I do believe in the existence of people who genuinely enjoy going to the gym, but I doubt there are as many of them as social media want us to think. After all, there is a reason why hundreds of gym memberships end up forgotten every year. And yet, most of us engage in sports activities in the summertime. Even better, we find them pleasurable. Whether you hate the gym or love working out outside whenever possible, here are some affordable activities to get you in shape this summer.
Walking
Nobody in Paris would say that they don’t walk. Everybody walks in Paris. But there is a significant difference between commute walking, strolling, and finally walking done as a workout. On average, the French take 6 870 steps per day, and to get classified as a fitness activity, 10 000 is what you should aim for (but even 8000 is good for health!). However, it should be a brisk walk rather than a stroll with frequent breaks to sit down and enjoy either coffee or watching people. Surely you will surprise friends when you decide to ditch the metro and walk home all the way from l’Arc de Triomphe to République on foot, but your body will be grateful.
Pros: Walking doesn’t require any equipment. All you need is a smartphone with a step-counting app and comfortable shoes (you can even collect points by using apps like WeWard). It’s a great way to explore different parts of the city. Walking can also save a lot of money on public transport if you don’t have a Navigo.
Cons: For obvious reasons, walking takes a significant amount of time (10 000 steps is approximately 2 hours) and might become tedious after discovering all the possible paths in the neighborhood.
Running
The most gym-like activity on the list, but also the absolute classic. Especially popular among fashion professionals. Always in a rush, and often between several countries, they don’t have time to commit to any gym membership for longer than a week, and weights, yoga mats, and all types of gym equipment aren’t something to include in baggage when going abroad. Running seems to be the most convenient cardio, usually taking 30 minutes to an hour, making it even more suitable for busy people.
Pros: Fast, cheap, and efficient workout available anytime, anywhere (great for parks or spots like Quais de Seine or Canal St. Martin). Plenty of apps for running and events like marathons help keep it interesting.
Cons: Slightly competitive. Summer heat waves make it impossible to run during the day. Breasts-owners might need to invest in a sports bra to avoid the downsides of gravity. Sweat, sweat, sweat!
Cycling
The rising concern over global warming has caused a comeback of bikes. Cities around the globe narrow their streets to create space for bike lanes. With bike-sharing stations (check out Velib’) on almost every corner, bikes are accessible to everyone. Hopping on a two-wheeler is a perfect solution for those who’d like to break a sweat without sweating too much.
Pros: Convenient and pleasant. Eco-friendly means of transport that help save money on public transport and avoid strikes.
Cons: Traffic is a nightmare for which cyclists are largely responsible and constantly hated by pedestrians. Bikes are costly and need space to store, which Parisian apartments rarely have. Parisian thieves are well aware of this fact. While rental bikes are a good alternative, their quality sometimes deviates from the desired state.
Swimming
Swimming is the only paid activity on the list (unless you own a pool in Paris) and the cheapest one in the city. Prices vary depending on the pool size. Larger pools, such as Suzanne Berlioux at Les Halles, cost more than smaller ones like Saint-Merri in Le Marais. Establishments often offer classes for an extra fee, for example, aqua gym. Some are even outdoors. Besides, nothing beats swimming as a remedy for scorchers.
Pros: No sweat. Inexpensive, long-lasting equipment (the cheapest swimsuits cost less than 10€). Refreshing and relaxing, especially in summer. Available all year long.
Cons: Persistent chlorine odor. Depending on opening hours (odd in some public pools). Requires swimming gear (wearing a bikini is not a good idea).
Hiking
Beautiful places don’t always require to travel long distances. Numerous picturesque views surround the Paris region, which is a tempting option for more ambitious walkers with a penchant for the great outdoors. Hiking is the best solution for those who consider the Parisian scarcity of trees insufferable and miss connection with nature. Although the forest of Fontainebleau appears to be the most popular destination, there are plenty of other routes to discover (if you’re not a trailblazer type, check out recommendations from a French hiker).
Pros: Views that you won’t get anywhere in Paris. Silence for those who like to escape the bustling city.
Cons: For most, hiking can’t be an everyday activity since it takes at least half a day. Preparing a backpack for a day trip is more time-consuming than going out for a quick jog. And last but not least, transportation costs (not all destinations are reachable by RER).
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