As a former athlete, staying active is a huge part of my daily routine. I’d even say it’s necessary to my overall happiness and well-being. So, when I decided to study in Barcelona, although I was excited, I was a little worried about how I could keep up my workout routine in a completely new city. Thankfully, it turned out to be not just possible, but an amazing way to experience Barcelona like a local. Here's my adventure in staying healthy abroad, complete with some lessons and tips along the way! 

Finding Your Flow (Or Trying To) 

The first week in Barcelona, I prioritized finding a local gym. While there are plenty of options, I quickly learned that gym culture here is a lot different than what I’m accustomed to in the States. Back home, I was spoiled with 24-hour access and enough equipment to train for war. In Barcelona, most facilities aren't open for 24 hours, and peak times can make completing a workout challenging. But after some better planning and a couple of adjustments, I got the hang of it. It also might help learning a couple of phrases in Spanish for your typical interactions in the gym. I’ve gotten pretty good at asking how many more sets someone has (“¿Cuántas series te quedan?”). 

Squeezing in a workout between classes 

After some trial and error (and a few workouts cut short), I discovered ClassPass was a great resource for what I needed. It’s an app that allows you to purchase a membership, where you can use credits at different gyms and studios anywhere in the world. Not only could I use different gyms while traveling, but it led me to some truly unique experiences. Last week, I wound up in a meditation class where I understood about three words—but it was one of the most peaceful hours of my study abroad experience. Plus, these classes have taken me to neighborhoods I never would have discovered otherwise. Who knew finding a gym was the perfect way to explore the city? 

A unique meditation class at SABDA studios 

Walking: The Unexpected Workout 

Something they don't tell you before you study abroad is that your daily step count is about to go through the roof! Without my car, I'm walking everywhere or taking advantage of the amazing public transport. My phone tells me I'm hitting around 15,000 steps daily just living life here. These walks have become my favorite part of the day—popping in my headphones, taking in the Gothic architecture, and occasionally getting lost. 

Getting our steps in while exploring Arc de Triomf 

Local Markets and Dietary Restrictions 

Food is a huge part of the cultural experience while studying abroad. As someone with dietary restrictions, I was worried I'd be limited to watching my friends enjoy the exciting and unique new cuisines and restaurants. Thankfully, this wasn’t as big of a problem as I thought it would be. When I go out, I bring a translated list of my allergies to make it as easy as possible for the waiter, and in a diverse city like Barcelona, they usually have some options that align with my restrictions. 

A before photo of my allergen-free paella 

After 

But while I do occasionally dine out, I primarily cook my own meals. Learning to prep snacks and meals in advance for quick breaks has allowed me to stay nourished while on the go. And the necessity of frequent grocery trips for meal prepping has transformed into an opportunity to experience Barcelona's food landscape more authentically. El Corte Inglés (Spanish Target meets Whole Foods) offers familiar products, but the smaller local markets provide fresher produce at lower prices. And even the discount items here are high quality—the fresh smoothies here are life-changing. I do have to shop more frequently since I can't pack two weeks' worth of groceries in my car anymore, but these frequent trips have helped me feel like part of the neighborhood. 

Fresh finds at La Boqueria 

Unexpected Lessons 

What I never expected was how maintaining my health would become such a vital part of my study abroad experience. Those early morning gym sessions have helped me stick to a routine when everything else feels new and different. My post-workout walks, and shopping trips have become my time to process all the amazing experiences I'm having. And cooking my own meals has helped me appreciate both U.S. and Spanish food culture in new ways. 

Tips for Study Abroad Students: 

• Try different gyms before committing 

• Use fitness as an excuse to explore—ClassPass is a game-changer 

• Embrace walking everywhere 

• Explore local markets and small grocery stores 

• Find a routine that works for you, but stay flexible enough to enjoy spontaneous adventures 

The biggest lesson I've learned is that staying healthy abroad isn't about perfectly recreating your home routine—it’s about adapting and finding new ways of taking care of your body. That can mean finding comfort in familiar exercises, or sometimes doing yoga in a class taught in another language. It's important to remember that studying abroad is a unique chapter in your life, and occasional disruptions to your routine are not just normal, but perhaps even necessary for the full experience. It's all part of the adventure!