How to maintain your workout routine when travelling: Barcelona edition
Staying fit while travelling doesn't have to mean missing workouts or losing progress. Barcelona offers exceptional opportunities for fitness enthusiasts - from beachfront calisthenics parks to great gyms and niche fitness classes. This guide covers the best outdoor workout spots, traveller-friendly gyms, fitness-focussed hotels and some practical tips to help you maintain your routine while exploring one of Europe's most active cities.
Where are the best outdoor workout spots in Barcelona?
The best outdoor workout spots in Barcelona include Barceloneta beach (with two free calisthenics areas), Ciutadella park (ideal for bootcamp-style group workouts and yoga), Park Güell (excellent for walking), and Bogatell beach (a quieter alternative with basic equipment). All locations are free to use and accessible year-round thanks to Barcelona's idyllic climate.
Park güell
This iconic park, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, is not only a cultural treasure but also a fantastic place to hit your step count. The park’s hilly terrain provides excellent opportunities for cardiovascular exercises such as running and hill walking. The stunning views of the city and the unique architectural elements make exercising here a truly enjoyable experience.
Ciutadella park
Known for its expansive lawns and somewhat “eclectic” crowd, Ciutadella Park is a popular spot for yogis and group workouts. The park has numerous paths for walking, running and cycling and also features steps and benches for plyometrics and callisthenics exercises, as well as shaded areas where you can set up for a relaxing yoga session. It’s centrally located and easily accessible by most forms of transport.
Barceloneta beach
Barceloneta Beach is perfect for morning runs and beach workouts. The long stretch of sand is ideal for jogging, and the sound of the waves provides a calming backdrop for your exercise routine. Beach workouts, such as sand sprints and resistance training using the natural elements can add variety to your fitness regimen. The beach also features 2 great outdoor street callisthenics areas, allowing you to perform all of your favourite strength training and bodyweight exercises.
Bogatell beach
Another great spot for outdoor workouts, Bogatell Beach is quieter and less touristic than Barceloneta. Here, you can engage in a variety of exercises, from pull-ups and dips to leg raises and push-ups. While their outdoor callisthenics facilities are less impressive than those in Barceloneta, the beach’s less crowded atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for those looking to exercise in a more peaceful setting.
For more details on these and other great outdoor fitness locations in Barcelona, check out our guide on the best workout spots in Barcelona.
If you're also interested in exploring outdoor workout spots in nearby areas, here's a guide to the top outdoor workout spots in Sant Cugat.
Which Barcelona gyms offer day passes for travellers?
Several Barcelona gyms offer day passes for travellers, ranging from €6.95 at budget options like BCN Fitness to €30-40 at premium clubs like Metropolitan Iradier. Budget-friendly chains such as Basic-Fit (€11.99) and Vivagym (€9.90) have multiple locations across the city, while Anytime Fitness offers free trials with true 24/7 access.
For a detailed breakdown of Barcelona's best gyms, including pricing and facilities, see our comprehensive guide: best gyms in Barcelona
Not sure which gym is right for you? Read our complete guide on choosing the right gym in Barcelona.
What are the best hotels in Barcelona with gyms?
Some of the best hotels in Barcelona for fitness enthusiasts include Hotel Arts Barcelona (ample gym with sea views), W Barcelona (beachfront location with a great outdoor pool), Barcelona Princess (panoramic gym with fitness classes) and Soho house (fully comprehensive fitness options).
Hotel arts Barcelona
This luxury hotel offers top-notch gym facilities, including a fully equipped fitness centre with cardio machines, free weights, and resistance training equipment. The hotel also has a spa and wellness centre, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a workout. We often train clients staying at Hotel Arts, and the quality of their fitness facilities always make for some great workouts.
W Barcelona
Located on the beachfront, W Barcelona is a very popular hotel for fitness enthusiasts. The hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities include a well-equipped gym, a yoga studio, and an outdoor pool. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s beachfront location for running and beach workouts. There’s also a great outdoor calistehnics facility right on the beachfront where we often train our clients staying at the hotel.
Barcelona princess hotel
Barcelona Princess Hotel boasts a gym with panoramic views of the city, as well as fitness classes for their guests. Their focus on fitness and wellness makes it a great option for maintaining your workout routine while travelling.
How can I stay active while sightseeing in Barcelona?
You can easily stay active while sightseeing in Barcelona by walking between attractions (the city is very walkable), renting bikes through the city’s Bicing system or combining tourism with nature at Parc de Montjuïc and Tibidabo. Many visitors easily hit 15,000+ steps per day just by exploring Barcelona’s neighbourhoods on foot.
Walking tours
Barcelona is a city best explored on foot. Walking tours are an excellent way to stay active while sightseeing. With a diverse range of neighbourhoods, you’ll easily hit your step count whilst taking in the rich history and stunning architecture.
Biking
Barcelona’s extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programmes make it easy to explore the city on two wheels. Renting a bike is easy and a great way to combine fitness with sightseeing. Popular biking routes include the beachfront promenade and the scenic ride up to Montjuïc.
Active sightseeing
Montjuïc is a fantastic destination for active sightseeing. The hill offers numerous walking trails and historical sites, including Montjuïc Castle and the Olympic Stadium. The prior of which boasts impressive panoramic city views that are well worth the walk.
Can I hire a personal trainer in Barcelona for short-term visits?
Yes, Ebylife offers personal training sessions for travellers in Barcelona - whether you're visiting for a weekend or an extended stay. Sessions can be held at your hotel, on the beach or in local parks with no long-term commitment required. Our English-speaking trainers specialise in helping visitors maintain their fitness routines while travelling.
We provide tailored personal training sessions to fit your individual needs and schedule. Our sessions can be taken at various locations, including parks, beaches, or your hotel, ensuring convenience and comfort. Our sessions are crafted to be both effective and enjoyable, maximizing the benefits of your workout time. Our personalised approach means that each session is customised to your fitness level, goals, and any specific requirements you may have. This bespoke service ensures you receive the optimal training experience, helping you maintain and even improve your fitness during your stay in Barcelona.
For those seeking a more structured program, we offer comprehensive training plans that include detailed workout routines, nutrition guidance, and continuous support. These programs are designed to keep you on track and motivated, providing the structure and accountability needed to achieve your fitness objectives. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, or general fitness improvement, our programs are tailored to deliver results.
Our commitment to providing you with the highest quality personal training experience, leveraging our extensive knowledge and expertise to support your fitness journey in Barcelona.
How do I stay motivated to work out while travelling?
Staying motivated to exercise while travelling often requires flexibility and realistic expectations. Focus on maintaining consistency rather than hitting personal bests. Even 15-20 minute workouts can be beneficial and hold you accountable. Some key strategies include setting achievable goals, tracking your activity, staying hydrated and being willing to adapt your routine to your environment and travel schedule.
Set realistic goals
Define clear, achievable fitness goals for your trip. Setting realistic goals helps you stay focused and motivated. Whether it’s maintaining your current fitness level, trying out new workouts, or simply staying active, having a goal in mind can keep you on track.
Keep a workout log
Tracking your workouts can help you stay accountable whilst travelling. A workout log allows you to record your exercises, sets, and reps, as well as any notes on how you felt during the workout. Reviewing your log can provide a sense of accomplishment and give you a boost when you’re motivation is wavering.
Hydration and nutrition
Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals is essential for maintaining your energy levels and overall health. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and make an effort to drink water regularly. When it comes to your meals, by all means indulge in the local delicacies but also make sure to cover the bases. That means including a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet.
Flexibility
Adapt your workouts based on your travel schedule and available resources. Flexibility is key to maintaining consistency. If you can’t fit in a full workout, aim for shorter sessions or incorporate physical activity into your day in other ways, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking instead of taking a taxi.
Stay positive and patient
It’s important to stay positive and patient with yourself. Travelling can be unpredictable, and there may be days when you can’t stick to your routine as planned. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t, and remember that any activity is better than none. Celebrate your efforts and progress, no matter how small.
Frequently asked questions about working out while travelling
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Maintain your workout routine while traveling by planning ahead - research gyms and outdoor workout spots at your destination, pack your workout gear and schedule exercise into your itinerary like any other activity. Morning workouts are often best as you tend to make excuses as the day goes on. Focus on bodyweight exercises that require minimal equipment and aim for maintenance and consistency over intensity. Even a quick 20-minute session helps maintain fitness.
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With diligence and planning, you can still build muscle while traveling. Focus on progressive strength training, finding local gyms with day passes and maintaining adequate carbs and protein intake. While gains may be slower than at home, you can absolutely maintain and even build muscle when travelling.
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The best hotel room exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, burpees, mountain climbers, tricep dips and Bulgarian split squats using a chair. These bodyweight exercises work all the major muscle groups without the need for equipment. A focused 30-minute circuit can deliver an effective full-body workout.
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Find gyms while traveling abroad by searching Google Maps for "gym near me" or "fitness centre," checking if your hotel has a gym or partnerships with local facilities or using apps like ClassPass that offer day passes internationally. Many premium gyms offer day passes for €15-30 and some hotel concierges can arrange guest access.
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No, you don't need to work out every day on vacation. Aim for 2-3 structured workouts per week and count active sightseeing (walking tours, hiking, swimming, etc) as exercise. Vacation is also a great opportunity for active recovery. Listen to your body and adapt accordingly.
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Stay fit while traveling by prioritising protein at each meal, staying hydrated, and balancing local delicacies with nutritious choices. Enjoy local cuisine but also aim to include vegetables and lean proteins regularly. Try to avoid the "all or nothing" mindset; one indulgent meal won't derail your progress but a week of bad nutritional choices might. Pack healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and protein bars for when hunger strikes.
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Stay motivated to exercise on vacation by reframing workouts as exploration - run through new neighborhoods, try outdoor gyms or try a new fitness class. Set minimal goals (like "move for 20 minutes") rather than sticking to your normal routine. Track your activity and remember that vacation workouts boost energy for sightseeing and help offset over-indulgence during meals.
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Yes, taking a short break from your regular workouts while traveling is perfectly fine. A week off won't significantly impact your fitness and rest can actually benefit recovery. Focus on staying active through walking, swimming or other enjoyable activities rather than stressing about missed gym sessions. If you do take a week off, just make sure you return to your routine when you're home.
Conclusion
Barcelona is one of Europe's best cities for fitness-minded travellers. With free outdoor calisthenics parks along the beach, gyms offering day passes, fitness-friendly hotels and lots of pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods, staying active here is easier than almost anywhere else.
Need help maintaining your workout routine during your Barcelona visit? Ebylife offers personal training sessions for travellers - at your hotel, on the beach or in one of the city's beautiful parks. Contact us today to schedule a session with an English-speaking trainer.
For help with your workout routine or to schedule a personal training session in Barcelona with an English-speaking trainer, get in touch today.
