fun playground-like activities for children. See your local council website for other locations.

Know of other free exercise opportunities in SA? Send us an email.

For an extended list if free exercise opportunities, see the February 2020 issue of SALIFE magazine, in newsagents from Thursday, February 2.