For folks on a budget, it can be difficult to find a cheap way to work up a sweat. Gym memberships and fitness class cards can cost upwards of $100 per month, and midwinter morning runs are not for the faint of heart. So how can anyone exercise without breaking the bank? Read on to discover a range of budget-friendly exercise options for less than $10 per class.

Yoga 

Looking to get your “om” on? We’ve got good news: There’s a plethora of donation-based yoga studios in all four corners of Portland. Northeast Alberta's Full Lotus, for example, is situated inside tropical Carioca Bowls, making it easier than ever to score a perfect post-workout meal. At downtown’s Yoga on Yamhill, the suggested donation is $8 –12, but you won’t be turned away if you can’t pay. And The People’s Yoga, which boasts four locations across the city, offers unlimited monthly classes for $65, plus scholarships for low-income yogis.

Looking for more? This Free Yoga Meetup calendar (arguably one of Portland yoga’s best kept secrets) lists more than a dozen free classes each week.

Running

You can always lace up your Nikes and go for a jog alone, but if you need that group motivation (or seek safety in numbers), check out one of the free running clubs around Portland. The Portland Running Company offers weekly runs in a variety of lengths and locations, including Thursday night runs that finish with a free beer. 

Got children? See Mommy Run has a bunch of different groups throughout the Portland area. After all, it can be difficult to find time to work out when you have children, but running with like-minded ladies can help.

Hiking

Speaking of parents, Portland-based Hike It Baby allows families to meet up and tackle the trails together, with treks scheduled virtually every day of the week. The nonprofit’s website offers resources for folks to connect and find age-appropriate hikes, all for a $10 annual fee. 

Biking

Biking isn't just the best way to beat traffic on your morning commute—you can also bike for fun and fitness. Head here to find a list of free events hosted by BikePortland. The group offers a variety of cycling clubs to suit your needs, including the women-only Bikin’ Betties, who meet on Monday nights. 

Gyms 

If you’re looking for a way to work out in your own time, look no further. While boutique fitness clubs can be costly, you can purchase a membership with Planet Fitness for only $10 per month. (The cheap membership isn’t transferrable to all Planet Fitness gyms, so you’ll need to pick from among the Hillsboro, Beaverton, Vancouver, and Southeast 182nd locations.)

Tai Chi

Interested in practicing the Chinese art of Tai Chi? The Confucius Institute at Portland State University has you covered. Every Saturday, you can join PSU students punch for an hour of mindful movement. Advanced registration is recommended.