Boost your Endorphins!
#1 JOIN THE GYM
There are a variety of gyms in the historical center of Florence but keep in mind that memberships are pricy in comparison to the US.
Prices range from a minimum of €70 and can go up to €150 or more per month. Subscribing to a 3-month-long plan is often more convenient.
Most gyms will require a medical certificate for non-competitive sports. The gym receptionist will give you a list of doctors who can provide this certificate.
If you are unsure of which gym to pick, visit them in person, ask questions about the timetable and courses offered, and consider how they can fit into your class schedule and commitments, have a look at the changing room and its cleanliness, and see if you feel comfortable with the location!
Palestra Ricciardi and Palestra Swan are two favorites among students, you might enjoy the vibes and of course the prices!
Florence Fitness is a non-pretentious gym, conveniently located around the corner from Palazzo Rucellai and offering an all-inclusive membership.
Tropos Club is the number one choice for many Florentines, costly to say the least, but it offers a swimming pool for both swimming and water activities, a variety of courses ranging from Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Push Power, Body Sculpt, etc., and a SPA, plus a restaurant & café.
CrossFit IRIS at Palestra Evolution is the one for you if you need a different workout level!
#2 RUN & WALK
The perks of running are that it is free and you get fresh air and natural light as you do it. You will not see Florentines run in the historical center of Florence, by the Duomo for instance, simply because it can be rather crowded, and you don’t want to have to interrupt the flow and pace by people blocking your way while they are admiring the monuments. You will instead find many people enjoying a run at the Parco delle Cascine. Plenty of space, trees, lawns, and a couple of cafes along the way. If you are into roller skating, you can also rent a pair from Roller Club Firenze for €7/hr.
The only warning you must be aware of – which is true in all parts of the world – is not to go to the park at nighttime. Mornings, afternoons, weekends/daytime only!
If like me, you prefer to take things slower and don’t enjoy the sweat that comes with running, sprint walking is a valid alternative. It is still a good workout! Remember to walk up a hill to increase your heartbeat rate – so head towards Piazzale Michelangelo and explore the quaint streets around San Miniato al Monte, such as Via del Pian dei Giullari and Via di Santa Margherita a Montici.
#3 WORKOUT AT HOME
The cheap and easy way to stay fit is of course to work out at home. You can easily fit it into your daily schedule. A morning training, before you start the day, is an amazing booster, energizing and refreshing.
An interesting APP, which has both a membership and a free version, is Freeletics. It will give you a guide and it will be easier to stay on track.
#4 RELAX WITH YOGA
You might not know yet that yoga can be your way of relaxing and centering. Give it a go, breath, stretch, and free your mind.
There are several yoga studios around town. Here you can find our selection:
Italy Power Yoga teaches Vinyasa, a fluid and dynamic form of Yoga. Two studios are conveniently located by Santo Spirito and by Piazza Beccaria.
Yoga Garage offers classes on dynamic flow, a connection of breath and movement, around the corner from Piazza San Lorenzo.
YogaInCentro is instead a studio for Hatha Yoga and is located by Piazza Pitti.
#5 EAT A BALANCED DIET
A healthy diet is essential for your well-being. Eating a balanced diet can have positive effects on physical health, mental health, and emotional balance.
The brain governs our thoughts, emotions, memories, and actions. It is therefore logical to think that what we eat has a great impact on its functioning. For example, excessive sugar intake has been found to decrease serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to depression and anxiety. And the same symptoms can be caused by the excessive consumption of low-quality food. Diet is an important factor in mental health. The average person needs to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, the right amount of protein, and whole, not over-processed foods.
Go to the supermarket (Conad, Carrefour, Coop, Esselunga), pack your cart with good food, and run back home to cook something fresh.
An alternative to the local stores is exploring the morning markets. It will be a dive into Italian culture; the quality of products is high, and the price is reasonable. Moreover, you will be buying only seasonal food – good for you and the environment.
By all means, enjoy meals at restaurants, but don’t make it an everyday event – by cooking at home you will eat a better-balanced diet and save a lot of money!
#6 SLEEP WELL
You will be traveling most weekends, going out in the evenings, while studying your fair amount. It may not feel too tiring at first, but if you do it every week, for weeks, you might start to feel fatigued and nervous. Simple fix: sleep! Do not ignore signals your body sends you – if you feel tired, it’s time to rest, relax, and get a good 8-hour long sleep.