Fitness in Cape Town

Along with the outdoor lifestyle expats so enjoy in Cape Town, comes abundant exercise and fitness opportunities. Living between a mountain and a sea means that hiking, trail running and rock-climbing are minutes away from the city centre, as are the various water sports connected with the nearby ocean. Locals may grumble about the weather, which is windy through much of summer, and wet over winter, but in reality Cape Town’s weather allows for year-round fitness pursuits.

 

There are two main gym brands operating in the city: Virgin Active and Planet Fitness. Virgin has flagship branches at Claremont, Greenpoint and Constantia with gym and weights gear complimented by swimming pool, spa facilities, varied classes such as spinning and boxercise, and healthy eateries to enjoy after the workout. See www.virginactive.co.za and www.momentum.co.za for more information. A recent niche entrant is the women’s only Curves gym, with several branches across the city. See www.curves.com for details. In general, gym memberships cost from R250 per month, although many people join through their medical aid membership, in which case there is an initial gym joining fee and thereafter attendance is free.

 

The Cape’s roads are popular with cyclists despite the fact that there are no cycle lanes and plenty of unlicensed drivers. On weekends the scenic drives are dotted with riders, especially along Chapman’s Peak and around the Winelands. The best way to find a group is to join Pedalpower (www.pedalpower.co.za) – the cycle advocacy group - and source a local club from their website, or  to visit a local bike shop, of which there are many. The biggest chain is Cyclelab (www.cyclelab.co.za) with cycle emporia at Canalwalk and Westlake in Tokai. Mountain bikers have plenty of options, with good routes on Table Mountain and lots of downhill in Tokai, not to mention countless routes in the mountains of the Winelands. See www.thehubsa.co.za for more information.

 

Martial arts can be an ideal integrative exercise with practical benefits like crime-fighting abilities and fabulous abs. Three of the most popular schools teach Aikido (www.aikikai.co.za), Jijitusu (www.graciejiujitsu.co.za), and Kung Fu (www.cmahc.co.za).

 

 

There are many yoga studios in the city bowl, and standards of instruction are high. From classical styles like Bikram to Ashtanga, to contemporary Power Yoga; from one-on-one teaching to large classes, you’ll find an instructor willing to bend over backwards for you. Check out www.yogazone.co.za, www.anandakutir.org.za and www.cityrock.co.za/yoga.php

 

 

A popular option for those needing external motivation to stay fit is Bootcamp, which puts its members through a vigorous fitness program in a conscript-like military environment that is both highly effective and inexplicably popular. www.adventurebootcamp.co.za

 

 

Squash is a popular sport in Cape Town, with competitive league play in the winter months. For a full listing of clubs including contact details visit http://www.wpsquash.co.za/clubs/clublist.htm

Tennis clubs are similarly plentiful. Contact Western Province tennis for details: www.wptennis.co.za