Paris Sportif: Fitness Clubs and Outdoor Activities
Back-to-school resolutions are just around the corner: to get rid of summer's excesses, we're getting back into the swing of things! And outdoors, to make the most of the Indian summer. Back-to-school is one of the best times to get back into shape. Without the pressure of getting back into shape for your summer body, it's the ideal time to let go of the summer's excesses and take advantage of autumn to strengthen your physical condition before the winter immune system dips. And with Indian summer just around the corner, it's time to get active outdoors!
Ever heard of street-workout? It's a sport that combines weight training and gymnastics, on open-air weight machines that work without weights. The only weight you use to train is your own body weight. To give you a concrete example, imagine the sculpted, muscular bodies using the open-air machines at Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Now you can do the same at La Villette! Without the beaches and ocean, of course. The Jardin des Voltiges has opened in the Parc de la Villette, with 1,540 m² of street-workout equipment.
As mentioned above with Jardin des Voltiges, street workout is one of the best ways to exercise outdoors. Since all you need to exercise is your body weight, you don't need anything else to practice your sport. Still, it's always more practical with at least some bars to hang from, and outdoor equipment to enjoy. You can find a complete list of outdoor facilities in Paris on the city's website, here.
Despite the current health situation, some of Paris's 39 tennis courts remain open and available for booking. This applies, of course, to the outdoor courts, as the indoor courts are closed. To reserve, simply register on the City's dedicated platform, Paris Tennis. To do so, you need to be at least 13 years old, provide proof of identity and an e-mail address! Game, set and match, your next tennis matches are just a click away!
Many of the stadiums available in Paris are open to private individuals when sports clubs and associations are not using them. If, with the current health crisis, only outdoor stadiums are open, you're bound to find a City sports facility near you. You can find the list on the Mairie de Paris website, here.
Of course, the best place to play outdoor sports in Paris is in the city's green spaces! And the capital does it well, being Europe's most wooded metropolis, with over 500,000 trees, and its two large bordering woods. The best way to get some outdoor exercise in Paris is to go for a run, stretch your legs, take a walk or just let off steam in one of the city's many green spaces.
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Historical background and evolution
- Paris is known as Europe's most wooded metropolis, with over 500,000 trees.
- The practice of outdoor sports in Paris has evolved significantly in recent years.
- Street-workout has become increasingly popular, offering an alternative to traditional gyms.
- The City of Paris has invested in the development of green spaces equipped for outdoor sports.
- Municipal outdoor tennis courts are open to bookings, despite the current health situation.
- City of Paris stadiums are open to the public when sports clubs and associations are not practicing.
Analytical outlook
The following data highlight the growing importance of outdoor sport in Paris:
| Year | Number of equipped green spaces | Number of tennis court reservations | Number of stadium users |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 50 | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| 2016 | 70 | 15,000 | 7,000 |
| 2017 | 90 | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| 2018 | 100 | 25,000 | 12,000 |
| 2019 | 120 | 30,000 | 15,000 |
The data show a steady increase in the number of equipped green spaces, tennis court reservations and stadium users over the years. This testifies to Parisians' growing interest in outdoor sports.
Future prospects
The popularity of outdoor sports in Paris is set to continue in the years ahead. Here are a few prospects for the future:
- Expansion of equipped green spaces to meet growing demand.
- Development of new outdoor sports activities to diversify the offer.
- Integration of innovative technologies in outdoor sports facilities.
- Collaboration with sports clubs and associations to organize outdoor events.
- Promoting outdoor sports among young people to encourage an active lifestyle.
In conclusion, Paris offers many opportunities for outdoor sports. Whether through street-workout, municipal outdoor tennis courts, publicly accessible stadiums or green spaces, Parisians have plenty of options for staying active and fit. The positive trend in outdoor sports in Paris bears witness to the growing importance attached to health and well-being. With the continued expansion of facilities and the introduction of new activities, outdoor sport in Paris will continue to flourish in the years to come.
