Holiday Health - Keeping Fit in Barbados
While holidays are a time to relax and unwind, many people find it important to keep their fitness regime going. For those whose daily routines don’t allow the time to exercise, vacations are a chance to take up those rare opportunities. If you are travelling to Barbados for your holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many fitness activities you can take part in, either on your own or as part of a fitness class. Here are just some of the things you can do.
Running
Running is very popular amongst the visitors to Barbados and in the early mornings, before the sun gets too hot, you’ll see lots of joggers out and about. The island is well suited for joggers of all abilities with easy, flat runs across the beaches to more challenging routes in the hillier regions, especially around the Scotland District.
There are plenty of great routes to choose from but if you’re new to the island and lack local knowledge, you can find many shared routes on the WalkJogRun website. Wherever you go, one thing is for sure, the island is full of amazing views to enjoy while you run.
There are also plenty of organised runs to take part in, starting at 1km fun runs and going all the way up to the Barbados Marathon. These include lots of 5K and 10K races for mid-distance runners. For more information about routes and organised running events visit Run Barbados.
Swimming
With calm, clear and warm waters all along the west coast, taking a daily swim in the sea is possible off virtually any beach and is highly recommended. It is best done early in the morning before the sea gets too busy with other people swimming and doing water sports.
If you visit in November, why not join in the Barbados Open Water Festival? Now in its 8th year, it puts on lots of swimming events that you can take part in. Hundreds of people join in the social swims and there are a variety of races from 1.5km all the way up to 10km.
Of course, if you’d rather stick to a swimming pool, these are to be found at every hotel and resort across the island. For serious swimmers, head to the Barbados Aquatic Centre in Bridgetown where you’ll find a 50m Olympic pool and the island’s best professional swimming facilities.
Gyms and training
Most upmarket resorts and hotels have gyms where you can work out, many with personal trainers on hand to help with your fitness routines, should you need them. However, if you are looking for somewhere with state-of-the-art facilities, you may be interested in the gyms mentioned below.
One of the country’s major health clubs is Bridgetown’s Surfside Wellness Centre. The facilities here are as hi-spec as any you would find internationally and they offer an excellent range of exercise classes and personal training, all delivered by qualified, experienced professionals. Whatever your preferred form of exercise, you’ll find it here: boxercise, Rep Reebok, circuit training, cardio blast, boot camp, Zumba and so forth. They’ll also cater for all needs, from beginners to highly experienced and even those of us who aren’t going to let age get in the way. First Fitness, near Oistins, is another exceptional gym and offers a similar range of activities and expertise.
If you are based a little further north, The Sanctuary Gym at Royal Westmoreland in St James’ Parish offers facilities to rival those found at many specialised gyms. With the latest, top of the range exercise equipment, swimming pool and jacuzzi, together with first-rate personal training, it’s the best spot on the platinum coast to keep yourself in tip-top condition while on holiday.
Tennis
Tennis is a popular way to keep fit and one that many people like to take part in while on holiday. Although you won’t find tennis courts at every hotel in Barbados, there are quite a few resorts plus a good number of clubs and centres that do. Of particular note are the facilities at the following locations.
St. James Racquet Club is a small but friendly centre with three high-standard hard courts. There are floodlights for those who want to play on late into the night and a welcoming clubhouse for those who don’t. Visitors can pay by the hour for the courts and lessons are available by arrangement.
There are four courts available at the National Tennis Centre which is located at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown. As one would expect from the National Tennis Centre, these are high standard facilities and holidaymakers can use the courts for $20 (Barbadian) per hour.
For a more exclusive tennis experience, choose the courts at Royal Westmoreland, they feature the only Har-Tru clay courts on the island and these are floodlit. Professional lessons are available.
Summing up
Whether it’s jogging, swimming, gym workouts, exercise classes or a few games of tennis you are after, there are plenty of opportunities to keep fit or indulge in a spot of exercise while you are on holiday in Barbados. And with excellent facilities and first-class instructors on hand, you’re sure to be well catered for.
If you are looking for exceptional holiday accommodation, together with outstanding sports and fitness facilities, take a look at the stunning villas and apartments here at Royal Westmoreland.