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Great Places to Exercise Outdoors Around Melbourne

Regardless of the weather, you can always find an outdoor fitness spot in Melbourne.

It is possible to become in shape without spending money on a gym membership. Take advantage of one of Melbourne's many public gyms, health centres, or running clubs instead.

Getting some physical activity is easy and doesn't cost anything if you just go outside. Listed here are a few of Melbourne's top free gyms.

The Best Places To Exercise In Melbourne

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When there is so much to see, why waste time running on the treadmill? Instead, take advantage of the wide variety of parks and trails in Melbourne to achieve your fitness goals. The walking tracks in many parks are often equipped with simple workout equipment, so that you may work on your fitness while getting some fresh air.

1000 Steps / Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

These are not for the weak of heart. One Tree Hill, part of the Dandenong Ranges, is 2.8 kilometres and 1000 steps up and is part of the Kokoda Track Memorial Trail. Don't forget your water bottle and sturdy jogging or trekking shoes. Bring a stopwatch and try to beat your time every weekend. The breathtaking panorama from the peak made it a popular destination for Victorians.

Fitness enthusiasts and everyday walkers alike flock to Ferntree Gully's 1000 Steps for a stimulating and taxing workout. The forest setting of the Steps is lovely, but don't expect a leisurely stroll. You'll need to put in some work and effort to reach the pinnacle, so dress accordingly.

Capital City Trail

Biking the Capital City Trail will get you to Melbourne's major attractions in under four hours. The route stays on the former Inner Circle Railway and Yarra River for its entire 29 kilometres. You can ride your bike all the way from Southbank to Docklands, taking in sights like the Polly Woodside Museum along the route. It's a simple loop that combines sightseeing with some exercise.

The 'tan'

The favourite of everyone from secretaries to professional athletes. The 3.8-kilometer route winds through the middle of Melbourne, passing via King's Domain and the Botanic Gardens. Do you mean business? Time trials are held by the Victorian Road Runners at 7.30 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

The Tan Track is a famous running and walking route that goes around the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. South Yarra's almost four-kilometer-long circuit is equipped with kilometer markers and water fountains for convenience. If you decide to run or jog on the track, your feet and ankles won't feel any strain thanks to the sandy surface.

The Bay Trail

Enjoy the beautiful Mornington Peninsula when you run, walk, or ride your bike around this 17-kilometer route. Anthony's Nose is the starting point of the loop, and it's located between Dromana and Rosebud. From there, you can explore the coastal communities until you reach Sorrento. Visit the White Cliffs of Rye and the Coleman Park in Rosebud. You can finish off the trail segments at your own pace.

Dandenong Creek Trail

Dandenong Valley Wetlands, Jells Park, and Melbourne's suburbs are all connected via the Dandenong Creek Trail. When you get to the junctions of major roads and bike paths, you might as well be riding an obstacle course. And who doesn't enjoy a good challenge when coupled with stunning natural surroundings? There are multiple trailheads and exits, and well-marked signs will help you find your way to other cycling routes.

Coburg Lake Reserve

Do a full workout, but not in your regular facility. The Coburg Lake Reserve is equipped with several outdoor exercise machines and jogging paths for its visitors. Workout on the cross-trainer or rowing machine as the kids play in the playgrounds. Walk leisurely in the park after barbecuing a healthy snack.

Maribyrnong River Trail

The Maribyrnong River Trail offers breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to exercise at your own speed. You can ride your bike, walk, or run on the track. Whether you're up for the full 28-kilometer circuit that begins at Southbank or a shorter loop around the park, you won't be disappointed.

Burnley Bouldering Wall

For a change of pace, visit the free Burnley Bouldering Wall and give your hands and feet a workout. Rock climbing of the "bouldering" variety, when climbers do not venture very high off the ground, is taxing on both the mind and the body.

In Richmond, beneath the Monash Freeway, you'll find three manmade rock climbing walls of varying difficulty. There is no need to have any prior climbing experience to attempt this route. It's important to remember to wear comfortable training attire and to remember to follow the colours to make it across the wall.

The Mo Moran Outdoor Reserve Gym

The Mo Moran Reserve Open-air Gym is a great place to go for free outdoor workout events with friends or family. You can take your family for a relaxing day at the beach after enjoying the facilities, where you can play in the sand and go for a leisurely paddle. Then, take a stroll over to Jerry's Milk Bar for a bite to eat with your pals or family.

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For a women-only boot camp in Melbourne, go no further than Fawkner Park in South Yarra. Each of the outdoor fitness Melbourne groups is unique. You can expect to break a sweat from the combination of circuit training, boxing, and cardiovascular exercise aimed at your abs, thighs, and buttocks. You should stop by the posh Bench Coffee for a cup of coffee after your morning workout.

Fitstyler

Starting in the Edingburgh Gardens, you can choose a variety of routes to go to get in your daily workout. Classes can be designed for any size of group, from mothers and their infants to employees of a large corporation or simply individuals. They are experts at the boot camp method of working out at the gym. You and your workout partner can get brunch or a cup of tea at Tin Pot Cafe, located just a short stroll from the gardens.

Merri Creek Trail

Many of Melbourne's neighbourhoods are linked by the Merri Creek Trail, making it easy to get exercise or connect with others while enjoying the outdoors on a bike, jog, or dog walk. Those travelling south can stop by Cam's Kiosk in the Abbotsford Convent for a cup of coffee and a chance to catch up with friends.

Cheap Health And Fitness In Melbourne

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Running Clubs

Running is a great way to see the city sights. If you enjoy getting psyched up with other runners, you should consider joining a local running club. All levels of runners are welcome at many of these events, and some just demand a small annual fee to participate. Two of our favourites are the Gunn Runners, who hit the Albert Park Lake track every Tuesday, and the Crosbie Crew, who hit the Tan every week for an annual membership fee of $60. You don't need to be a member to join the Gunn running group, but you should bring $5 for a drink afterwards.

Community Workouts

Free Zumba and other fitness courses are provided by the Melbourne Healthy Lifestyle group. Getting started is easy; just sign up to reserve your slot, dress for exercise (bundle up, it gets cold in Melbourne), and bring a bottle of water. You may purchase a muscle recovery drink and hang out with the crew for only $5 after the workout.

Princes Park

Princes Park, located to the north of the central business district, is a fantastic place to get in some exercise, which is probably why the Carlton football club calls it home. A 3.2 kilometre running track circles the park, and cyclists can use the adjacent cycleway. There are also outdoor gyms available for those who want to work up a sweat in the fresh air. So, bring a ball and watch the players during training by playing an impromptu game.

The historic Princes and Royal Parks are located adjacent to one another about 4 kilometres north of Melbourne's central business district and are used by sporting clubs, casual runners, and tennis players for both recreational and competitive purposes. Get away from the office over lunchtime without going too far, and see if you can spy any sports legends.

Jessica Dewar Yoga

While you can practise yoga in your pyjamas, it's still a pretty pricey sport. Jessica Dewar, a yoga instructor, had a vision to make the practise available to everyone, despite the high cost of studio classes. Her yoga studio allows students to pay what they think the courses are worth, making them accessible to people of all income levels . It's up to you whether or not you make the advised donations.

St Kilda Foreshore

Certainly, we're aware that Melbourne's beaches don't get any swell. But if you're worried about being crushed by giant waves when swimming in the ocean, that's probably for the best. Of course, you could always join a gym that has a pool, but if you're trying to save money, you might as well simply put on your swimmers and enjoy a dip in the water the way nature intended.

Top Destinations For Park Workouts In Melbourne

Oldis Gardens, Northcote

Oldis Gardens, a neighbourhood landmark in Northcote, is a great area to get in a good workout. The park is conveniently located in the city, but it still provides plenty of open space for any workouts you have in mind. A prominent wooden playground with a sturdy structure lies nearby, allowing for the incorporation of unconventional exercise methods. Due to the well-maintained trees and creek, this area is ideal for an outdoor workout in Melbourne, especially on hot days. Several subway and bus lines provide convenient access to the park for those who aren't able to walk there.

Princes Park, Carlton

Open fields are great for more high-intensity workouts, and the well-kept grass makes spending time there a pleasure. Similar to Oldis Gardens, this park also features a robust playground perfect for working out, but the expansive greenery is what really draws people here. There is a positive vibe, and many of people work out there, so it's likely that you'll run into some familiar faces as you go about your day. The park's open layout ensures that on a sunny day, you'll get enough of natural light to make you feel better while you work out and to provide you with essential vitamin D. Also, the nearby Ikon Park stadium may serve as a source of motivation.

Queens Park, Moonee Ponds

Due to the lush greenery and winding paths, this area may easily be mistaken for a setting in the film Jurassic Park. The park is a wonderful area to get some fresh air and exercise away from the city's hectic pace. Queens Park is home to a cafe where you may rest and replenish with a beverage after your workout. A public outdoor pool is open to the public from 9 am to 7 pm on weekends and from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays. When you first step into this ancient park, your eyes are drawn to the enormous lake in the middle of the park. That means less space to really get your heart rate up, but it also provides a beautiful setting for your workout and keeps things cooler on hotter days. If you want to get your workout in during the warmest parts of the day, the park's large trees will offer you plenty of shade, and the park's two playgrounds will keep your workouts interesting.

Clifton Park, Brunswick West

Clifton Park may be slightly smaller compared to other public places, but it certainly isn't lacking in a wide variety of attractions. For starters, the synthetic public football pitch revives outside activities and team sports that might otherwise be cancelled due to inclement weather. There's also a walking circuit for before and post workout stretches, and a basketball hoop if you want to throw a little hoops into your regimen. Although Clifton Park's large skate park may not be the best place for you to get in a workout, it is perfect for a family outing because everyone can find something they enjoy doing there, from kicking around with friends to running laps.

Beauty Park, Frankston

While you shouldn't get in the water on a crisp winter day, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the waterfront. See the George Pentland Botanic Gardens and the Frankston Waterfront at Beauty Park. It has an activity tracker with three training stations, a playground for the youngsters, and art pieces to admire. Once you're done, stop by the Frankston Farmers' Market for some locally grown produce.

Aberfeldie Park, Moonee Ponds

This expansive green space in Moonee Ponds is perfect for runners, since it features a sizable compacted-earth track that is a welcome change from the city's typical asphalt and concrete surfaces. Along with the paved route, there are also extensive grassy areas that are big enough to host even the largest of group exercises. No interest in racing on a dirt track? In the middle of Aberfeldie Park, you'll find a professional-quality 400-meter athletics track where you may test your speed against the clock. Aberfeldie features public gym equipment that you can utilise to incorporate additional exercises into your routine that might otherwise be difficult to execute in a park workout (and you certainly can here, using the playground).

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Brimbank Park

Located in the heart of the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands and bordering the Horseshoe Farm Bend, Brimbank Park is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Pedal, stroll, or jog through beautiful scenery and feel at one with nature. Canoeing or fishing on the Maribyrnong River is a great way to put your stamina and coordination to the test. You can either take the Maribyrnong River route into the city, or the 4.3-kilometer loop around the park's outside.

Albert Park Lake

The 1000 Steps could be too challenging for you. There is a lengthy, beautiful, and mountain-free walking path in Albert Park. The lake's five-kilometer circumference walkway is fully flat and easy to walk. It's perfectly safe for running or walking on. You may get your workout in with the absolute minimum of equipment at one of the two outdoor stations.

Kick around a football, have a picnic with the family, or let the youngsters burn off some energy at the park's playground. On the 5-kilometer loop around the lake, you can sail or row while keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife. The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix are two of the many free attractions in Albert Park.

Albert Park's glistening lake is home to a broad range of fauna and flora, providing sightseers with a wealth of information as they stroll about the park. The area is home to a wide variety of avian life, including black swans, ducks, and coots.

Conclusion

Melbourne has so much to offer, why waste time on the treadmill? Instead, take advantage of the wide variety of parks and trails in Melbourne to achieve your fitness goals. The walking tracks in many parks are often equipped with simple workout equipment, so that you may work on your fitness while getting some fresh air. Listed here are a few of Melbourne's top free gyms, as well as some of the city's best outdoor fitness spots. The Capital City Trail is a 29-kilometre bike ride along the Yarra River that will get you to Melbourne's major attractions in under four hours.

The Royal Botanic Gardens' Tan Track is a famous running and walking route that winds through the middle of Melbourne. The Coburg Lake Reserve has outdoor exercise machines and jogging paths for its visitors.

Content Summary:

  • Regardless of the weather, you can always find an outdoor fitness spot in Melbourne.
  • It is possible to become in shape without spending money on a gym membership.
  • Take advantage of one of Melbourne's many public gyms, health centres, or running clubs instead.
  • Getting some physical activity is easy and doesn't cost anything if you just go outside.
  • Listed here are a few of Melbourne's top free gyms.
  • When there is so much to see, why waste time running on the treadmill?
  • Instead, take advantage of the wide variety of parks and trails in Melbourne to achieve your fitness goals.
  • The walking tracks in many parks are often equipped with simple workout equipment, so that you may work on your fitness while getting some fresh air.
  • These are not for the weak of heart.
  • One Tree Hill, part of the Dandenong Ranges, is 2.8 kilometres and 1000 steps up and is part of the Kokoda Track Memorial Trail.
  • Don't forget your water bottle and sturdy jogging or trekking shoes.
  • Bring a stopwatch and try to beat your time every weekend.
  • The breathtaking panorama from the peak made it a popular destination for Victorians.
  • Fitness enthusiasts and everyday walkers alike flock to Ferntree Gully's 1000 Steps for a stimulating and taxing workout.
  • The forest setting of the Steps is lovely, but don't expect a leisurely stroll.
  • You'll need to put in some work and effort to reach the pinnacle, so dress accordingly.
  • Trail Biking the Capital City Trail will get you to Melbourne's major attractions in under four hours.
  • The route stays on the former Inner Circle Railway and Yarra River for its entire 29 kilometres.
  • You can ride your bike all the way from Southbank to Docklands, taking in sights like the Polly Woodside Museum along the route.
  • It's a simple loop that combines sightseeing with some exercise.
  • The 'tan' The favourite of everyone from secretaries to professional athletes.
  • The 3.8-kilometer route winds through the middle of Melbourne, passing via King's Domain and the Botanic Gardens.
  • Do you mean business?
  • Time trials are held by the Victorian Road Runners at 7.30 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month.
  • The Tan Track is a famous running and walking route that goes around the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.
  • South Yarra's almost four-kilometer-long circuit is equipped with kilometer markers and water fountains for convenience.
  • If you decide to run or jog on the track, your feet and ankles won't feel any strain thanks to the sandy surface.
  • Enjoy the beautiful Mornington Peninsula when you run, walk, or ride your bike around this 17-kilometer route.
  • Anthony's Nose is the starting point of the loop, and it's located between Dromana and Rosebud.
  • From there, you can explore the coastal communities until you reach Sorrento.
  • Dandenong Valley Wetlands, Jells Park, and Melbourne's suburbs are all connected via the Dandenong Creek Trail.
  • When you get to the junctions of major roads and bike paths, you might as well be riding an obstacle course.
  • And who doesn't enjoy a good challenge when coupled with stunning natural surroundings?
  • There are multiple trailheads and exits, and well-marked signs will help you find your way to other cycling routes.
  • Do a full workout, but not in your regular facility.

 

FAQs About Outdoor Exercise

Studies have shown that physical activity outdoors lowers blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, exercise outdoors feels less strenuous than similar exercise indoors, which, in turn, pushes you closer to your maximum performance.

Outdoor fitness can be a structured exercise program that takes advantage of natural terrain to get you in shape, or it can be as simple as a brisk walk around the block.

The weather can be unpredictable, and it may cause you to discontinue your workout routine. For example, working out during summer may lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration, and doing it during winter may give you hypothermia.

Studies show that exercising in natural environments can positively affect self-esteem and improve mood. The effect is especially noticed in people with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Exercising around water may be optimal, but any natural environment is beneficial.

Your bones and blood cells need a lot of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for them to be healthy. Working out under the sunlight helps your body to absorb these minerals seamlessly. Also, getting 5-15 minutes of sun at least once every two days gives your body all the Vitamin D it needs.

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