Running in Palermo Parks
Staying in decent shape in Buenos Aires is a difficult feat to accomplish once you get to the city. Everything is red meat this, or ice cream that, and chances are whatever it is it’s covered in cheese (even some of the ice cream). There are no hills anywhere and the only energy I expend is walking to and from the subway system. However, everyone in Buenos Aires is in extraordinary shape, despite the seemingly unhealthy lifestyle, and I could not keep up. I have looked at everything – yoga classes, boxing, climbing gyms, aikido classes, push-ups on my floor – but nothing was enticing enough to get the job done. (Check out our indoor workout blog if you like classes and exercising indoors.) After 100 too many super panchos (hot dogs) and a couple of kilos of helado (ice cream), I had to do something before the walk to the subway became my primary workout.
One day I finally laced up my boots, literally because I didn’t bring anything better than my hiking boots, and over-eagerly pranced out my apartment door. Looking like a lost tourist from Patagonia I began to run like a headless chicken first to the right and then decided to turn around and go the other way. Call it divine intervention that I should have changed directions for no apparent reason because I ended up in the expansive Bosques de Palermo, or Palermo parks, with hundreds of other people.
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The parks are massive and full of commotion, and I was optimistic that I could run forever. However, ten minutes later I was as red as all of the malbec I have been drinking, lumbering around in my boots, and sweating litters harder than anyone else; I made that park and everyone in it look good by comparison. Needing a break from running I came up to a playground set for adults; random bars and benches that people were using to defy gravity. I did a few pull-ups, some crunches, and then sat on the grass pretending to stretch and looked across the lake. People were peddling around in those bike-boat contraptions that seem to move way too slowly considering how fast their legs churn the peddles. The sun was setting, dogs were wagging their tails, people were lounging with family and loved ones, and I forgot about my workout.
After I had taken in enough of the sunset and the commotion around me, I got back on my feet and set off again with all the other walkers, runners, and rollerbladers. I finished my loop around the lake and headed back towards home knowing that I would easily be able to make this a routine. Since then I have been running in the parks every other day and utilizing the workout equipment with a little bit more virility. My overall energy has picked up and I don’t feel as bad consuming copious amounts of helado, red meat, and vino tinto. For anyone looking for a good distracting place to workout check out Bosques de Palermo and run around either of the three lakes. Or forget about the running aspect and head to the parks for some relaxing respite from the traffic of the city for a few hours. So, read top 7 parks in Buenos Aires
A Symphony of Activities
While the parks serve as the city’s lungs, offering respite to those seeking a momentary escape from urban chaos, they are by no means quiet. Every corner of this expansive green space buzzes with activity. From seasoned runners pacing themselves around the lake to beginners taking their first jogging steps, from enthusiastic yogis stretching under the open sky to children chasing after their toys, Palermo Parks encapsulate the spirit of Buenos Aires – energetic, lively, and ever-celebratory.
The Fitness Corner: Every Athlete’s Dream
Perhaps what intrigued me the most during my initial visits was the adult playground. This wasn’t just a set of swings and slides, but a well-equipped fitness corner where people from all walks of life converged to challenge their limits. Watching an elderly gentleman effortlessly doing pull-ups next to a young woman perfecting her push-up form was both humbling and inspiring. It was a silent testament to the city’s commitment to health and fitness, irrespective of age.
More than Just a Running Spot
While my primary motive to visit the parks was fitness, I soon realized that Palermo Parks offer much more than just running tracks. The serene lakes, populated with quaint boat-bikes, provide a romantic backdrop for couples and families alike. The joy of pedaling on water, albeit at a snail’s pace, is an experience that’s both fun and memorable.
Moreover, the parks have become a melting pot of cultures. It’s not uncommon to find a group of musicians strumming their guitars, serenading passersby with melodies that range from traditional Argentine folk to contemporary pop. Artists, with their easels and palettes, try to capture the essence of Buenos Aires’ green heart, while dancers, away from the confines of their studios, sway and pirouette under the vast open sky.
A Reminder of Nature’s Bounty
In a city that’s always on the move, the flora and fauna of Palermo Parks serve as a gentle reminder of nature’s wonders. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the fragrant blossoms paint a picture of harmony and coexistence. For those who’ve had their fill of running, the parks offer cozy spots to lay down a picnic blanket, open a book, and let hours drift by.
The Bosques de Palermo isn’t just a park; it’s an experience. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone just looking for a peaceful corner to reflect, this place has something for everyone. And while running might be the perfect way to burn off those extra calories from the delicious Argentine steaks, the true essence of Palermo Parks lies in its ability to connect people, nature, and culture in a seamless bond.
So the next time you find yourself in Buenos Aires, don’t just limit yourself to the city’s historical landmarks and culinary delights. Head over to Palermo Parks and discover a side of the city that pulses with life, energy, and an undying love for the outdoors. And if you’re curious about exploring more green spaces in this urban jungle, check out our curated list of the top 7 parks in Buenos Aires. It’s time to lace up those shoes and embark on a journey that promises fitness, fun, and a deeper understanding of Buenos Aires’ soul.
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