Finding a balance between work and play is important. Our blogger Lisa says that staying active is her favourite way to switch off and get out of the house. Read on to learn more about how to stay fit and healthy in Amsterdam and Lisa's tips on finding a good workout on a student friendly budget.
As a student it’s easy to lose yourself in your studies, to work long hours in the library or stay glued to your laptop at home. In these moments it’s especially important to remember that first and foremost we have an obligation to look after ourselves. It’s important to maintain a balance in life between work and play. Though everyone’s self-care routine looks different, I’m most happy when I’m being active. I thrive of the endorphin rush after an intense spinning session and enjoy every breath of fresh air when I wander through one of Amsterdam’s many parks. As I’ve sampled a wide range of workouts during my time in Amsterdam, I want to share my top 3 ways to stay fit and healthy in this beautiful city.
1. Boutique Studios
Amsterdam boasts a wide range of boutique fitness studios. Each studio typically specialises in one style of workout, for example, spinning, rowing, yoga, pilates and so on. You are therefore sure to find a studio that suits your preferences. However, a regular visit to your local boutique studio can quickly add up in cost. Therefore, I personally recommend trying out services such as ClassPass or OneFit where you can purchase credits with which you can access classes across Amsterdam. This means you can still visit your favourite studio on a student friendly budget. Note that ClassPass also has a free 30-Day trial. Some of my personal favourite studios include Saints & Stars, Velo, PLTS and RoCycle.
2. Bouldering
Bouldering has hugely grown in popularity across the past five years. Partially fuelled by its debut at the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo. Despite living in one of the flattest countries in the world, the Dutch too have developed a strong interest in climbing. Accordingly, a variety of bouldering gyms have opened up in Amsterdam that include climbs for both beginners and experts. Not only is bouldering a fun way to stay active but it’s also a very social sport. So, grab your mates and test out your local gym. Plus, did I mention that bouldering gyms typically have fantastic terraces to enjoy a cold beer post workout? Be sure to check out the following: Monk, Beest Boulders and Beta Boulders.
3. Football
Moving to a new city can be tough if you don’t know many people there. An easy way to meet new people and expand your social network is through team sports. A universally popular option is football. Though it is possible to join a traditional football club, you are often faced with strict training schedules and pricey membership fees that can be difficult to balance with a busy student life. A handy alternative is Footy Park located in the west of Amsterdam near Sloterdijk Station. Here you can join the 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7 leagues, either as an individual or by registering a team. The matches typically take place in the evenings and most teams enjoy a beer or two in the clubhouse after their match.
If none of the above options appeal to you, I would highly recommend making the most of Amsterdam’s parks. There you can go for a walk, run, cycle, or join an outdoor fitness class. These include Boxing, HIIT and Yoga. The best way to access these is either through joining a fitness Facebook group or by simply searching for outdoor classes on Google.
Happy Workout!
Lisa
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