To complement our just-published Guide to keeping fit in the Netherlands, here are are some extra suggestions from expats and locals on where to keep fit in Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Haarlem and The Hague.

Louise (Amstelveen):
I salsa dance three times a week (www.salsalacuna.nl).
I also bike ride at weekends either into Amstelveen binnenhof/winkel centrum or Amsterdamse bos.
If I have time, I do yoga at home with a DVD, or use a power ball in my bedroom.
Sometimes I read a book when on my step machine (to keep my brain muscles trim).

Michele (Amsterdam):
Unlike other capitals, Amsterdam isn’t too big and has enough green space. It offers:

Bike paths (fiets routes), which bring you within a few minutes into open fields, among dunes and marshes, are everywhere (see Recreation spaces in North Holland  and On yer bike). Which are particularly popular in the spring and summer. I use my racing bicycle regularly in the summer months and often cycle to the beach in Zandvoort. You can also 'rollerblade' along these routes.

Swimming-pools and gyms: Quite often located in the same building, or not too far from each other. Every district has its own, so check it out. As I live in the Jordaan, I go to Marnixbad. I also go three times a week to Squash City. Although specialised in squash, it offers courses in other disciplines such as yoga and aerobics. I go to the gym there.

Rowing: There are many private and public clubs, where it
is possible to rent a rowing-boat. Roeicentrum Berlagebrug is the
official organisation sponsored by the municipality, which offers
courses the whole year around at a reasonable price. I rowed there for a year.

Horse Riding: there are also numerous riding schools or 'maneges', mostly located outside the centre, but easily reachable by bicycle. I attended three different ones for more or less 3-4 years. Prices vary, from very cheap  to the more sophisticated and expensive.

Of course there are loads of other activities: many people go to
Museumplein to play volleyball (free), or soccer (Vondelpark). In some places, including the Westerpark you can also play tennis for free.

Clare (Amsterdam):
Yoga: If you are looking for a yoga class that gives you a complete work out, calms your mind and really relaxes you then I would suggest going to the Yoga Community. It really is a community because once some one comes to a class they invariably continue because the teaching is so great and people come regularly and get to know each other. www.yogaadvaita.org/amsterdam

Joanna (Amsterdam):
Yoga: I go to yoga lessons taught in the Sivananda tradition by the Yoga Community (http://amsterdam.yoga108.org). There are four drop-in classes a week so it's easy to find a time to fit into my busy schedule. The lessons are very relaxing and I always come away feeling exercised and refreshed.

Natasha (Amsterdam)
Yoga: I practice yoga at the Saimithra yoga centre (www.saimithra.com) once a week minimum and cycle everywhere.

Jami (The Hague)
Running: I keep fit by running next to a canal in my neighbourhood (Den Haag), which is very peaceful. There are a lot of rowers in Holland, especially on the weekend, so I like to run when they are out racing. I wish there were more parks in Holland, as I find the Randstad too busy and not practical for running.

Antoine (Haarlem):
Running: I frequently go running, especially now the days are getting longer. There are a few lovely tracks through nature.

I primarily run (parts of) the half marathon track between Zandvoort and Haarlem. I ran this marathon once!

Skydiving: I enjoy skydiving – base camp is www.paracentrumtexel.com/english/. Plus, check out here to go skydiving in the Netherlands.

Squash: I regularly play squash with a few friends

I also like hiking with the family, and, lastly, I must mention that I bring my little boy by bike to day-care every morning!

Danielle (Haarlem):
Workout: I keep fit by going to the gym for two hours every Monday. I am a member of Life Fit in Haarlem. Over my two-hour routine,  I do exercises such as sit-ups for 10 minutes, then a lovely dance aerobics class and a combi-class. Both these classes are headed by Belle, who is
absolutely great. She will get you moving, sweating and laughing at the
same time (she actually participated in Miss Saigon). I also do some
sit-ups every evening and ride my bike with 25 kg+ on it (in the form of
two children) regularly. Also, if the weather and schedule allows, we
like going for walks in the dunes around Zandvoort and Bloemendaal or in
one of the parks around Haarlem.

Visit our complete guide of where to find sports clubs and listings in the Netherlands.

Plus, check out our listing of Sports clubs in the Netherlands. 

Where you keep fit in the Netherlands - where locals and expats go - is the response to our recent call out for your let us know how you keep fit in the Netherlands. Please post your suggestions at the end of this article so that we can share them with other users. (to do this you must first register as a user with Expatica).


9 June 2008
(Last added to 24 June - thanks Clare Dimond and Joanna Monkhouse for your tips on where to do yoga.)

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