Skip to main content

Please wait while we create a summary for this..!

Free & low cost physical activity in manchester

 
Getting health benefits from physical activity is easier than you think, and it does not have to cost an arm and a leg.
 
Doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity is enough to keep you feeling fit and healthy.
 
If the gym is not your thing, there are many free or low-cost activities you can do on your own that can get you in shape.
 
Find something you enjoy that you can easily build into your lifestyle or build on something that's already part of your routine.
 
Here are some options for getting active the cheap and easy way.


There's plenty of ways to get active whilst enjoying the fresh air. Whether it's walking, running or cycling, we have something for you. 

WALKING

Manchester Ramblers - Britain's leading walking charity, celebrating the pleasures of walking and protecting the places people love to walk. Check out the Manchester Ramblers website here.

Go Jauntly - 
Go Jauntly is a walking app that brings you happiness outdoors. Discover walking guides, tours, nature and city trails, create your own routes and share. Take a look at the Go Jauntl page here.

MCRactive- We have also created a dedicated page for walking on the MCRactive website. Containing a comprehensive list of walking apoortunities available to you accross the city. View our dedicated page here.


RUNNING

Park Run: parkruns are free, weekly, timed events organised by local volunteers across various parks. Find one near you and take part! Click here to visit the Park Run page

CYCLING

Let's Ride Local: It's time to get your bike out for British Cycling. Join our mailing list for the upcoming British Cycling events. Take a look at Let's Ride Local website here 

Cycling UK - Cycling UK has around 1000 cycling groups and clubs across the UK offering thousands of rides and events for all abilities. If you are a Cycling UK member can ride with any of their Member Groups. Check out Cycling UK's website by clicking here.

British Cycling offer free guided rides for all, and free Breeze rides for women in the Manchester area:

Guided Rides: https://www.letsride.co.uk/guided-rides
Breeze rides for women: https://www.letsride.co.uk/breeze
 
Other free cycling pportunities from British Cycling can be found here

Note: participants must have a roadworthy bike to participate in the guided rides and Breeze rides.  Some of the other cycling opportunities may have bikes provided. (e.g. the family cycling sessions in Alex Park).
We are working to increase the number of rides in the Manchester area.
 
Free Cycle training:

Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) offer free cycle training in the Greater Manchester area.  The offer includes Learn to Ride (for beginners or those who haven’t ridden for years); Road Rider Ready (to build confidence to cycle in traffic); bike maintenance sessions; bespoke one-to-one sessions (for an area/route of your choice); and bespoke family confidence sessions where you’ll learn to ride as a family group on the road.  

Note: Bikes ARE provided for the Learn to Ride and Road Rider Ready training.

Manchester Learn to Ride and Road Rider Ready sessions are currently being run fortnightly on Saturdays in Alexander Park (Whalley Range). 

Find out more and book your course here
 
 
Joyriders: Manchester Joyriders offer free led rides for women in the Manchester area.  Find the upcoming rides Find the upcoming rides here:

Note: participants must have a roadworthy bike to participate in the Joyrider led rides.


Love to Ride delivers competitions and incentives to encourage people in the Greater Manchester area to ride more. 
Visit the Love to Ride page here

Get Fit for Free - Armed with a bit of get-up-and-go and good planning, you can be fitter than ever without spending a penny. Visit the Get Fit For Free website here.

Active 10 - Did you know that walking briskly, even for one minute, counts as exercise? It's easier than you think to fit into your day with our FREE Active 10 walking tracker app! Take a look at the Active 10 website here


Couch to Fitness - Now you can get active from your own home. Bit by bit, you’ll feel fitter, when you stick to our free 9-week schedule. It’s amazing what a difference it can make! View the Couch To Fitnes website here.

This Mum Runs - This Mum Runs is a mobile, social and in real life community for Mums everywhere - connected through running. We are a global community of more than 100,000 women that run for headspace, for time to ourselves, to meet other Mums, to feel healthier and happier. Click here to visit the This Mum Runs website.


Morrisso Health- A social enterprise business, which aims to support health and well-being across Greater Manchester.

Click here to visit the Morrisso Health website if you'd like to learn more about them or see their available classes below:

TOTALLY SHREDDED - £2.50
Mondays, Lily Lane Junior School, Manchester M40 9JP
 
FATBURN EXTREME - £2.50
Mondays and Thursdays, Lily Lane Junior School, Manchester M40 9JP   
 
DANCERCISE - £2.50
Tuesdays, 70 Booth Hall Road, Manchester, M9 7BL        
             
DANCERCISE - £2.50
Tuesdays, The Chatterbox Project, Blackley, M9 7BL        
   
TOTALLY SHREDDED - £2.50
Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Chatterbox Project, Blackley, M9 7BL
 
BALANCE & FLEXIBILITY – £2.50
Wednesdays, The Chatterbox Project, Blackley, M9 7BL 
        
HIITSTEP - £2.50
Wednesdays, Lily Lane Junior School, Manchester M40 9JP         
        
HIITSTEP - £2.50
Fridays, The Chatterbox Project, Blackley, M9 7BL


Gligan Fitness - Take part in free sessions during the week by Laura Gligan. Click Click here to visit the Gligan Fitness page if you'd like to learn more about them or see their available classes below:

TUESDAY TREKKERS - FREE
Manchester City Football Club, Platt Lane Complex, M14 7UU
 
WEDNESDAY WALKERS - FREE
Mondays, Clayton Old Hall, Manchester M11 4RU
 
THURSDAYS FUN WALK - FREE
The Communications Academy, Platt Lane Complex, M14 7UU


KALMA LIFE - FREE Workshops and Classes. Visit the KALMA LIFE website here.


What's available at MCRactive Facilities?

MONDAY
Active Aqua-Aerobics, Mondays at Manchester Aquatics Centre - £2.20


TUESDAY
Active Aqua-Aerobics, Tuesdays at Manchester Aquatics Centre - £1.10

Watersports Free Session, Tuesdays at Debdale Outdoor Centre – FREE

HIIT Class, Tuesdays at Sugden Sports Centre - £2.90


WEDNESDAY
Core Conditioning at Moss Side Leisure Centre - FREE

Pilates, Wednesdays at Manchester Aquatics Centre - £2.20

Active Aqua-Aerobics, Wednesdays at Manchester Aquatics Centre - £2.20



THURSDAY
Watersports Free Session, Thursdays at Debdale Outdoor Centre – FREE

Legs, Bums and Tums, Thursdays at Belle Vue Leisure Centre – £2.10

Walking Football, Thursdays at The Wythenshawe Forum - £2

Active Aqua Aerobics at Arcadia Leisure Centre - £1.10

FRIDAY
Athletics Track Session, Fridays at the Manchester Regional Arena - £1.40


SATURDAY
Watersports Free Session, Saturdays at Debdale Outdoor Centre – FREE

Legs, Bums and Tums, Saturdays at Arcadia Leisure Centre - FREE


Love Exploring - The Love Exploring app puts the power of discovery in your hands by providing a range of discovery games and guided tours that are fun to do and free to use. You can also use our New Footsteps, New Discoveries featured maps to explore Ancoats & Surrounding areas! 

Green Gyms- We have free park gym facilities in a number of our Parks. Click on a park link to find out some more information. 
Heaton ParkPlant Hill ParkHerristone Road ParkGaskell Street ParkDebdale ParkSmedley Lane Playing FieldsCollyhurst ParkWythenshawe ParkGreenbank ParkGreenbank Playing FieldsBirchfields ParkCavendish Road and Whitworth Park

During any school holidays, Manchester 16 or under's can swim for free during designated public general swim sessions over the school holidays and at weekends during term time, and Manchester 60 or over's can continue to swim for free during any designated public general swim session, anytime.

Free Swimming sessions can be enjoyed at various Manchester Active swimming pools across Manchester. Subject to availability. 

Click here for a list of participating pools.

GET INVOLVED AT THESE LOCATIONS

Activity Name Time Place

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Tuesdays 18:30 - 19:30, 18:30 - 19:30 and 18:30 - 19:30

Next SessionsTuesday 26/09/2023
Tuesday 03/10/2023
Tuesday 10/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Manchester Aquatics Centre,
2 Booth Street East,
Manchester,
Greater Manchester,
M13 9SS

Distance 0.78 Miles Away

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Fridays 12:15 - 13:00 and 12:15 - 13:00

Next SessionsFriday 29/09/2023
Friday 06/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Manchester Aquatics Centre,
2 Booth Street East,
Manchester,
Greater Manchester,
M13 9SS

Distance 0.78 Miles Away

Core Conditioning

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Fridays 16:00 - 16:30 and 16:00 - 16:30

Next SessionsFriday 29/09/2023
Friday 06/10/2023
Minimum Age 16No Maximum Age Specified

Manchester Aquatics Centre,
2 Booth Street East,
Manchester,
Greater Manchester,
M13 9SS

Distance 0.78 Miles Away

Chair Based Exercise

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:00, 10:00 - 11:00 and 10:00 - 11:00
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:30 and 10:30 - 11:30

Next SessionsTuesday 26/09/2023
Wednesday 27/09/2023
Tuesday 03/10/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
Tuesday 10/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Core Conditioning

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Tuesdays 17:15 - 18:00, 17:15 - 18:00 and 17:15 - 18:00

Next SessionsTuesday 26/09/2023
Tuesday 03/10/2023
Tuesday 10/10/2023
Minimum Age 16No Maximum Age Specified

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Mondays 18:45 - 19:30 and 18:45 - 19:30
Wednesdays 18:45 - 19:30 and 18:45 - 19:30

Next SessionsWednesday 27/09/2023
Monday 02/10/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
Monday 09/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Core Conditioning

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Wednesdays 19:30 - 20:15 and 19:30 - 20:15

Next SessionsWednesday 27/09/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
Minimum Age 16No Maximum Age Specified

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Thursdays 19:30 - 20:15 and 19:30 - 20:15
Saturdays 10:15 - 11:00 and 10:15 - 11:00

Next SessionsThursday 28/09/2023
Saturday 30/09/2023
Thursday 05/10/2023
Saturday 07/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Core Conditioning

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Fridays 17:30 - 18:15 and 17:30 - 18:15

Next SessionsFriday 29/09/2023
Friday 06/10/2023
Minimum Age 16No Maximum Age Specified

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Dance Fitness

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Mondays 19:30 - 20:15 and 19:30 - 20:15

Next SessionsMonday 02/10/2023
Monday 09/10/2023
Minimum Age 16No Maximum Age Specified

Moss Side Leisure Centre,
Moss Lane East,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5NN

Distance 1.28 Miles Away

Hideaway Junior Club

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Hideaway
MCRactive PARTNER

Thursdays 16:30 - 18:30, 16:30 - 18:30, 16:30 - 18:30, 16:30 - 18:30, 16:30 - 18:30 and 16:30 - 18:30

Next SessionsThursday 28/09/2023
Thursday 05/10/2023
Thursday 12/10/2023
Thursday 19/10/2023
Thursday 26/10/2023
Thursday 02/11/2023
Minimum Age 8Maximum Age 10

Amani Centre,
Shoreham Close,
Manchester,
Manchester,
M16 7DG

Distance 1.37 Miles Away

Walkin Talkin Mums

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Active For Life
MCRactive PARTNER

Wednesdays 11:30 - 12:30, 11:30 - 12:30 and 11:30 - 12:30

Next SessionsWednesday 27/09/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
Wednesday 11/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Whitworth Park,
Oxford Road,
Manchester,
Manchester,
M14 4PW

Distance 1.48 Miles Away

Thursdays Fun, Walk & Brew

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Gliganfitness Ltd
MCRactive PARTNER

Thursdays 10:15 - 11:30, 10:15 - 11:30, 10:15 - 11:30, 10:15 - 11:30 and 10:15 - 11:30

Next SessionsThursday 28/09/2023
Thursday 05/10/2023
Thursday 19/10/2023
Thursday 26/10/2023
Thursday 02/11/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

180 Russell Street,
Manchester,
M16 7JL

Distance 1.81 Miles Away

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Tuesdays 17:15 - 17:55, 17:15 - 17:55 and 17:15 - 17:55

Next SessionsTuesday 26/09/2023
Tuesday 03/10/2023
Tuesday 10/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Whalley Range Sports Centre,
11-18 Wilbraham Road,
Whalley,
Manchester,
M16 8GW

Distance 1.86 Miles Away

Power Pump

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Wednesdays 18:15 - 18:55 and 18:15 - 18:55

Next SessionsWednesday 27/09/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

Whalley Range Sports Centre,
11-18 Wilbraham Road,
Whalley,
Manchester,
M16 8GW

Distance 1.86 Miles Away

Limitless Velo Tandem

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Thursdays 17:00 - 18:00

Next SessionsThursday 28/09/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

National Cycling Centre,
Stuart Street,
Manchester,
Clayton,
M11 4DQ

Distance 2.05 Miles Away

Sqt B

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Thursdays 18:00 - 20:00 and 18:00 - 20:00

Next SessionsThursday 28/09/2023
Thursday 05/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

National Cycling Centre,
Stuart Street,
Manchester,
Clayton,
M11 4DQ

Distance 2.05 Miles Away

Bmx Gates Coaching

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Mondays 19:00 - 20:00 and 19:00 - 20:00

Next SessionsMonday 02/10/2023
Monday 09/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

National Cycling Centre,
Stuart Street,
Manchester,
Clayton,
M11 4DQ

Distance 2.05 Miles Away

Bmx Progression

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Mondays 20:00 - 21:00 and 20:00 - 21:00
Fridays 18:00 - 19:00 and 18:00 - 19:00
Saturdays 16:00 - 17:00 and 16:00 - 17:00

Next SessionsFriday 29/09/2023
Saturday 30/09/2023
Monday 02/10/2023
Friday 06/10/2023
Saturday 07/10/2023
Monday 09/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

National Cycling Centre,
Stuart Street,
Manchester,
Clayton,
M11 4DQ

Distance 2.05 Miles Away

Velodrome Regular Riders

Next SessionsSession Delivered by Better
MCRactive PARTNER

Mondays 18:00 - 19:00 and 18:00 - 19:00
Tuesdays 09:00 - 10:00, 09:00 - 10:00, 09:00 - 10:00, 12:00 - 13:00, 12:00 - 13:00 and 12:00 - 13:00
Wednesdays 17:00 - 18:00 and 17:00 - 18:00
Fridays 12:00 - 13:00 and 12:00 - 13:00

Next SessionsTuesday 26/09/2023
Wednesday 27/09/2023
Friday 29/09/2023
Monday 02/10/2023
Tuesday 03/10/2023
Wednesday 04/10/2023
Friday 06/10/2023
Monday 09/10/2023
Tuesday 10/10/2023
No age restrictions stipulated

National Cycling Centre,
Stuart Street,
Manchester,
Clayton,
M11 4DQ

Distance 2.05 Miles Away