Tamarindo Essentials - Staying Fit in Tamarindo
It's true. Costa Rica is home to one of five Blue Zones in the world. What's a blue zone? According to Wikipedia, a blue zone” is a “concept used to identify a demographic and/or geographic area of the world where people live measurably longer lives.” Kind of "wordy," eh?
Simply put, it's a place where people live a long time. What to do with all of that time?
Maybe spend more of it building your Costa Rica real estate portfolio? Kidding, of course. We know there's a whole world outside Tamarindo real estate. Why else do you think we live here? We love this place!
With so much to do, and better health on top of it, we're the biggest advocates for life in Tamarindo. And why not?
People in Tamarindo tend to lead active and healthy lives. Simply put, they have better resources. In addition to easy-access produce, and a generally slower pace of life, the residents of Tamarindo have many fitness options.
In light of this we have put together a list for you. These are fitness outlets around the Tamarindo where you can create your own "blue zone lifestyle."
Surfing – There are two options for surfing in Tamarindo. You can surf real waves, or you can take a “Surfset” class. Surfset is offered at Revive Wellness Center in Playa Langosta. It uses simulated boards on land to help your body learn the moves before getting on the water.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) - SUP is long-boarding's distant cousin, the marriage of surfing and kayaking. It's done standing up with a paddle. The following locations can rent either surfboards, or SUP-boards, and can provide instruction: Iguana Surf Shop, Kelly's Surf Shop, Banana Surf School, Surf Culture Costa Rica, Witch's Rock Surf Camp, Pedro's Surf Shop, just to name a few.
Kayaking – One or two person, kayaking is a little more straightforward than SUP. Many of the aforementioned surf shops have kayaks for rental. You can also find individuals who provide private rentals right on the beach.
Biking – At the beach you can find beach bikes and some mountain bikes for rental, at places like Bike Shop, and Surf Culture Costa Rica. If hills are what you are looking for, Pura Vida Ride in Playa Danta (Catalina, CR, a 45-minutes north of Tamarindo) has off-road trails of varying levels. They also have bikes for rental, full suspension, and half.
Yoga – Tamarindo might have the most options for yoga of any beach town in Costa Rica. A few worth mentioning are: Ser Om Shanti, ReFLEXion Yoga, and Yoga Massage Therapy. All four can be found off the main road, heading east from the central crossing.
Pilates – In addition to yoga, most of the studios above offer pilates.
Weight Lifting – For those who don't feel like they've worked out until they moved around some serious weight, there are a few options for weightlifting: Tamarindo Fitness Center, Revive Fitness (in Langosta), and Pacific Coast Fitness Center (Huacas).
Group Fitness – Porto-fit, located just past Pacific Park, behind the 2001 market offers classes exclusively. You can also find group classes at Revive and the Tamarindo Fitness Center.
Soccer – [AKA: futbol] There is a number of local groups which play soccer. Nearby, there is a field just across from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, and one in Vila Real. In fact, soccer fields are found in almost any town in Costa Rica.
The Beach – The best part about Costa Rica? Endless beaches. Better than that? They are free to use. In Tamarindo plan to share the beach with many other people out getting their exercise. Walking the beach is very popular here.
Hiking – Dare to go where others do not. We suggest you hire a guide for this one. You can find a guide at any of the local tourism outlets. Definitely go with someone who has a reputation. And be wise: wear repellent, and sunscreen.
Whew! These are really just the big stones of fitness. Don't be surprised in Tamarindo to see unicycle-riders, jugglers, and skateboarders. Really. There's even a concrete skateboarding pool if you like the fitness-underground. Personal trainers and coaches are as common as good waves in this town. Ask in the gyms or surf-shops for referrals.
With all of these options, you're biggest challenge in Tamarindo will be deciding how you will do it all? This is the stress of living near a blue zone. Decisions, decisions...
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