Free exercise classes in Exeter: yoga, fitness, running & more

Looking to get moving without spending a penny? Exeter is packed with free, friendly and feel-good exercise sessions designed to get you active, boost your wellbeing and help you meet new people along the way. Here’s our guide to some of the best free ways to get active in the city.

Freemoovement

Freemoovement is a friendly, welcoming group that runs free circuit-style fitness classes in Exeter’s parks. Sessions are fully inclusive - everyone is welcome, no matter their fitness level.

The weekly sessions are led by qualified volunteers and take place at:

• Cowick Barton Playing Fields (St Thomas) — 6.30pm Monday & Wednesday

• Belmont Park (Newtown) — 6.30pm Tuesday

• West Garth Road — 6.30pm Wednesday & 9.00am Sunday

• Pinhoe Train Station (Health Centre car park) — 6.20pm Wednesday

• Heavitree Pleasure Grounds — 6.30pm Thursday

• St Thomas Pleasure Grounds — 9.00am Saturday

Head to the Freemoovement website for more information. After registering, you’ll get access to the booking form.

Run Talk Run

Run Talk Run Exeter is a weekly 5km gentle jog that’s free to attend and open to all abilities - no one ever gets left behind.

So what’s the “talk” part? This group is first and foremost a peer mental health support group. Before each run, there’s time to meet others and say hello to the leader, who explains the route and reminds everyone that the pace is gentle and there’s no pressure to keep up.

There’s always plenty of chat along the way, and sometimes the group even heads to a pub afterwards for a drink.

Expect a really friendly, warm group of people of all ages. This is not about competition or judgement - it’s about community, support and connection.

Run Talk Run is a global movement, so you can also find groups in other cities. To join, sign up via Heylo and check out their Instagram page @runtalkrunexeter

Inclusive Exeter

Inclusive Exeter CIC works with grassroots groups across Exeter and the surrounding areas to run projects that support people from ethnically diverse communities. This includes a wide range of free physical activities designed to help people make movement a regular part of their routine — supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. All classes are free. 

Women’s Yoga
Held alongside the Drop-In at Southernhay URC Church Hall, Dix’s Field. 
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12.30pm–1.30pm.

Badminton
Every Sunday, 12–2pm at Wonford Sports Centre.

Volleyball
Every week, 6–7.30pm at Riverside Leisure Centre.

Martial Arts
Run by HongKongers in Devon.
Every Saturday, 4.15–5.45pm at Wonford Sports Centre.
Open to anyone aged 6+, with children accompanied by a responsible adult.

You can find out more about these sessions and other amazing projects on their website.