Post update: there's a new gym in Bocas, Bocas Fight Gym.
I have been working with Habla Ya now for going on 4 months, and I have been working and living in Bocas del Toro for 3 of these months. One question that has been continually asked by students and tourists coming to the island has been: is there a gym that I can use?
The simple answer, no. However, the truth is that in Bocas no gym is no problem because there are plenty of opportunities to get your sweat on and work that body!!
Personally, I am an avid runner, so my first order of business upon arriving on Isla Colon (home of Bocas Town), was to find my routes.
We don't have gyms in Bocas but there are plenty of places to workout!
If you enjoy running like me or walking, I would recommend heading north towards Bluff Beach along the island's east coast. From the school, there is a stretch of road, roughly 3 - 4 km. (until the pavement ends), that curves along the water. Even if you stay on the road, it still offers beautiful views (think sunrise reflecting off of the crystal water) and a chance to see some of the more "local" hang-outs (restaurants/bars) on the island. By the way, if you are looking for a place along this strip to enjoy some great local music, I recommend El Caribeño!
If walking or running is not your thing, then grab a bike and start pedaling. Not only will you get the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the island, it is a great workout. I recommend using the "centro" part of town (Third Street) as your warm up. Once you have made this circle, you can head out, again, towards Bluff Beach.
You can rent a bicycle by the day for about $8 or you can buy a second hand one during your time in Bocas del Toro
Once you are outside of town, pick up the pace, and challenge yourself by hanging a left at the fork in the road (towards Boca del Drago) and climbing some hills to increase the burn.
Or, you can continue on towards Playa Paunch and bike for several miles of sand and beaches. I don't know if you have ever tried biking on sand before, but it adds an element of balance and perseverance to the experience. You can even reward yourself for a good workout on your way back by making a stop at Paki's Point for a cold drink or a dip in the water.
And don't worry, for all of you hard core "I exercise 4-6 days a week back home", there is a lot more.
For a full body burn (including cardio and strength training), you can join Bianca and all the lovely ladies that attend her class for kick boxing.
Bianca's kick boxing classes take place at various locations, generally overlooking the water.
Bianca is a motivating machine, and will keep you jumping, punching, kicking, squatting, lifting, and crunching for a solid hour. She is positive and very knowledgeable about different training techniques for strong, lean muscles (a.k.a. the day after her class you will be feeling muscles you didn't know you had). The class takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, at 11 a.m., and each class is $4, or if you go 3 or more times in the week it is $10 in total.
Had enough? No? Ok, good, cause I have more options for you! :)
One word, surfing.
It is a workout of awesome proportions. Your arms get the first taste as you paddle, paddle, paddle (and paddle some more) to the waves, then it is time for the rest of your body to kick into gear. Pushing off the board to stand up builds upper body strength. Balance and strength of core, abs, and legs to stay on the board. And the best part, it is crazy fun!!
There are two great surf schools in the area Mono Loco and La Escuela del Mar. I recommend signing up for a package of 3 - 5 lessons. The instructors are encouraging, knowledgeable, and will make it their number one goal to see you stand up on that board and get hooked with surfing.
Surf Instructor Joan, from Mono Loco Surf School
Finally, as Laura Kay (my yoga instructor) would say, take a moment to look inside, encourage yourself and "shine it out!" Laura offers an experience of both challenge and tranquility combined in excellent balance at her studio, Bocas Yoga.
Now if you are like me before, and think that Yoga is easy, try getting down into a plank position, on feet and hands, lift one leg up and over across in the opposite direction (trying to touch the person next to you) and HOLD (breathe, breathe....feel the burn??) Yea, this is not a walk in the park.
Laura is the only certified Yoga instructor on the island and offers hour long yoga classes at a variety of times throughout the week.
The moral of the story, in Bocas no gym is no problem. So, what are you waiting for?! Get movin'!!!
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