One of the first things visitors notice when they arrive in Medellín is the local obsession with physical fitness. It is no coincidence that the city is the birthplace of great athletes and that aesthetics play such an important role in paisa culture. Seeing people in sportswear walking down the street, jogging, or going to the gym is part of the everyday urban landscape.
For travelers, whether they are casual tourists or long-term digital nomads, this is excellent news. Unlike other cities where finding a decent gym or a safe running route is an odyssey, in El Poblado there are plenty of options and the quality is world-class.
However, the selection is so wide that it can be confusing. Which gym allows you to pay by the day without annual contracts? Where are there yoga classes in English? Is it safe to run on the street? In this guide, we break down the fitness ecosystem of Comuna 14 so you can choose the option that best suits your discipline.
Big Box Gyms
If your workout requires heavy machinery, Olympic lifting platforms, or a large amount of cardio equipment, big chains are your best bet. In Medellín, two names dominate the market: Bodytech and Smart Fit.
Smart Fit (Multiple locations: Milla de Oro, Forum, Santafé)
This is the low-cost but high-quality option. Its facilities are usually very modern, with powerful air conditioning and state-of-the-art machines.
● The Vibe: It's functional and massive. It can get very crowded during peak hours (6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.).
● Access for travelers: They tend to be strict about memberships, but they offer a “Day Pass” that you can purchase at the front desk. It's ideal if you only need to work out a couple of times.
● Location: They have a massive presence. You're very likely to find one less than 10 minutes from anywhere in El Poblado.
Bodytech (Rio Sur, El Tesoro, Vizcaya)
This is Colombia's premium chain. In addition to the machines, its locations usually include wet areas (sauna, Turkish bath), medical offices, and a robust group class schedule (Rumba, BodyCombat, floor Pilates).
● The Vibe: More exclusive and comprehensive. It is a medical sports club. If you like to finish your workout with a sauna to relax your muscles, this is the place for you.
● Notable location: The Rio Sur Shopping Center location (opposite Oviedo) is iconic in the area for its size and views.
● Access: They offer daily and weekly passes, although at a higher price than Smart Fit.
Boutique Studios and Functional Training
If you are bored with traditional machines and prefer high-intensity training, a community atmosphere, or neon lights, El Poblado has a vibrant boutique studio scene.
Action Fitness (Various locations)
It's somewhere in the middle. It's not as massive as Smart Fit, but it offers a wide variety of functional areas, CrossFit cages, and energetic group classes. It's very popular with young locals.
Cyglo (Golden Mile)
If you're a fan of indoor cycling (like SoulCycle), this is the place to be. Walking into a class at Cyglo is like walking into a nightclub: darkness, robotic lights, reggaeton or electronic music blaring, and coaches who are practically motivational celebrities. You'll leave drenched in sweat and pumped up on adrenaline. You need to reserve your bike in advance through their website.
CrossFit Boxes
The CrossFit community in Medellín is huge and very close-knit. In the El Poblado area and its surroundings (such as Barrio Colombia, which is very close by), you'll find certified “boxes” with excellent equipment (Rogue, etc.) and trained coaches. The atmosphere is usually very welcoming to drop-ins (visitors from other boxes around the world); it's a great way to make local friends while suffering through a WOD.
Yoga and Pilates: Mind-Body Connection
For those looking to slow down and work on flexibility and core strength, El Poblado offers sanctuaries of peace amid the urban hustle and bustle. This modality resonates strongly with the philosophy of Barrio Manila, where wellness is a way of life.
Flying Tree Yoga (Near Manila/Transversales)
This studio is a favorite among the expat and digital nomad community.
● The approach: They offer bilingual classes (Spanish and English), which is a big plus if you haven't mastered the local language yet.
● Styles: From dynamic Vinyasa Flow to restorative Yin Yoga. They also often organize community events, Thai massage workshops, and vegan brunches, creating a real community.
108 Yoga (Castropol/Poblado area)
A space dedicated to traditional and mindful practice. Their teachers are renowned for their technique and spiritual depth. It is a quiet, bright, and plant-filled place, ideal for disconnecting from the chaos of the city.
Pilates Pro (Golden Mile)
If you are looking for Pilates Reformer and Cadillac beds, on the Golden Mile you will find specialized studios with certified instructors who offer almost personalized attention (very small group classes). It is excellent for injury rehabilitation or for strengthening your posture after many hours of working in front of the computer.
Urban Running: Where to run in El Poblado?
Running in Medellín has an additional challenge: the topography. El Poblado is on the side of a mountain, which means that almost any route will involve demanding climbs and descents (“lomas”). You also have to take altitude into account: Medellín is almost 1,500 meters above sea level. If you come from the coast, you will feel out of breath more quickly. Take it easy for the first few days.
The Ciclovía on Avenida El Poblado (Sundays and holidays)
This is the crown jewel of urban sports in Medellín. Every Sunday and Monday holiday, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Mayor's Office closes the vehicle lanes of Avenida El Poblado (one of the main arteries) for the exclusive use of athletes.
● The experience: It's not just running. It's a social event. You'll see entire families, skaters, people walking their dogs, and fresh fruit stands (mango biche, orange juice, salpicón) along the way.
● The route: You can run from Parque del Poblado south (Envigado) or north (Downtown). It's a paved, wide, and safe route, monitored by the police and public space managers.
● Tip: Arrive early (around 8:00 a.m.) to avoid the strong midday sun and the crowds at 10:00 a.m.
La Presidenta Linear Park
If you're looking for a short route during the week, La Presidenta Linear Park (which crosses near Lleras Park and the Dann Carlton Hotel) offers a pedestrian path surrounded by nature and crossed by a stream. It's a small green oasis. Although it's not very long, it's perfect for a gentle jog or for stretching outdoors.
Calisthenics Parks (Inder)
Medellín has a network of free outdoor gyms managed by INDER. In the El Poblado sector, several parks (such as La Presidenta or Parque de la Bailarina) have pull-up bars, parallel bars, and basic resistance machines. They are meeting points for the calisthenics community and are completely free.
The role of rest: Recovery at Hotel Sloh
Every athlete knows that training is only part of the equation; the other half is recovery. Training hard and sleeping poorly is a recipe for injury or burnout.
This is where your choice of accommodation becomes strategic. Staying at Hotel Sloh in the Manila neighborhood offers competitive advantages for your fitness routine:
1. Tactical Location: You are on flat ground (Manila is one of the few flat areas), allowing you to go for a walk or a gentle jog without facing any immediate hills. You are close to El Poblado Avenue to join the Ciclovía on Sunday without the need for transportation.
2. Sleep Quality: Our rooms are obsessively designed for rest. High-end mattresses, fresh cotton sheets, lighting control, and soundproofing ensure that your muscles repair deeply during the night.
3. Local Nutrition: Being in Manila, you are surrounded by the best healthy food options in the city. Acai bowls, vegan restaurants, protein shakes, and organic markets are steps from our door, making it easy to maintain a clean diet.
4. Spa Showers: There's nothing better after climbing hills or a CrossFit class than a high-pressure shower with steady hot water to relax your muscles.
Don't let your trip be an excuse for a sedentary lifestyle. Medellín offers you the infrastructure and energy you need to return home stronger than when you arrived. Pack your sneakers and sportswear and get ready to sweat in paisa style.