Bored with your usual workout routine? Try something new by attending a free outdoor class. All on the options on this list are open to participants of any ability level and most welcome drop-ins. Bonus: Most take place in spots with nearby shopping and restaurants. In addition to these summer specials, check your nearest library’s event calendar. Many offer free, year-round yoga classes.
Fit @ Met
Fill your Stanley and get ready to sweat at this back-by-popular-demand fitness series. Nab a spot at Metropolitan Park in National Landing on Wednesdays this month from 8-9 a.m. and aim high with Potomac Kempo’s Cardio Kick class (May 15), build core strength with Mind Your Body Oasis’s Pilates session (May 22) and hit all the muscle groups with Hustle DC (May 29). All classes are free, and participants in need of a caffeine fix can get 10% off their order at Commonwealth Joe afterward. // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
The Quintessential Loop Ride
Meet up with fellow cyclists at Conte’s Bike Shop at 5 p.m. on Mondays through June 3 for a 90-minute, 16-mile circuit along the Custis and Mount Vernon trails with views of D.C. from this side of the Potomac. The ride is free and open to cyclists of all abilities (the website says the average speed is 14 mph). All participants must have lights. // 1350 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Lululemon Summer Series
Through Sept. 23, find curated fitness events at Mosaic District. Check the schedule for specifics, but plan to sweat it out to classes from BASH Boxing and stay on your toes for high-intensity interval training. Don’t forget a water bottle and towel. // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Fitness Series at The Boro
Think of the green space at this mixed-used development in Tysons as your gym this summer. Every other Monday from 6-7 p.m. through Sept. 23, Barre Unbound founder Briana Milton will lead a low-impact, full-body “Barre in the Wild” workout that combines traditional ballet barre moves with strength training. Get your groove on every other Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. through Sept. 24 during a Zumba sesh hosted by OneLife Fitness. Find balance with yogi Julia Solomon every other Wednesday through Sept. 18 from 6-6:45 p.m., and head back every other Saturday through Sept. 21 from 9-10 a.m. for bodyweight boot camp with Outrun Gravity instructors. // 8350 Broad St., McLean
Fitness on The Plaza at Mason Square
This “active and engaging space for the [George Mason University] community and all who visit” will offer free weekly hourlong classes designed to get you moving all summer. Move with intention during tai chi sessions on Mondays at 4:30; split your time between strength training and stretching during SPENGA‘s Rep & Revive on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; go zen with Mind the Mat instructors during outdoor yoga on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.,; and sashay into the weekend with Zumba Power Hour on Fridays at 5:30. Classes run June 3-Aug. 9. // Mason Square Plaza, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Muscle Conditioning
Arlington’s Parks and Rec department offers this 45-minute bodyweight class for adults three times a week at various locations. Get pumped on Mondays at 12:15 p.m.at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center courts (3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington), on Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m. at Lubber Run Community Center (300 N. Park Drive, Arlington) and Thursdays at Thomas Jefferson Community Center plaza at 5:30 p.m.
DC Capital Striders Running Group
Put your best foot forward with this all-abilities organization. On Mondays at 6 p.m., meet at Cherrydale United Methodist Church (3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington) to pound out a mix of road and trail. Pace and distance depend on the abilities of those in attendance each week. This event is ongoing, but check the Facebook page for reschedules and cancelations.