5 OUTDOOR WORKOUTS TO TRY IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Working out the same way over and over again can get a little boring and make it more difficult to stay motivated sometimes. I put together a short list of five outdoor workouts to try here in Panama City that will be a change of pace, take you to different parts of town and definitely have you breaking a sweat.
1. CINTA COSTERA
The Cinta Costera is the 4.3 mile beltway that hugs the Pacific coast here in Panama City. Locals and tourists alike bike, jog, rollerblade or just enjoy a nice stroll taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. When you need to cool down, there are always street vendors selling local treats like raspa’o and paletas.
2. PARQUE OMAR
Parque Omar is Panama City’s favorite gathering spot. The park had its beginnings as a very exclusive neighborhood. Later it became a golf course for the wealthy set in Panama. Now, Parque Omar is the quintessential city park with open spaces for picnics and sports, a swimming pool with eights lanes, classes and a walking circuit that spans its circumference, at 3.5km or 2.2 miles for one lap. Refreshments can be found throughout the park: batidos and fresh juices as well as concession stands offering sodas and snacks.
3. BIKING THE AMADOR CAUSEWAY
Every Sunday morning, the Amador Causeway and part of the Cinta Costera are closed to auto traffic allowing bikers to access the road that runs from the Casco Viejo area all the way out to Isla Flamenco. Along the way, on the Causeway, you can take in BioMuseo, grab breakfast in one of many restaurants or check out the Punta Culebra Smithsonian Tropical Research Center. Bike rentals are as low as $5 at Burke’s Bikes if you return by noon.
4. ZUMBA IN THE PARK
If you have never tried Zumba before, I highly recommend it. Zumba has a loyal following around the world and, here in Panama, it’s no different. Zumba instructors offer classes in a couple of local parks around the city: Parque Omar and Parque Andres Bello. It’s a fantastic way to get moving, listen to fantastic Latin and hip-hop music and feel better, physically and mentally. This is my favorite workout to do here in Panama City. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
5. ROOFTOP SWIM
Rooftop swimming pools come pretty standard here in most apartment buildings. Swimming is a fantastic, full-body workout that’s low impact. I can’t think of a better way to keep cool and burn calories here in the heat of PTY.
Check out my post on hiking Ancon Hill where you see rainforest animals, take in epic views and break a sweat.