Calorie-busting adventures in Cape Town

If you’re looking for something more exciting and adventurous than working out at the gym, you’ll find plenty of activities in Cape Town to keep you in shape.

Whether you want to trim down, tone up or just get fit, Cape Town is a city just waiting to fire the starting gun for you. Blessed with amazing weather and plenty of sunlight, it’s the perfect place to stay fit in and have fun while you’re doing it.

1. Boot camp

Adventure bootcamp in Cape Town

Getting fit in a team with Adventure Boot Camp

Adventure Boot Camp is one of the most exciting ways to stay motivated and step up your fitness regime. Based on military training, but not as brutal, boot camp will have you feeling stronger and healthier with a routine that includes both individual and team exercises.

Pump up your heart rate with jumping jacks, obstacle courses, hiking, running and cardio workouts to guarantee a surge in confidence, muscle tone, endurance, health and a better general physique. Trainers will give you individual attention, so no matter what your fitness level, you will be nurtured and empowered.

2. Swimming

Seaside swimming is definitely a favourite pastime for Capetonians, especially because it’s got so many beaches. However, if salt isn’t your flavour, you can also find an abundance of public swimming pools and freshwater dams to practice your strokes in. The Silvermine Dam is a particular favourite, sparkling amidst unique Cape fynbos and lush, hilly grassland. Hike around the horseshoe-shaped path on the outskirts of the dam to explore Shelter Rock, Crassula Edge and the Amphitheatre Path. These sites are an added benefit to the nature-filled calorie-burning experience after a leisurely dip in the natural waters.

Government pools in Cape Town can be found in a number of suburbs. Popular Olympic-size versions can also be found on Long Street in Cape Town, Langa, Willow Road in Observatory as well as Sea Point, Woodstock, Muizenberg, Newlands and Retreat.

3. Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a great way to burn fat in Cape Town

Though challenging to beginners, you’re unlikely to find a more thrilling sport that will help you stay super fit. Cape Town is an ideal place to get into this adrenaline-pumping activity. Phenomenal rock-climbing routes are just around the corner. Grab your car keys, or hire car to get around in Cape Town, and you will be there within minutes.

Due to the nature of the sport, you’ll increase your flexibility, focus, body tone, heart health and strength, all whilst busting down the calories of the day. You’ll also be wowed by incredible heights, unique views of the countryside, a highly stress-reducing and meditative treat.

Popular places include Table Mountain, the Silvermine Reserve, Lion’s Head and Lakeside Pinnacle.

4. Trail running

Another reason to avoid that gym treadmill is the inescapable fact that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world; offering scenic views of the ocean, mountainside, cliff faces and local flora. The natural terrain allows your running muscles to get used to a more natural motion and challenge your stamina by offering you varying levels of difficulty.

Get involved with some of the organised runs, including the Three Peaks Challenge, Peninsula Ultra Fun Run and Ocean2Ocean for a real challenge. They run annually and offer the fitness buff a great opportunity to get in shape.

Few places are quite as perfect as Cape Town when it comes to getting fit outside of the gym.

If you need to hire a specific vehicle during your trip to Cape Town then here are some options below;