1. Beat your personal best
Founded by Scotsman Alan Urquhart, PB Training is one of Barcelona’s prime English-speaking fitness training groups. A certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Urquhart has 14 years of professional experience and is passionate about sharing his knowledge. His beach classes (€4-€7) are dynamic group workouts with four different themes: circuit training, abs, fat burn or bootcamp. For those more interested in cardio-focused exercise, join the PB running group which meets four times a week for high intensity interval training sessions (HIIT). Even though Urquhart is known for his tailored advice during group classes, you can also opt for personal training, starting at €50.
2. Speed demons
If you’re a keen runner, then this one’s for you. Midnight Runners was founded in London by two friends who wanted to beat the British winter blues. Thanks to Meetup, interest blossomed and running crews can now be found in five cities worldwide. Barcelona’s branch is led by 11 passionate volunteers, known as ‘Crew Captains’. The English- speaking group starts the week with a 10-kilometre bootcamp, which includes pit stops for push ups, burpees and more, all to the beats of top hits. Sunday sessions are more stamina-focused, covering distances between 15 and 30 kilometres. Membership is completely free and most runs end with a drink or social event. Sign up on the myCrew app.
3. Take flight
A mixture of yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage, AcroYoga develops strength, flexibility and trust through a series of static poses and flying manoeuvres. Growing in popularity around the world, certified Ukrainian-American teacher Lidiya Ber has started giving weekly classes for all levels at Ciutadella Park. Come along and join this passionate bunch of acroyogis throughout the summer; Sundays 4-6pm for beginners (donation optional) and Mondays 6-8pm for higher levels (€10).
4. Paddle-fit
A lover of both Pilates and paddle boarding, Ely Merino Peñas combined her two passions when she opened Pilates SUP & Beach. Offering 19 classes per week, prospective paddle-surfers can choose the level of intensity and which part of the body they would like to target. With more muscle toning than your average fitness class, each 75-minute session (€20) aims to connect mind and body with the calming sea. No previous experience is required and the group meets at the Salt Beach Club.
5. Don't fight it
Qi Academia’s Martial Art Health Fighters combine fitness, self-defence and spirituality. Run by Russian Alex Khrapov, Qi Academia introduces the world of martial arts with sessions throughout the week. Wu Shu/Kung fu sessions and Aikido training take place outside the UB Biblioteca de Filosofia, Geografia i Història in Raval on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, while Khrapov teaches Tai Chi in Ciutadella Park every Sunday at 10am. Boosting energy levels through careful concentration and meditation, the Martial Art Health Fighters will guide you along the journey of this globally revered practice. Ten sessions cost €40, or it’s €39 per month to access the full programme.