A Fitness Lovers Guide To Beirut

With the rise of Beirut’s standard of living, there has been a surge in the fitness craze. In a country obsessed with complex beauty standards and a knack for following every trend, the city has become a center for different workout programs. With all the gyms spread out across the city, how do you avoid boxing yourself up in a crowded room? If you’re into peaceful jogs or adrenaline-filled sports, Beirut has what you need.

Embrace the picturesque

Beirut is full of beautiful places in which to work out. If you’re interested in adding nature to your routine, there are many activities and destinations that can give you both peace and a good sweat.

Horsh Beirut

Open from 7 AM to 7 PM, Horsh Beirut is the city’s public park. Its pine trees and green paths make it a perfect place for a morning jog or afternoon walk. The 400,000 square meters (4.3 million square feet) of land makes for endless workout possibilities. Find a group of friends and hold a yoga session or a killer cardio workout!

Horsh Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

Paragliding over Jounieh

If you’re into adrenaline rushes and beautiful landscape, Paragliding Lebanon is an excellent choice for you. Just a short trip outside of Beirut, you can head over to Jounieh and participate in this adventure. Glide down from Harissa Mountain at 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level and marvel at the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The whole process takes only an hour with preparation.

Jog by the Corniche

If you prefer a more cosmopolitan vibe to your jog, try the city’s Corniche. Look at the Pigeon Rocks every day as you run across the city’s coastline. The Corniche is almost always populated and is one of the best spots in Beirut for your daily routine. Maybe you can throw in some cycling time as well!

Mediterranean Coast, Beirut, Lebanon

Cardio on Overdrive

If you’re more into intense cardio and group workouts but still refuse to participate in a class, Beirut has the options you need.

Group running with Nike+

Join Beirut’s Nike+ group of runners for a workout and a community. Spots in the group’s schedule are free and intense. The club takes off every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from the Nike store in Beirut Souks. They accept all fitness levels and will accommodate beginners and seasoned runners. There are no excuses, only endless motivation with this bunch.

Nike Store, Beirut, Souks de Beyrouth, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon

Beirut by Bike

Another group of motivated people, Beirut by Bike is the activity for seasoned and beginner bicycle riders. Rent some bikes or get free training for children and bike through the city’s Corniche. The venue is also responsible for many charity biking events and marathons and will guarantee you an amazing biking community.

Downtown Beirut, Beil entrance, Beirut, Lebanon

Dance fitness

If you don’t mind classes but don’t want your typical Zumba or aerobics routine, the city has original venues for you. Enjoy dance classes like no other in professional and highly specialized environments.

Arthur Murray Dance Center

Part of the international franchise, the Arthur Murray Dance Center is the place to learn ballroom dancing. Enjoy Latin and standard classes with programs tailored just for your needs. Whether you’re just beginning your dance journey or are a professional, this center provides you with a perfect venue for dancing fun. If you’re a fitness lover interested in trying out a new hobby, the Arthur Murray Center is the place for you.

Arthur Murray Dance Center, Main Road, Al Plaza 323 Center, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 888 662

Caracalla Dance School

Emerging from the country’s best dance company, Caracalla Dance School is one of the best institutions in the region. The school offers ballet, floor barre and contemporary dance classes for adults. Moreover, they offer the Caracalla Dabke lessons—Dabke being the country’s traditional folkloric dance. The floor barre class is open to people of all skill levels, but classes such as ballet and contemporary dance require dance experience.

Caracalla Dance School, Sin El Fil, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 499 904

The Caracalla Dance Theatre, company behind the school

Yoga

If you’re a yogi looking for an ideal space in Beirut, there are many options from which to choose. Relax in unique locations and amazing classes.

Beirut Yoga Center

One of the best places for yoga in the city, Beirut Yoga Center offers classes, workshops, and retreats for all the yogis out there. Its location in the center of the city and the diversity of the classes it offers make it a perfect place for all of your yoga needs. Enjoy meditation, hatha yoga, acro yoga and much more at this relaxing venue. The group often has yoga classes in Horsh Beirut and other unique locations.

Beirut Yoga Center, Echmoun Bldg., Bechara El Khoury Avenue, Saifi, Damascus Road, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 3 029 734

Beirut Sivananda Yoga Center

Its unique location makes Beirut Sivananda Yoga Center an intriguing place to practice yoga. In a renovated flat dating back to the 1930s, the center provides an alternative experience of what yoga is. The 20th-century cosmopolitan vibes make for an engrossing energy to the class. The place is simple with minimal furnishings and incredible relaxation. Practice hatha yoga at this fantastic venue.

Beirut Sivananda Yoga Center, 522 Gouraud Street, 3rd Fl., Apt. 3A, Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Lebanon, +961 1 566 770