Free local fitness groups & ideas to get you reinspired
Move your body without touching your wallet.
Updated 20 April 2022
A change of season always brings a renewed sense of self. And if you're anything like us, a renewed sense of 'oh yeah, I haven't done anything about that New Year's resolution yet...' But now is the perfect time to get yourself moving – whatever your fitness level. Here are some completely free groups and classes that will get you off the couch and out into this beautiful city.
parkrun
This free 5km walk/run is perfect for people of all fitness and enthusiasm levels. Run by volunteers, you have the option to time your runs/walks to give you a measurement to improve by. Or you can just go for a beautiful walk with your family.
The Queens Park run is the most popular, held each Saturday from 7am, and people come from all over town to participate. But there is also a parkrun in Middle Ridge/South Toowoomba and Highfields. Register here.
You can then wander over to the Cobb + Co Markets to pick up some fresh produce, or refuel at Burrow.
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Bush Walking & Hikes
We're fans of bush walking here at The Field Guide – it's outdoors, you can hang out with friends, and you can choose something that suits your level (and motivation).
Obviously there's Table Top, a two-hour walk/scramble to one of the best views in the city. But there's also plenty of other options that are more children/dog/lazy friendly. See our round-up here.
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Bikeline social ride
If you've ever been having breakfast at Ortem or Cafe de Velo and wondered why there are so many people in lycra, you can thank (or not thank) the Bikeline Group Ride.
Bikeline regularly hosts social bike rides that are beginner-friendly and take place through some of Toowoomba’s most scenic terrains, including Prince Henry Heights and Mt Peel.
Call Bikeline for more information, or just show up.
There is another social bike club, which leaves from the Toowoomba Art Gallery on Friday and Sunday mornings. Contact the Toowoomba Region Bicycle Users Group Inc. via phone 0402 676 578 or email info@trbug.org.au
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Meditation Classes
Meditation is about making you mentally fit, so we've decided to include it here.
An initiative of the Toowoomba Regional Council's CHANGE Project, these free classes are held several times a week. There is one on Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm (contact Lesleigh on 4633 3701 or email lesyoga@icr.com.au)m and a yoga meditation class at the library on Wednesdays and Saturdays (see more here).
If you're worried you'll be sitting cross-legged on the floor, chanting and humming, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Meditation is simply about sitting comfortably in silence and having control over your mind. A large body of research is finding that people who regularly meditate have an improved focus, reduced anxiety and overall sense of health.
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Crossfit in the park
Every Wednesday afternoon, local personal trainer Zachary Kaddatz hosts a free beginner level Crossfit class in Queens Park. It’s designed for anyone wanting to improve their health and fitness through high intensity functional fitness training methods. Contact Zachary Kaddatz on 0413 713 064 or zachary.kaddatz@hotmail.com
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Walking Groups
There’s a huge range of walking groups you can join for free. The East Creek OPAP Walkers leave from the East Creek Community Centre on Tuesdays at 8.45am (contact Sally-Ann on 4639 2755 or email info@eastcreek.com.au).
The Harlo Walkers leave from the Harlaxton Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesdays at 10.00am (contact Matt on 4639 2868 or email harlaxtonnc@bigpond.com).
The Toowoomba Central Walkers meet at Laurel Bank Park for a 30 minute walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30am (contact Barry on 0497 425 155 or email bm_herrmann@westnet.com.au).
The Toowoomba Hearty Ramblers meet on the corner of Crotty and Hume Streets at 6am each weekday morning (contact Judy on 4635 9059).
The Wilsonton Walkers meet at the Wilsonton Heights Community Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30am for a 60 minute walk (contact Gail on 0451 448 902).
The Fierce Trudge Club is a walking and running group for all abilities and fitness levels. They meet at Fierce Fitness Toowoomba on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.30am (contact Coach Dan on 0429 770 196 or daniellegardiner5@gmail.com).
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Wildlife Warriors Bioquest
Play the world's first mobile game that takes you outdoors to discover, map and ultimately help protect life on our planet – think a nature-based treasure hunt. Your sightings contribute to real research and conservation and it is completely free. This mobile gaming challenge allows competitors to submit sightings of insects, birds, reptiles and other wildlife they encounter and gain points to verse other players.
