Saturday, 29 November 2014 00:00
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In addition to giving you a confidence boost every time you pass a mirror, a healthy and fit lifestyle has many benefits, from giving you energy when you need it, to protecting you against harmful illnesses.
If recharging, rejuvenating and warding off excess fat make your cup of tea, Colombo does offer a plethora of options for staying fit and healthy.
Here’s a list of activities you can try out.
1. Gyms
Finding a well-equipped gym for a reasonable membership fee is not an easy task, but it is not an impossible one. Colombo, surprisingly, does have a number of good gyms you can join. Let’s start with the hotel gyms that offer membership to outsiders.
Taj Samudra: Taj, by far, has the most well-equipped gym around town (for a reasonable price that is). You can find modern and up-to-date weight training machines, plenty of cardio machines and plenty of space (a must if you need to stretch and have personal space even on a fairly-crowded day at the gym). The membership fee is reasonable and comes with free use of the huge pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Ramada Colombo: Also a well-equipped gym, the only downside being the very low price that automatically attracts too many members; this may mean you’d have to wait your turn for a machine if you’re into weight training. But the trainers are helpful and here too, membership comes with free use of the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Global Towers: A really surprising find, considering it’s a little off the heart of Colombo. The gym here comes equipped with modest weight training machines and just enough cardio machines. It doesn’t get too crowded at peak hours even though the membership fee is pretty reasonable, perhaps because of its location. Nonetheless a good option, considering it comes with free use of the pool as well.
Other options include Galadari and Cinnamon Lakeside (off-peak hours membership for non-guests). Hilton and Galle Face Hotel also offer membership but are under refurbishment now.
Commercial gyms are scattered across Colombo as well, but you’d have to take the chance of not having a smooth workout during peak hours. Options include Lifestyle Gym (part of the SLTA building), Body Bar in Colombo 5 and High Octane Fitness Gym in Wellawatte. The prices may not be very reasonable, but you’d find the right equipment and the right advice from instructors.
2. Zumba
A growing trend amongst many fitness enthusiasts, Zumba seems to have taken the healthy world by storm. Colombo does offer some good Zumba classes but you need to be careful of choosing one that offers nutritional advice to go with this high intensity cardio fad.
Zumba Sri Lanka: Located on Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Zumba Sri Lanka offers classes that incorporate several dancing styles including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso and Salsaton. The fitness instructors also offer valuable nutritional advice.
Entertrainers: Located at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, Entertrainers offers a variety of structured, fun and fast paced fitness classes and events. They come equipped with comfortable facilities, internationally-certified trainers, over 100 classes per week, personal and elite training, and active living events.
3. Mixed Martial Arts
The Sri Lanka Mixed Martial Arts Federation: The Sri Lanka Mixed Martial Arts Federation located on Old Kottawa Road, offers Muay Thai Kick Boxing, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), Wrestling and Full Contact MMA Combat. Their instructors are well-qualified from USA, Scotland, England and Scotland. They also conduct training sessions, privately or with a group for fitness, agility, speed, strength and stamina.
4. Spin classes
Spinning or other indoor cycling workouts are geared to burn calories and keep your muscles in shape. The Lifestyle Gym at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha and High Octane Fitness Gym, both offer Spin Classes.
5. Yoga
The Om Space: A bright, breezy sanctuary in Colombo 5 which offers 15+ yoga classes every week. The teachers are all internationally-trained and certified and teach a range of styles including Sivananda, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow and Kundalini, kids’ yoga, yoga for sports as well as pre-natal yoga. The space is fully-equipped with changing rooms, showers and lockers.
6. Other
Cross Fit: Other options around Colombo include Cross Fit, a strength and conditioning programme that advocates a varied mix of aerobic exercise, gymnastics and weight lifting. Cross Fit classes are available at Entertrainers.
Aerobics: A form of exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines, aerobics seems to be a favourite among women in general. Pulse Beat located at Havelock Road, Colombo 5 offers aerobics classes.
(Trekurious together with DailyFT explores Sri Lanka for the curious traveller. Trekurious works with talented individuals and great brands to create amazing experiential tours, activities, and events in Sri Lanka. You can find out more at www.Trekurious.com.)
