Walking, Weights, and a Little Wine

Unpacking the Italian Approach to Staying Active and Feeling Great

Before moving to Italy, with no end date in sight, I came here to study abroad. While packing my bags for that special semester, I remember contemplating how much workout gear to cram into my suitcase and if I’d have the motivation to hit the gym while I was here. 

Apart from a few visits to my uncle's gym “palestra” during our family trips to Sicily, I was pretty clueless about the local fitness scene. I had this vague idea that it would be different from back home, but still wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

My first week here was spent on a travel course. I hopped from one town to the next with fellow classmates and program leaders. Our days were jam-packed with sightseeing and tours. Even during our downtime, it felt like a crime to stay cooped up in our rooms when there were breathtaking sights just steps away. 

At first, we assumed our step counts were up because of all the sightseeing. But even after settling into our day to day lives, the numbers remained pretty impressive. My friends and I were averaging around 10,000 steps a day. Most smartphones offer this feature in the Health app, btw!

The walkability here is definitely a game-changer. A leisurely stroll to the grocery store, a walk to class, or meeting friends — it all adds up. If you’re like me, and come from a U.S. city where a car is your lifeline, you’ll be just as amazed as I was at how effortlessly active life can be.

Another difference I noticed was that most gyms require a physical before allowing you to join. The day I went to sign up, the people at the front desk redirected me to their go-to doctor. Luckily, there was an opening just a few days later and it was affordable and fast. So, no complaints, just something to expect. 

Another thing — keep in mind the shift from pounds to kilograms when weighing yourself or selecting your dumbbells!

Aside from the traditional gym scene, there really is a wide range of fitness opportunities that vary here and there based on your area. I'd often pass by a local rowing club, snapping pictures to send to a friend who's a die-hard rower. She'd dream of rowing in places like Lake Como or the Arno, so this was a nice little sneak peak. 

Then, there are handfuls of Facebook groups. Try searching keywords, with your town name, like fitness, hiking, allenamento (workout), natura (nature), etc. I recently found a group near me that hosts meetups almost every weekend. There are also recreational soccer leagues, cycling enthusiasts – you name it and there’s a group for it. It’s an easy way to make friends and try something new. 

I’ve always believed that “age is just a number”, but here, you’ll see it’s true. My nonno (grandpa), for example, picked fresh fruit and veggies in the countryside most of his life. Typically not for work, just for himself and the family. He’s now 96, walks around on his own, and has plenty of energy. OH and he swears by the benefits of red wine!

Another example took place in Cinque Terre. I've been a few times, and the most memorable one was for a hike. It was from one town to another with a stop for a delicious lunch with a view. If you’re not familiar with the C5, they’re old seaside villages along the coast. While the towns themselves are walkable, the hikes between them are a bit more challenging. (Don’t worry, there’s also a train!)

Most of us were out of breath far before the halfway point and locals were passing us left and right — without breaking a sweat. I heard someone say, “I want to be that fit when I’m older!!” They must have to walk these paths every day and it’s surely paying off. 

With fitness, there’s the whole umbrella of wellness, and with that comes a secret sauce. In this case, it would be the Mediterranean diet. With fresh ingredients and minimal preservatives, it's the ultimate recipe for health. But trust me, Italian cuisine deserves a post (or a few) of its own. Let’s just say it’s another thing to look forward to and embrace.

I’ve found that Italy's fitness culture isn't just about working up a sweat, it's about living in the moment, even taking things slow. Whether you're exploring historic centers, joining a sports club, or tapping into the nutritional side of things, you’ll find yourself elevating your wellness in no time.

Regardless of where you are in the world, I’m curious to hear your favorite ways to stay active. Who knows, maybe a trip to Italy will help inspire a few more!