Hello there!
I’ll be sharing my fitness journey in Dublin over my 7-year stay in this post. Keep reading for real advice on activities and gyms from someone who’s tried and tested them all and has been part of this city for a while!
Flyefit (Link):
With 20 locations in Dublin and 1 in Cork, chances are you’ll find one close by. Membership costs €35 monthly for a single location and €38 for roaming (access to any Flyefit), with discounts available for paying quarterly or annually. Almost everyone in Dublin has encountered Flyefit at some point—they’re that popular. The pros? Convenient locations and unbeatable prices. But yes, they do get quite crowded at times.
Tip: Find the best times to go by checking Google Maps’ popular times chart for your chosen Flyefit branch. Generally, weekday evenings are the busiest.
They’re pretty convenient if you’re on a budget or if you don’t want to commit to spending a lot because you think you won’t use it frequently at first (let’s be honest, we’ve all splurged on gym memberships as part of New Year’s resolutions only to use them a few times! ). They’re great for people who spend time in multiple locations and want to use the roaming service, or for those who work from home and can take advantage of the less crowded morning times. Whatever your reason, starting your fitness journey with one of the Flyefits in Dublin and adjusting based on your experience might be a good idea. They also offer personal training for an extra cost if you need help with building your program and staying accountable. I’ve been to both the Ranelagh and Macken Street branches for months, and I found myself happier with the Macken Street one. While I mainly used Flyefits for cardio workouts, especially indoor running, they offer a variety of cardio machines, weight training equipment, personal training, and different classes to try. I’m sure everyone can find something they’re interested in!
Reformer Pilates:
Here I have tried two of them:
Form School (Link) and Platinum Pilates (Link)
I’ve attended around 47 sessions at FormSchool since 2018, and I’ve given Platinum Pilates a try for less than 10 sessions. Interestingly, the Platinum Pilates Beginner class felt nearly as challenging as Form School’s Elementary class when I attended. However, Form School seemed more spacious. Currently, 10 Reformer classes at Platinum Pilates cost €195, while at Form School, it’s €185. Both studios offer cheaper intro classes for new users to test them out. Form School is located on Grattan Street, Dublin 2, while Platinum Pilates has studios on Hatch Street D2, Clonskeagh, Sandymount, Stillorgan, and Glenageary—all southside locations. Depending on where you live, you can choose either studio, or take advantage of both their intro offers to see which one suits you best.
Reformer Pilates was a fantastic way for me to kickstart my Sundays. I’d stroll from home to Form School on Sunday mornings, enjoy a rejuvenating stretch and core workout, then leisurely walk back home, rewarding myself with a takeaway coffee. Pilates works wonders for your core (think of the middle of your body when someone says core: abdominals, obliques, and lower back), flexibility, posture, and overall muscle toning. I found the reformer machine to be both fun and easier to use than traditional Pilates—it’s something I wish I had at home! Definitely worth giving it a shot! Flexibility is a key component of senior fitness tests, and Joseph Pilates famously said, “You are only as old as your spine!” So, it’s extremely important to maintain flexibility and core strength.
Yoga
I began practicing yoga at a place called Hotpod Yoga on Hanover Street in Dublin back in the day. I absolutely adored it, especially the dimly lit environment that enhanced the mind-body connection, the soothing scent of lavender, and the warmth—quite a contrast to Dublin’s usual chill. The heat really does wonders for relaxing muscles and easing into poses. There’s something uniquely invigorating about stepping into a studio wearing just shorts and a crop top amidst Dublin’s cold weather. It felt like experiencing an hour of summer amidst the cold and rain. Sadly, despite my love for the place, it eventually closed down.
Yoga Dublin (Link) :
There are so many places to practice yoga in Dublin, and I’ve tried Yoga Dublin, as well as YogaHub twice. Since I have more experience with it, I’ll focus on Yoga Dublin. Specifically, I visited the Ranelagh branch, and I must say, they’re pretty good. They offer a variety of options to cater to different experience levels and preferences, whether you prefer a more active, fast-paced yoga session or want to spend more time focusing on individual poses. They have detailed class descriptions available on their website—there are too many for me to list here. Additionally, they also offer Pilates classes, although I’ve only attended once.
Yoga Dublin has branches in Ranelagh and Rathmines. They also continue to offer online classes for those who prefer practicing at home, and they host Yoga in the Park sessions in various parks around Dublin—mostly in the Dublin 6 area, I believe. You can bring your own mat or rent one there, although I’ve always brought my own.
As for the benefits: Yoga is no walk in the park! While I love it, it’s important to note that it’s not necessarily easy and focuses not only on breath and stretching but also on building physical strength. It has definitely helped me improve my strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. There’s nothing quite like ending the day with a good yoga session, if you still have the energy after work (unlike in my team!) or starting your weekend with an invigorating yoga session that also provides a sense of calmness to help organize your thoughts, leave the rush behind, and start your day or weekend with a much better mindset.
Tip: If you’re participating in Yoga in the Park, especially if you’re new to yoga and need clear instructions, try to stay close to the instructor. It’s harder to hear when you are outdoors.
Hiking
Dublin and Ireland, in general, are amazing places for hikers! The natural beauty is truly impressive—the lush greenery and abundance of hiking routes make it an ideal destination for those who want to stay fit while exploring the great outdoors. In our blog, we’ll delve into the details of these hikes as we continue to explore them. But to get you started, here are a few:
- Wicklow Mountains National Park: Just south of Dublin, Wicklow Mountains National Park offers stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and waterfalls. There are numerous hiking trails catering to all levels of fitness and experience, such as the popular Wicklow Way and Glendalough trails.
- Howth Cliff Walk: Located on the northern edge of Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk provides scenic views of Dublin Bay and the surrounding coastline. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all ages, offering a refreshing escape from the city.
- Dublin Mountains Way: This long-distance hiking trail runs through the Dublin Mountains, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The trail passes through forests, moorlands, and hills, providing a varied hiking experience.
- Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk: This coastal trail starts in Bray, a short train ride from Dublin, and follows the cliffs to the neighboring town of Greystones. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and Bray Head, and it’s a great option for a leisurely hike followed by lunch in Greystones.
- Ticknock Forest: Located in the Dublin Mountains, Ticknock Forest features a network of walking and mountain biking trails. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Dublin and the surrounding countryside from the summit of Two Rock Mountain.
- Hellfire Club and Montpelier Hill: This historic site in the Dublin Mountains is known for its eerie ruins and scenic hiking trails. The trail to the Hellfire Club offers panoramic views of Dublin and the coast, while Montpelier Hill is home to the ruins of an 18th-century hunting lodge.
- Phoenix Park: Europe’s largest enclosed urban park, Phoenix Park offers numerous walking and cycling paths through woodlands, grassy meadows, and historical sites. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
These are just a few examples of the many hiking opportunities available in and around Dublin. Whether you’re seeking coastal views, mountain landscapes, or peaceful woodlands, Dublin’s great outdoors offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Tip for Dublin: Weather in Dublin can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Always carry a raincoat, even if the sky seems clear when you begin your hike (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Also, be ready for potential changes in visibility due to shifting weather conditions.
Running
I started running indoors at Macken Street Flyefit and in the gym downstairs of my first company. I’m still not great at running, but hey, I’m exploring—as the name of this blog suggests! Dublin, once again, proves to be an amazing place for runners, with numerous races held throughout the year (check them out!), plenty of parks to explore, and scenic canalside routes. Plus, the terrain is relatively flat, which is a bonus.
Some popular running spots include Phoenix Park, the Grand Canal and Royal Canal Towpaths, Dublin Bay Coastal Path, Sandymount Strand, Dún Laoghaire Pier, St. Anne’s Park, and Herbert Park. Lucky me, I’ve moved from a location near the Grand Canal towpath to one near the Royal Canal towpath, with easy access to Phoenix Park. So, really, I have no excuse not to run!
For those new to running, I highly recommend Couch to 5k apps—they’re what got me started and kept me going!
Kayaking
Another sport I have tried in Dublin for the first time is Kayaking (besides Reformer Pilates). I have done two taster and short Kayaking experiences in Grand Canal with two different meetup groups (One here) and once, I went to Lough Hyne Night Kayaking Tour (this is not in Dublin) which was AMAZING but more challenging.
I recommend starting with the shorter tours offered by this meetup group, especially if you’re not confident in your arm muscles (trust me, my arms were sore for days after my first kayaking tour!). Then, once you feel more comfortable, you can advance to the longer 2-3 hour tours. Fortunately, when we did the Lough Hyne tour, my arms were in much better shape thanks to years of yoga, pilates, and personal training.
Personal Training
If you have a higher budget and seek a customized and focused experience to enhance your fitness and strength, personal training might be the perfect fit for you. This option is ideal if you’re clueless about how to start working out and don’t want to spend time researching online, if you struggle to stick to plans and resolutions, and require accountability with a set schedule and financial commitment.
I frequented Envisa Gym in Ranelagh for a while, and now I’ve shifted to Kilo Training in Ashtown, and I’m content with both choices. However, it’s worth noting that personal training can be expensive and typically focuses on weight training. Therefore, you may need to supplement it with longer cardio exercises like running and activities for flexibility, such as yoga.
Aerial Silk (Link)
I have been dreaming about their Taster classes probably for the last 6 years, and I am finally doing it this Sunday. I am going to Aerial Cirque – Taster Aerial Silks Workshop for 2 hours in Exchequer Street. It looks like this:
I will write a more detailed post on this later!
So, that wraps up the introduction to my fitness journey in Dublin! My current goal is to increase the frequency of the activities I enjoyed and integrate them into my weekly routine while striving for improvement. Dublin offers a plethora of options, including activities like dancing, badminton, and even sea swimming for the adventurous souls out there.
Here are some quick tips to kickstart your fitness journey in your own city:
- Consider Your Interests: Reflect on sports or activities you’ve enjoyed in the past or have always wanted to try.
- Explore Options: Research sports facilities and clubs available in your city to find what suits you best.
- Consider Accessibility: Choose activities that are easily accessible in terms of location, cost, and time commitment.
- Start Slow: Take your time to try out different activities through trial classes or sessions before fully committing.
The most important aspect is to find activities you genuinely enjoy. Fitness shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you find something enjoyable and easy to start, you’re more likely to develop a habit. Consider whether you prefer solo or team sports, and think about your preferences regarding walking, hiking, flexibility, or strength-based activities.
For me, convenience is key. Signing up for the closest gym, yoga studio, or personal training sessions helps minimize resistance, especially on days when I feel tired or when the weather isn’t ideal. Running and walking are also convenient options that can be easily started from your doorstep, weather permitting.
Ultimately, self-awareness is crucial. Reflect on the environments you thrive in, past successes and challenges, habits, struggles, and preferences. Keep experimenting with different activities—they’re often free or low-cost to try.
Share in the comments what sports you’ve tried in your city and what has worked well for you. Good luck on your fitness journey!
