Praia - Post Report Question and Answers

What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?

Our mission has a recreation center with a decent gym. There are several reasonably priced gyms in the neighborhood that have adequate equipment, and many offers spin classes. There's also a walking/running path along the coast in the Palmarejo Baixo neighborhood. - Feb 2024


Free gym, pool, and tennis court at the rec center for U.S. Embassy employees. Local gym is about $40/month for excellent machines and group classes (spin, HIIT, etc.). Yoga/pilates options starting to pick up again post-pandemic. - Aug 2023


There are gyms around, and they look nice. Cost is probably $30-$40 month. Many people workout outside in the mornings or evenings when its's cooler. - Jan 2023


The embassy has a decent gym, but there are also local gyms that are close to most residences. I don't know the actual cost, but I do know that they are not expensive. - Sep 2018


The U.S. embassy has a recreation center with a small gym, but a very nice pool and tennis court. There are many gyms in Praia ($30-40/month), including free gyms along city walking paths. The city also has two very nice beaches. Cabo Verdeans are typically very healthy and half the city seems to come out around sunset for jogging and walks. Some members of the mission have hired personal trainers at a modest cost. - Dec 2017


There is an amazing workout culture here in Praia. You can walk out and see at all times of day and night people running, jogging, or doing group aerobics outside with a view of the Atlantic. There's also a few trails that run out of the city which are nice to explore during the day.

The embassy has a recreation center with a very nice heated pool, tennis court and play area for children. The gym is okay, but I personally prefer the local gyms such as Health Club Korpore which have nice facilities including pool for around US$35/month. You can also get tennis lessons and personal training quite easily. - Oct 2016


There is an embassy gym that has free weights, bench, elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike and a large swimming pool. You can also join several local gyms for not much money. - May 2014


Yes, a couple. They range from $25-75 USD per month, depending on the plan you choose, but they are adequate. Also, the U.S. Embassy has a small gym that they are working to renovate. There is a big workout culture here with lots of people running and walking before and/or after work. - Feb 2011


Yes, Embassy has a nice gym and pool. There are also private gyms. CVers love to exercise. - Sep 2012


Yes, and it is quite nice. - May 2012


Yes. This country is also full of runners and walkers. People are very exercise friendly. - Sep 2009


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