Favorite exercise classes and workouts in Paris
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love a good workout—and not just to make up for butter, bread, and croissants. I love the way it makes me feel. I love the escape from kids, work, and everything in between.
Whether you’re a Parisian, or a traveler looking to incorporate some movement into your next séjour in Paris, below I’m sharing my five favorite ways to stay in shape in the City of Light.
Walking
The benefits of walking are hugely underestimated. Unless you live in a major city, going on a walk tends to be an activity. In Paris and many French cities, it’s a way of life. You walk to the bakery, the bus or metro, a restaurant, or to meet a friend. It is the secret to staying slim in a country that prides itself on bread, butter, and cheese. Numerous studies outline the benefits, like this article from Harvard Medical School or this article featured on CNN.
Walking holds not only significant physical benefits but mental benefits. When I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence and had a 20-minute daily walk to the Sciences Po, I remember thinking to myself, “I’ve never had this much time to think and process my thoughts.” Walking can be hugely therapeutic.
If you’re looking for a sporty walk, I love doing a few laps around the perimeter of Luxembourg Gardens. There’s solidarity in numbers there as you’ll see many runners and fast walkers, particularly in the morning. I love starting at Notre Dame for a more leisurely walk and strolling along the river Seine to the Eiffel Tower, especially around sunset. It takes around an hour, depending on your pace and the number of photos you stop to take along the way.
Boxing
After watching my husband box over the past few years, I decided to get in on the action a few months ago. I’ve had five private lessons with Coach Philippe and my first collective class with him at the chic Parisian fitness center, Episod. I love boxing, but the instructor can make all the difference, as with any activity or sport. Philippe is focused on technique and the art of boxing. If you want to go balls out on a punching bag, look elsewhere.
He adapts his coaching to your level and is encouraging, motivating, and an all-around cool person. It goes without saying, he’s highly qualified—his Instagram is testimony to that. He gives private lessons in various parks and open spaces across Paris (Luxembourg Gardens, Palais Royal, along the banks of the Seine, etc.). He teaches classes at Episod hubs and Temple Noble Art. If you’re interested in beginning your boxing journey or just a one-off boxing-fitness session during your travels, the best way to get in touch with him is via private message on Instagram.
Philippe is also a talented singer. He has his own band, Lunakii, and released his latest single “Dja la foule” a month ago. It’s the summer song my husband and I can’t get out of our heads!
Fit’Ballet
Fit’Ballet is a fitness method developed by ballerina extraordinaire Octavie Escure. It incorporates all the exercises and movements that give ballerinas their strong, supple, enviable bodies, but without the actual ballet dancing.
I believe some classes are offered in English. Otherwise, don’t be scared to take a class in French. It’s okay if you don’t understand—your eyes will tell you what to do! Follow Octavie and Fit’Ballet on Instagram, and schedule a class via the website the next time you’re in Paris.
Running
I consider myself a fair-weather runner. When the sun’s out, I enjoy a two to three-mile run. My husband and I would go on longer runs across the city before kids, but we have fewer opportunities to do that now. Out of convenience (and size), my go-to spot for a run is Luxembourg Gardens. When we lived in the 5ème arrondissement, I’d go running at Jardin des Plantes.
Going on a run is one of my favorite ways to see a city, either early in the morning or late at night, to avoid the noise, traffic, and taking in the sites without the masses of people.
