Written by Natalia Bolohan

The Gym (1st Avenue, between Street 16 & Av Constituyentes)

Depending on your needs, you might not need to look any further than The Gym. The facility is not only fully stocked with all the equipment necessary for cardio and strength training, but they offer some of the best fitness classes in town. TRX on Saturday mornings is one of our favorites. The Gym also offers spinning, yoga, pilates and boxing in the various studios within the facility. We love how clean and modern The Gym is as well as the fact that it comes with its own juice bar. You can enjoy a variety of options from a healthy menu that will either kickstart or replenish your workout. The Gym definitely offers a complete workout experience and we highly recommend it. 

Circus Crossfit (Street 28, between 1st Avenue & the beach)

There are several crossfit gyms around Playa but the kick ass couple that run Circus puts their gym at the top of our list. Crossfit is a challenging workout and while it may have been a trend in other places around the world, in Playa it’s a way of life. That is the case for the instructors at Circus and their passion for their work makes a difference in the students’ workouts. There is no better combination than getting a great workout while being taught by people whose life work is to fine tune your form to the point of perfection. Circus is also located within steps from the beach which makes the running portion of crossfit almost more enjoyable, almost. Crossfit aficionados already know the benefits of this workout and we know Circus is the place to do it. 

Yogaloft (Street 10, Between Avenues 10 & 15)

The beautiful space at Yogaloft doubles as a school and a yoga studio with a variety of classes offered. The world class yoga teachings include Ashtanga Yoga, Gannon Power Vinyasa, Yoga Basics, Vinyasa Yoga, Acro Yoga and Kids Yoga. We tried the Philosophy and Meditation class offered on Thrusday evenings and it was just what the doctor ordered. When we’re not trying to open our third eye, we like to browse Yogaloft’s boutique with a green juice in hand. It’s been said that coming to Playa and not doing yoga is like going to Tuscany and not drinking wine. We don't want to be those people and neither should you, so head to Yogaloft and see what all the fuss is about. 

Control Pilates (Plaza Paraiso)

We haven't always known the difference between mat pilates and reformer Pilates, but once we discovered the latter we were hooked. While Pilates is beneficial in any form, the reformer provides equal parts more support and more of a challenge. At Control Pilates, instructor Blanca takes the workout to a new level by incorporating cardio into the workout.  Expect to work out muscles you didn't know could be worked and gain a new more poised posture. Perfectly located just outside Playacar Phase 1 & 2. 

This article was originally published in June 2016.