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Founded in 2014 by the United Nations, June 21 is recognized as International Day of Yoga. The day was originally proposed by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and endorsed by a record 175 member states, according to the United Nations.
This year’s theme is “Yoga for humanity,” which the UN notes highlights the way “people around the world embraced yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression during the pandemic.”
While yoga has its own internationally-marked day, it is not the only way to work out. All around Connecticut, there are a host of free yoga and workout classes that novices and seasoned professionals alike can participate in.
Several gyms, libraries and community centers across the Nutmeg State regularly offer guests a free yoga session, Zumba class or self-defense class. These free sessions can be a useful way to combat rising costs without maintaining a gym membership.
From yoga to Zumba, here are 20 free exercise programs across Connecticut:
Yoga in Our City
All across CT
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Yoga In Our City hosts free yoga classes every week in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Willimantic and New London until October, according to its event calendar.
Milford celebrates International Yoga Day
Milford
A yoga class is lead by Walkabout Yoga in Milford, during Family Fitness Day on Paradise Green in Stratford, Conn.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
Fitness classes in Latham Park
Stamford
Chelsea Piers Connecticut Personal Trainer Zack Fado leads a session of Bootcamp with Chelsea Piers as part of Stamford Downtown Fitness in the Park Summer Series at Latham Park in Stamford, Conn., on Thursday May 20, 2021. The program, which runs through August 29, is intended to engage the Downtown community by making Latham Park a destination for everyone including those seeking fun, friendly exercise.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
A variety of outdoor fitness classes are held in Latham Park until Sept. 25. The lineup includes:
- Boot camp on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
- Bollyfitness on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
- Yoga on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
- Zumba on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
- Power workout at 9 a.m.
Classes at the Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport
Elizabeth Hartstein, of Bridgeport, takes part in a free yoga class at McLevy Green in Bridgeport, Conn., on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media
The Bridgeport Public Library hosts free yoga classes every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at North Bridgeport branch, Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at East Side branch and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Black Rock branch, according to its website.
The North Branch of the library also hosts free Zumba classes every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
WHY in the Parks
West Hartford
West Hartford Yoga / Contributed photo
Starting on June 22, West Hartford Yoga will hold free yoga classes in the parks in West Hartford, according to its website. The classes aim to teach guests yoga postures, breath work and meditation.
Evolve Yoga on the Boardwalk
Stamford
Shannon Carlin of Bridgeport, along with 50 yoga enthusiasts participate in the 5th annual Yoga Jam 2017 at Harbor Point Boardwalk on Friday, July 21, 2017 in Stamford, Connecticut. The event was co-sponsored by lululemon Greenwich and Exhale Spa, where Carlin is an instrutor.
Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media
Participants can “reenergize, build strength and achieve a state of serenity and awareness” with this free yoga class, according to its Eventbrite description.
The class is held at 1 Harbor Point Road on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Guided Meditation Classes
Hartford
Rita Brown meditates at the beginning of class.Sahaja Yoga is an effortless and spontaneous method of meditation. It reduces stress, and increases our mental, emotional and physical health.(Photo by Cliff Grassmick/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)
MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Ca/MediaNews Group via Getty Images
These free weekly “Sahaja Yoga” meditation classes aim to help guests achieve “peace, balance, joy, overcome stress, transform and meet other seekers,” according to its listing on Meetup.
Mill River Park Fit Club
Stamford
Matthew Brown/Hearst Connecticut Media
The fitness club hosts various classes every week, including yoga, Zumba and bollyfit, according to its event calender.
Club Kung Fu Women’s Self Defense
Stamford
Traditional Tae Kwon Do performers Ritaj Saleh, left, 13, Clara Bonomo, center, 13, and Lujine Saleh, 10, stretch out before performing at the Lunar New Year celebration at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, Conn. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. Presented in partnership with Traditional Martial Arts and Club Kung Fu, the event celebrated the Year of the Tiger with activities including a Chinese acrobatic performance and Tae Kwon Do and Wing Tsun Martial Arts demonstrations.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media
This club aims to teach women self-defense skills. The club hosts free classes on the third Thursday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on 1016 Hope St., according to its Eventbrite page.
IronStrength Workout with Dr. Metzl at Chelsea Piers
Stamford
Hospital for Special Surgery sports physician Jordan Metzl gives opening remarks prior to Sunday’s HSS 2019 Greenwich Cup Triathlon at Greenwich Point.
David Fierro /Hearst Connecticut Media
Sports medicine physician, author and fitness instructor Dr. Jordan Metzl will be hosting a boot camp workout on July 28 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chelsea Piers. The event is limited to 600 people, according to its Eventbrite page.
Personal Euphoria fitness and pilates classes
Wethersfield
Personal Euphoria offers two free classes every year, which are usually on the third and fourth week of July at 8 a.m. on the Broad Street Green, according to its website.
RiverZumba
Hartford
Downtown Hartford from across Connecticut River
Through the Lens/Getty Images
Hartford Sweat will be leading a free Zumba class from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza on June 23, according to Riverfront.org.
Lululemon New Haven Run Club
New Haven
Lululemon in New Haven
Google Maps
The club invites guests to connect with runners and exercise every Thursday at 4:30 p.m., according to its Eventbrite listing.