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Gyms can get expensive, but the good thing is there are so many free activities that will help keep you fit and healthy. The Northern Beaches locals are known as an active bunch and there are plenty of fantastic free spots for you to exercise.

We’ve put together our favourite free workout activities on the Northern Beaches.

Go for a walk or run

Best running and walking routes in Sydney
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Walk or run along some of the best walks and hikes on the Northern Beaches. We have walks for all different fitness levels. Some of our favourite are Manly to Spit, North Head, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Narrabeen Lagoon.  We have put together lists of our favourite coastal and nature walks on the Northern Beaches.

Take the bike for a spin

Where to work out for free on the Northern Beaches
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

If you’ve got a bike, there plenty of cycle tracks and they are more scenic than a spin class. Our cycling trails cover everything from beachfront boardwalks to tranquil lagoons, ensuring you have a great day out.  Read our guide on our top 4 favourite scenic bike trails on the Northern Beaches.

Ocean Swimming

Best places to swim and snorkel in Sydney
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

We are lucky to have beautiful snorkelling areas on the Northern Beaches. Here you can spend hours diving deep and meeting the local marine life. Dive into our six favourite snorkelling spots on the Northern Beaches.

If you like to swim with a group, there is a local group in Manly called the Bold and the Beautiful. They meet at the Manly Surf Club every morning to swim 750m each way from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach. The members of the group wear bright pink swimming caps, so they are easy to spot.

Please note each swimmer has a personal responsibility to decide whether or not they swim on any particular day

Do laps in one of our Ocean Rockpools

Where to work out for free on the Northern Beaches
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Do you enjoy doing laps? We are lucky to have 15 beautiful ocean pools on the Northern Beaches and the best thing is they are all free! They all range in size and our favourite lap pools are Freshwater, North Narrabeen and Queenscliff. There are so many of pools to choose from and we recommend you do your research before you jump into the deep end. Read our guide on the rockpools on the Northern Beaches.

Surfing

Where to work out for free on the Northern Beaches
Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Surfing is what we are well known for and there are so many great surf breaks to choose from. Bring your own board and wetsuit or if you don’t have your own gear or you are a learner, you can get a little bit of help from Manly Surf School.

Outdoor Exercise areas

Where to work out for free on the Northern Beaches

Are gym memberships getting pricey? Why not use one of the Northern Beaches free outdoor exercise areas. There are 10 in total spread across the beaches and you can check their locations on the Northern Beaches Council website. Each area has varied equipment for exercises such as push/pull ups, sit ups, arm combos, leg press, shoulder press and even step machines.