Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$0-30
Categories:
Date Idea, Good for Groups, Meetup, Outside, Photoworthy, Sports & Active Life
Start fresh and kick off 2025 feeling rejuvenated with over 30 healthy and cheap things to do around Boston. Whether you’re looking for places to buy fresh fruits and veggies, classes to break a sweat, or a supportive community to achieve your health goals, we’ve got the list of how you can feel stronger in your body on a budget this year.
By Yelena Nicolle Salvador
HEALTHY EATS & DRINKS:
1) Verbena Beverage Co: Dry January Pop-Up
When: Sat. 1/18
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy this pop-up where you can discover everything about zero-proof bartending. Match fruity with herbal flavors, sample botanical infusions, and meet some new friends. There will be expert guides to walk you through how to make fun recipes you can try at home.
2) DRAY’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Class
When: Sun. 1/19
Where: South End
Cost: $10
Info: Learn how to make tasty mocktails at an NA Cocktail Class led by mixologist, Kevvnationn. You’ll learn the ins and outs of how to create balanced flavors and fun combos to make your drinks next level delicious. Plus, you’ll be able to taste some of DRAY’s fun NA bevs on hand.
3) Roslindale Winter Farmers Market
When: Every Sunday
Where: Roslindale
Cost: Free
Info: Whip up a new dish and support local businesses by shopping at this local farmers market. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat or some fresh ingredients, you’ll be able to find what you need at this market.
4) Somerville Winter Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday
Where: Somerville
Cost: Free
Info: Put on your chef’s hat and get inspired to make something fun in the kitchen. Find locally grown and regionally produced foods, fresh produce, and other ingredients at this market in the Center for Arts at the Armory, so you can make your favorite meal.
5) East Boston Winter/Spring Farmers Market
When: Every third Wednesday of the month
Where: Eastie
Cost: Free
Info: Ready to try out that exciting recipe? You can find seasonal and local produce, meat and eggs, cheese and honey, and other hearty ingredients at East Boston’s winter market. Find what you need and get cooking.
STRENGTH CLASSES:
6) Two-Class Dragon Boat Strength & Conditioning
When: Every Sunday
Where: Cambridge
Cost: $20
Info: During the winter, the Boston 1 Dragon Boat Team hosts weekly strength and conditioning classes to prepare for their summer season. Join this group of motivated individuals who will cheer you on. All are welcome.
7) All Level Pilates at the Dance Complex
When: Every Sunday
Where: Cambridge
Cost: $15
Info: Strengthen your body, flexibility, and balance with this guided all-level pilates class. You’ll be able to practice mindfulness as you push your body to adapt and master new movements.
8) Strength and Balance Classes
When: Every Monday
Where: Eastie
Cost: Free
Info: As part of the Boston Winter Fitness Series, you can enjoy weekly strength and balance training where you can work on hand-eye coordination and build muscle using light weights and exercise balls. Music and light meditation will also be part of class.
When: Every Monday
Where: Somerville
Cost: $15
Info: Try out Capoeira, a Brazilian mixed martial artform that combines dance, music, and martial arts. Reduce your stress, connect with your body, and enjoy this fun activity to push your body’s limits.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Brighton
Cost: Free
Info: This low-impact workout class is part of the Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series. You can strengthen your overall health with gentle cardio, light strength training, and other exercises that promote flexibility and balance.
DANCE & CARDIO CLASSES:
When: Wed. 1/15
Where: East Cambridge
Cost: $10
Info: Learn how to bachata and express your emotions through movement. You’ll be able to break a sweat as you enjoy music by DJ Ascends and sway your hips to the beat.
12) Zumba Classes
When: Every Monday
Where: Mattapan
Cost: Free
Info: Let the rhythm take over and have fun at this Boston Parks Winter Fitness Zumba class. You’ll be having a great workout without realizing it at this weekly dance party to kick off your week.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Hyde Park
Cost: Free
Info: Master new moves while breaking a sweat at this Boston Parks Winter Fitness class. You’ll learn new dances apart from the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle, so you can show off your skills at your next social gathering.
When: Every Friday
Where: Roslindale
Cost: Free
Info: This Boston Parks Winter Fitness class will keep you moving to Latin Fusion beats. At this full-body workout, you’ll be combining dance, pilates, and mini circuits to get your heart pumping and strengthen your endurance.
15) Boston Swing Central - Friday Dance
When: Every Friday
Where: Cambridge
Cost: $20
Info: Get swingin’ at this weekly dance party where you can learn the basics of swing dancing. Meet new friends, master some new moves on the dance floor, and enjoy a live band or DJ at this meet up.
16) Adult Dodgeball
When: Every second Saturday of the month
Where: Cambridge
Cost: $20
Info: Relive your elementary school days and get ready to play your favorite gym activity: dodgeball. Run around, throw some balls, and make sure you don’t get out to be the dodgeball winner.
MINDFULNESS & YOGA:
17) CanalSide Monthly Mid-Day Wellness
When: Tue. 1/14 at 11:30AM
Where: Cambridge
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy 15-minute sessions of meditation, yoga, and breathwork. Sign up for as many sessions as you’d like and take the time to recharge before you continue with your week.
When: Thu. 1/16 & 1/30
Where: Fenway
Cost: Free
Info: Head to the Fenway Community Center for guided slow flow yoga sessions. You can work on your flexibility and meet your neighbors. All the materials will be provided, so just bring yourself!
19) Winter Wellness
When: Sat. 1/19
Where: Somerville
Cost: $15
Info: Head to Somerville’s Wild Child for an evening of great company, relaxation, and non-alcoholic bevvies. As you sip and chat, your guide, Kerri, will be performing acupuncture, so you can relax. Learn about this holistic practice’s benefits and enjoy a night of healing.
When: Sat. 1/19 & 1/26
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free/$15 ice skating rentals
Info: Whether you’re a pro on the ice or still finding your footing, you can still enjoy this calming ice flow yoga class at the Frog Pond. With simple stretches and movements and a focus on breathwork to calming music, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the Common and the Boston winter with this guided practice.
21) Yoga Flow at BPM with Soma Yoga
When: Thu. 1/23
Where: Downtown
Cost: $15
Info: Unwind from a long week by enjoying this class by a local business at the Boston Public Market. You’ll be able to connect with your body and mind and enjoy a free smoothie from Mother Juice afterwards.
22) Upstairs at Bow: Yoga Saturday Disco
When: Sat. 1/25
Where: Somerville
Cost: $15
Info: Enjoy the all-level yoga glass but make it high-energy. As you savor the greenery at the Upstairs at Bow space, stretch your body under the disco lights and find some joy in your practice with a bumping disco playlist.
23) The Westin’s Morning Yoga Reset
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Back Bay
Cost: $15
Info: Carve out some time in the middle of the week to recenter yourself and relax with guided yoga sessions where you can breathe and stretch. Don’t forget to use the code ‘FIRSTCLASS’ on your first session for a $5 class.
When: Every day
Where: South End
Cost: $25
Info: Take your yoga practice to new heights (literally!). Defy gravity and learn how to practice mindfulness while increasing your flexibility through aerial arts. Make sure to sign up for the SWET intro package where you can get two classes for $30 and learn the basics.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
25) Boston Winter Group Bike Ride
When: Sat. 2/8 & 3/8
Where: Southie & Eastie
Cost: Free
Info: Enjoy the outdoors and explore the neighborhoods of Boston with this community bike ride group. You can bring your own bike or note that you’d like a Bluebike when you register. Pedal it out and then sip on some free hot cocoa afterwards.
26) The November Project: Harvard Stair Workout
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Allston
Cost: Free
Info: 1147 steps to climb. And you don’t have to do it alone. Meet new friends and get your heart pumping at this unique weekly workout where you’ll climb up and down the concrete seats of Harvard Stadium. Check out their hill workouts in Brookline where you can jog, run, or walk up the steep Corey Hill.
27) Hike Quincy Quarries Reservation
When: Daily
Where: Quincy
Cost: Free
Info: Wintertime doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Go for a hike, take in the scenery, or rock climb amongst the giant slabs of granite that was used to make the Bunker Hill Monument.
When: Daily through February
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free
Info: Have fun with the sport of curling. You can enjoy free lane time as long as you reserve a spot. Learn to control your strength and slide the stones to the center of the target to win. If you want to learn the basics, you can book a free lesson too!
29) Outdoor Ice Skating Around Boston
When: Daily through March
Where: Around Boston
Cost: Varies
Info: Fun activities can be workouts too! Enjoy these ice skating rinks around Boston where you can enjoy the outdoors and catch your breath while gliding along the ice in different parts of the city.
WALKING & RUNNING:
When: Every Saturday, starting 2/15
Where: Esplanade
Cost: Free
Info: The Esplanade is beautiful for winter runs too! Coaches from women-led run group, 261 Fearless, will be leading different running groups along the Esplanade. There will be warm-ups, various paces, and a cool-down with this weekly workout.
31) Frost Fit: Wednesday Walks
When: Every Wednesday, starting 2/19
Where: Esplanade
Cost: Free
Info: Get those steps in and savor the views of the Charles in its wintry glory. Learn about the Esplanade’s history, future projects of the park, and other fun facts while enjoying this weekly stroll.
When: Every Thursday & Saturday
Where: Brighton
Cost: Free
Info: Find a great running community with Notch’s Meters for Liters. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned runner, all are welcome at this group. Enjoy 5k or 10k routes and stay for some brews and great company once you finish.
When: Every Saturday
Where: Jamaica Plain
Cost: Free
Info: Take part in this weekly timed run around Jamaica Pond, so you can track your progress. Shoot for your personal best (or take a nice stroll and soak in the scenery) and meet some new friends. Join the group for some coffee and good conversation afterwards to kick off your weekend.
34) 1.5 Run Club
When: Every Saturday
Where: Southie
Cost: Free
Info: On your mark, get set, run through Southie! Practice 5k and 10k routes and then meet new friends for brunch and drinks at Loco.
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Photo by @lauramcgreen (The November Project at Harvard Stadium)
Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 9:30a
Shambhala Boston
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025 6:00p
Boston Area Spanish Exchange (BASE)
Thursday, Jan 23, 2025 7:30p
The Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre
Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 4:30p
Honeybound Meadery