London's cheapest gyms, classes and workouts: Battle the bulge without breaking the bank

You could convince yourself that the high price tag means you’ll have to use it, or you could use common sense and just pay less.

We’ve found five of the city’s best cheap (some free!) workouts.

Best for... the chronically stiff

Though they can be a bit of a self-righteous batch, one thing you’ve got to give yogis is they’re very bendy.

But learning to execute the perfect handstand split can be a pricey business (monthly memberships can exceed £100).

Enter The Special Yoga Centre – they offer the cheapest rates in the city, and use the proceeds to support their charity.

This group is committed to providing yoga therapy to children and youths with special needs. 

Price: £6-12 per class or £90 for 10 classes.

Where: 2a Wrentham Avenue
NW10 3HA. 
specialyoga.org.uk

Best for... future Mo Farahs

Running is free. But motivating? That’s a different story.

Fortunately, some of the city’s best running clubs are completely gratis. Co-eds can congregate at one of several Sweatshop stores dotted throughout London, including Clapham and Fulham, and join in on 5km runs taking place every evening. Novices and experts are equally welcome.

The clubs are manned by two coaches – one for up front, another for the back – and the more you attend, the more free swag you pull.

Sweaty Betty offers a similar, womens-only service, adding Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes to the roster of free offerings.

Price: free

Where: Various locations. 
sweatshop.co.uk/SRCruns.cfm 
sweatybetty.com/clubs-artlclubs

Best for... pumping iron

As gyms go, FitSpace is as unglamorous as it gets.

Pools and classes are out (those perks cost money!) and the interior is best described as utilitarian-chic (just kidding, it’s not chic).

In fact, they pride themselves on having none of the frills of the big names.

But they have all the essentials: dumbbells, treadmills, rowing machines. Best of all, annual membership is dirt cheap.

Price: £13.99 per month or £149 a year.

Where: Islington, 5-7 Hornsey Street, N7 8GA
Woolwich, Unit 1, Macbean Street, SE18 6LW. 
fitspacegyms.co.uk