Insiders’ Vibrant Living: Walk and Savor Your Way to Health

By Carla Maria Perez

San Miguel de Allende isn’t just beautiful—it’s a vibrant hub for staying active and connected. From fitness to friendships, the city offers countless ways to move, socialize, and boost well-being. Staying active enhances health, while social connections keep the mind sharp and spirit happy, especially as we age.

Group Exercise: Workouts That Bring People Together

Participating in group fitness classes is a fantastic way to stay in shape and meet like-minded people. Whether you’re into high-energy workouts, gentle movement, or something in between, there’s an option for you.

Studio Exercise Classes: Work out, make friends – whether you’re improving strength, cardio-respiratory health, flexibility, or balance, group workouts provide energy and accountability. Specialized classes for those 55+ focus on mobility and strength in a supportive setting.

Yoga and Pilates: Strengthen and connect. San Miguel offers yoga and Pilates, including scenic rooftop and courtyard sessions. These practices improve flexibility, strength, and balance while creating a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Dance Classes: Move to the beat – If you want a workout that doesn’t feel like exercise, try dance! Whether it’s salsa, tango, or folk dance, these classes are lively and welcoming. Dance is naturally social, and after just a few lessons, you’ll likely have a new circle of friends.

Martial Arts and Boxing: Get strong, build confidence. For those looking for a more intense workout, martial arts and boxing provide both physical challenge and camaraderie.

Pickleball: A fast growing social sport, it has surged in popularity for a reason—it’s easy to learn, a great workout, and incredibly social.

Tennis, Golf, and Soccer: Traditional sports like tennis, golf, and soccer are available at various venues, with opportunities for lessons and casual matches.

Cycling and Mountain Biking. The stunning countryside makes it an ideal location for cycling. Whether you prefer relaxed rides or challenging mountain biking adventures, local cycling groups organize regular outings.

Wellness and Mind-BodyPractices: Balance and Bond

For a holistic approach to health, consider activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. San Miguel has a variety of wellness-focused activities that encourage relaxation and social connection.

Tai Chi and Qigong: Moving meditation. Often practiced in parks or tranquil outdoor spaces, these gentle martial arts improve balance, flexibility, and mental clarity.

Breathwork and Meditation Circles. Many wellness centers in San Miguel offer group meditation and breathwork sessions, where participants practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques together.

Volunteer Fitness: Stay active, give back. Why not exercise while making a difference? San Miguel has volunteer opportunities that involve physical activity, such as walking shelter dogs, working in community gardens, or participating in cleanup projects.

Find Fitness & FriendsThrough Social Media

With so many ways to stay active, how do you find the right classes, groups, or events? The answer is simple—social media. Facebook groups and pages are excellent resources for discovering free and paid fitness options, meetups, and local events.

Helpful Facebook Groupsand Pages

San Miguel de Allende Community Groups. These groups frequently post about fitness classes, group hikes, and social sports. Some popular ones include New Civil List SMA, Ladies of San Miguel de Allende, and many others.

San Miguel de Allende Healing Services and Events. A great resource for discovering yoga, dance, meditation, and wellness events.

Paynal’s Cardio Art Walks. This group organizes free cardio walks on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM, blending exercise with art and conversation.

San Miguel de Allende: Clean Environment Initiative. After noticing litter in the countryside, Simon Rilling started organizing community cleanup walks, bringing people together to restore and protect San Miguel’s natural beauty.

Tips for Getting Started

Staying active is easier—and more enjoyable—when you build social connections along the way. Research shows that strong social ties improve longevity, while group exercise boosts motivation and emotional well-being. To make the most of your experience:

Try Different Activities. Experiment with various fitness options to find what you enjoy most. You may discover a new passion, while connecting with like-minded people.

Be Consistent. Attending the same class or activity regularly makes it easier to build friendships.

Introduce Yourself. A simple hello in this welcoming community can lead to lasting connections.

Carla María Pérez, ISSA-certified trainer dedicated to helping men and women 55+ thrive with personalized fitness and nutrition plans. Her work has appeared in Virginia, USA publications.

Visit www.carlaperezissacertifiedtrainer.com or call 415 566 0004