How to Exercise While Visiting Mar del Plata

Some experts say swimming is the most complete type of exercise. During the summer, you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean. While pretty much any beach in the area offers a great option, if you’re not a fan of too many waves, then check out Varese Beach. The water at this beach is fairly calm due to the way it’s positioned. You can also find pools for adults and children in many establishments along the coast.

Mar del Plata is proud to be the hometown of three athletes who participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics. And you might even see them training along the coast together with several other runners. The city offers a unique view while running barefoot on the beach or with sneakers on asphalt along the boardwalk following the coastline. If you enjoy a quieter place, you can always take a bus or drive to Laguna de los Padres. This lake is often chosen by those who prefer running on dirt roads.

Stand up paddle boarders use a paddle to propel themselves through the water — it’s a fun activity, and surprisingly rewarding for the abs. Classes are offered at MDP Surf Club in Cabo Corrientes, where students practice for half an hour with an instructor and then get into the ocean for an hour. These private classes include boards, Neoprene suits, and accessories to use during the sessions. MDP Surf Club also offers surf lessons to anyone over five years old at Bahia Varese Beach. The surf school is open throughout the year (even in winter), and they teach elementary, intermediate, and advanced classes. In summer, they have a camp in which children benefit from exercising while having fun.

Many people chose to kayak in the ocean, especially in Cabo Corrientes and Cardiel Beach. It’s a great way to enjoy the sights and glide over the water while keeping your body moving. Nearby lakes are also another good option for kayaking, such as Laguna de los Padres and Laguna Brava. However, make sure to get a permit before kayaking in lakes, which is required.

Mar del Plata is also the proud hometown of the Olympian gold medalist for cycling, Juan E. Curuchet. One great bike route in this area starts downtown and ends in Santa Clara, a small coastal town, and the views are amazing. If you can’t pack up and bring your bike along with you during your travels, you can always rent one at several locations, including Alquiler de Bicicletas MDP, a shop that specializes in bike rentals year round.

While you can rollerblade or skate down the coastal path for great ocean views, Mar del Plata also has two public skateparks in the city center. Bristol Skatepark is located in front of Playa Popular, and the other one is in Plaza Mitre. People of all ages gather around to practice their favorite sport.

If you want to work exclusively on your muscle toning, you can visit any of the several gyms in the city. You can also work out for free looking at the ocean, as Mar del Plata has installed outdoor public exercise stations. The stations are located near the Naval Base, Cabo Corrientes, Playa Grande, and Alfonsina Beach, among others. You should be able to easily spot the workout locations distributed along the coast. The areas include ellipticals, pull-up bars, and abdominal benches.