Spring has arrived, energy levels are soaring and you’re thinking of taking up some sport? We’ve all been there… motivation is high at the beginning, the first 2 or 3 weeks are great, and then you give up. Sometimes joining a sports centre is the solution since many of them propose fun activities. But perhaps is too expensive, or perhaps you’re not staying long enough in Barcelona for it to be worth your while.
Running is a perfect sport that can be done alone, or with others, anywhere! The only requirements is motivation and a good pair of shoes. Here are a couple of running clubs that you could join up with for a session or two… plus something completely different!
Nike + Run Club
Fit Fitness Centre have partnered with Nike to bring you weekly sessions of beachside running with Nike+ Run Club every Tuesday at 7.45pm. Put on your sports clothes and meet them at BLISS Spa, behind the W Hotel. Nacho Cáceres, a world-class athlete and Nike Training Coach, will guide you during the session and help you to make progress.
Sessions are free for everyone. Hotel guests don’t have to sign up whereas non hotel guests have to reserve their space. Both men and women are welcome to join these sessions.
Nike + Training Club
If running isn’t enough, Training Club sessions are organised every Thursday at 7.45pm to develop efficiency and to focus on building flexibility and fluency. The sign up system is the same but only women are invited to join the sessions.
These two sessions are organised every week whereas more running sessions are now held throughout the week, on Saturdays or Wednesdays. More info on the Nike website.
A lot of different clubs organise sessions on the beach which are a nice way to do some sport as part of a group, outside and by the sea. It is also a way to meet new people and motivate each other.
Barcelona Casual Runners
There are other free options for doing sports in good company; one of these is Barcelona Casual Runners. Since starting up in 2009, they have been arranging at least one session per week. You’ll find their specific meet-up times and locations on their website. They totally encourage people to come along and run for as long as they can. This is a good way to push yourself and improve very quickly.
More and more groups like Barcelona Casual Runners are appearing around the world. Keep a look out for one and start training wherever you are!
However, I would recommend you to practise a bit independently before joining. You will appreciate it much more and will really see the results if you go there with a bit more confidence.
Sup Pilates and Yoga
If you’re not keen on running and prefer activities like Pilates and Yoga, the W Hotel also brings them to you – on Stand Up Paddle boards. The cost per class is €20. The results seem to be worth the price, but we’ll let you choose what’s best for you with all the options above.
If you’re interested, classes started on 30 April. For more information call Pilates Sup & Beach at +34 660 780 466.
Even though in many ways cities are not a good place to run, with all the concrete, traffic, pollution and so on, there are plenty of opportunities to train in Barcelona, which offers an ideal setting for runners and the general sporting community. There is even a street workout park in Barceloneta Beach. You will have no excuse to train this time!
