As a digital nomad who refuses to choose between my laptop and my deadlifts, I’ve made it my mission to find places where staying in shape is just as easy as getting great Wi-Fi. Over the years, I’ve trained in beach gyms in Bali, joined sunrise yoga classes in Costa Rica, and paddled out for surf sessions between work calls in Florianópolis…or “Floripa” as the locals call it. Some of these spots are world-famous, others are under-the-radar gems that most nomads haven’t discovered yet.
What they all have in common is the perfect blend of fitness-friendly amenities and remote work essentials. Think top-tier gyms, outdoor training spots, surf breaks, hiking trails, and smoothie bars within walking distance of your co-working space. The kind of places where it’s normal to see six-packs at the café and beach volleyball games breaking out after work.
In this guide, I’m sharing my personal list of the 10 best destinations for fitness-minded digital nomads, from tropical islands to mountain towns. Each of these locations has incredible training opportunities, strong internet, and a lifestyle that keeps both your body and your business in peak condition.
Best Destinations for Fitness-Minded Digital Nomads at a Glance
Here are some of my favorite fitness hotspots that I’ve featured in this blog post:
Now, here are each of these incredible fitness destinations in 2025.
- Read my guide: The Top Wellness Travel Places to Visit Right Now
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is honestly one of the best places in the US if you’re serious about staying fit while working remotely. I’ve spent time here and the outdoor culture is unreal – people actually bike to meetings and grab smoothies between Zoom calls. The Flatirons aren’t just Instagram bait either; these rock formations offer world-class climbing and hiking trails that’ll challenge even experienced athletes.
The gym scene here is pretty solid too. Iron Works Fitness runs about $50-60 monthly and gives you 24/7 access with pools and saunas included. For something different, Movement Boulder has this massive 22,000 square foot climbing facility with over 100 bouldering problems – definitely worth checking out if you’re into rock climbing. Mountain’s Edge Fitness is more low-key and costs around $55-65 per month, perfect if you want to avoid the usual gym intimidation factor.
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The Boulder Creek Path is great for running or cycling, and honestly, you can’t beat working out with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop. Winter gets cold but the locals embrace it – cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are huge here. Just be ready for altitude adjustment if you’re coming from sea level.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has become the ultimate digital nomad fitness destination, and after training here myself, I totally get why. Muay Thai is the main draw – Dang Muay Thai is currently the highest-rated gym in Thailand with over 2,700 five-star Google reviews. Private sessions cost around 1,000 baht (about $30) per hour, which is honestly incredible value for world-class training.
Lanna Muay Thai was actually the first gym in Thailand established by a foreigner back in 1966, and they run women-only classes on Saturdays – great if you want to try Muay Thai without feeling self-conscious. Regular gyms like The WALL Fitness near Maya Mall have modern equipment and air purification systems, perfect when you need a break from the heat.
The fitness community here is super welcoming, and you’ll find plenty of other nomads who actually want to train together instead of just talking about it. Gym memberships typically run $45-65 monthly, and many places let you pause your membership when you travel. Plus, post-workout Thai massages cost like $8 and they’re everywhere.
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Bali, Indonesia
Bali is where fitness meets paradise, but it’s gotten way more expensive lately. The Body Factory in Canggu used to dominate the scene but charges New York City prices – we’re talking 2.0-2.7 million IDR monthly (around $135-180). Thankfully, Wrong Gym and Elite Fit opened in 2023 with similar quality at better prices.
If you’re budget-conscious, places like Brother Gym and Victory Fitness Club in Canggu cost around 60,000 IDR ($4) per day – no AC but they get the job done. Gymnasium in Ubud is hands down the nicest gym on the island with ultra-modern equipment, though day passes run 150-200k IDR.
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I love training here because you can surf Canggu in the morning, hit the gym midday, then work from a beach café. Bali MMA ranks 5th in Asia according to Fox Sports and welcomes all skill levels. The real magic happens outdoors though – hiking Mount Batur at sunrise is a workout that beats any treadmill, and you can actually do yoga overlooking rice terraces without it being cheesy.
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Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town might be the most underrated fitness destination on this list. Table Mountain is literally right there calling your name every morning, and Optimum Lifestyle Gym offers science-based training programs starting from R520 monthly (about $30) for off-peak memberships.
Virgin Active has multiple locations across the city with world-class equipment and pools, while Roark Gyms focuses on functional fitness with programs specifically designed for pregnant women – their community approach is refreshing. The outdoor fitness culture here is insane though. People actually surf before work meetings and trail run during lunch breaks.
I spent three months here and the variety blew me away. You can hike Lion’s Head for sunrise (about 45 minutes up), SUP surf at Muizenberg, or join beach volleyball games that spontaneously break out. The weather’s perfect year-round, and honestly, Camps Bay beach workouts hit different when you’ve got the Twelve Apostles mountains behind you. Just budget for higher accommodation costs – this quality of life doesn’t come cheap.
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Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines European culture with serious beach fitness vibes. Swimming Club Athletic Barceloneta sits right on the beach with outdoor pools and 1,200 square meters of weight training facilities – the views over Barceloneta Beach are actually spectacular. McFIT Lesseps is perfect for strength training with tons of equipment and that collective “lightweight” energy.
The outdoor gym at Barceloneta (dubbed “Muscle Beach”) got a Nike-sponsored upgrade and it’s honestly pretty impressive for free outdoor equipment. Day passes at most gyms run 7-14 euros, with places like BCN Fitness opening at 6:30am for early birds.
What I love about training here is the Mediterranean lifestyle – you can run the 7km beachfront path, hit an outdoor gym session, then grab fresh seafood and actually good coffee. The Carretera de les Aigües trail in Collserola offers 8km of running through pine forests with killer views of the city. Plus, Barcelona’s bike lane network is extensive so cycling between neighborhoods is totally doable.
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Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is basically Australia’s answer to Miami, but with better surf and more outdoor fitness options. World Gym Surfers Paradise offers 24/7 access with dumbbells up to 65kg and 2 hours free parking for members. Plus Fitness Southport costs just $13 per week with no lock-in contracts – honestly can’t beat that value.
Paradise Fitness Clubs won awards for their group workouts and nutrition programs, while Goodlife Health Clubs Bundall gives you access to over 80 locations nationwide with heated pools and reformer Pilates. The beach culture here is next level though – I’ve seen people doing F45 classes on the sand at sunrise.
Surfers Paradise Beach is perfect for morning runs, and the consistent waves mean you can actually learn to surf without traveling hours to find decent breaks. The weather’s warm year-round, so outdoor training never gets old. Just expect higher costs for everything – Australia isn’t cheap, but the quality of life and fitness infrastructure make it worth considering for longer stays.
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Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis (locals call it “Floripa”) is Brazil’s best-kept secret for fitness nomads. This “Magic Island” has 42 beaches, world-class surf, and way fewer crowds than Rio or São Paulo. Gym Club Floripa sits in the city center on Av. Mauro Ramos with state-of-the-art equipment and classes from bike sessions to bootcamp.
Joaquina Beach and Praia Mole offer consistent surf breaks that attracted international surf camps, while Lagoinha do Leste requires a 1.5-2 hour hike but rewards you with one of Brazil’s most pristine beaches – it’s like earning your beach time through cardio. Lagoa da Conceição is the hub for water sports with steady winds perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
I was honestly shocked by how good the fitness infrastructure is here. The surfing community is welcoming to beginners, hiking trails are well-maintained, and the Brazilian approach to outdoor fitness is infectious. You’ll find yourself playing volleyball on the beach just because everyone else is doing it. Plus, costs are significantly lower than Australia or the US while offering similar outdoor lifestyle benefits.
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Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is honestly the most Instagrammable fitness destination on this list, but don’t let that fool you – the workouts here are legit. The Tulum Jungle Gym is basically the Flintstones gym brought to life, with equipment made entirely from wood, bamboo, and stone. It’s been featured in Men’s Health as one of the “Best Gyms in the World,” and I can see why – working out barefoot in the sand with dumbbells up to 72kg feels pretty surreal.
Star Fit Gym offers a more traditional three-level air-conditioned experience with a climbing wall and juice bar for around $30-50 monthly. Tribal Tulum downtown covers your yoga needs with everything from yin to vinyasa classes. The cenotes around Tulum are perfect for post-workout recovery swims – Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos are incredible natural pools that beat any ice bath.
Here’s the reality though: Tulum is more expensive than it used to be. Though it’s definitely worth experiencing for its holistic lifestyle and upscale amenities. And if you’re looking for better value for long term stays, I also recommend Playa del Carmen 45 minutes away.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon surprised me with how fitness-focused the locals are – people actually run hills for fun here, which makes sense when you see how steep this city is. Fitness Hut dominates with 25+ locations across the city, offering solid month-to-month memberships from €16-36 monthly (around $17-40). Their Santos location near the waterfront is particularly good with 1,800m² across seven zones plus a running track.
Holmes Place is the upscale option with saunas, jacuzzis, and pools, but you’re locked into yearly contracts and it’s pricey at €65+ monthly. For something different, Matchbox CrossFit gets rave reviews from travelers and locals alike. The Costa da Caparica beaches are just 20 minutes away with decent surf breaks – way more accessible than I expected from a European capital.
What I love about training here is the European work-life balance actually exists. People take proper lunch breaks to hit the gym, and the 7km coastal running path along Cais do Sodré to Belém is stunning. Plus, you can surf in the morning, work from cafés in Chiado, then do yoga in Príncipe Real – all without breaking the bank. Just be ready for some steep climbs between neighborhoods.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín might be the most underrated fitness city in Latin America. The “City of Eternal Spring” has perfect weather year-round, and Colombians are seriously into staying fit – they literally shut down highways on Sundays just so people can exercise. SmartFit is everywhere with month-to-month memberships around $25-35, and their all-Colombia pass lets you use locations across the country.
Bodytech is the premium option at around $100 monthly, attracting the upper-class crowd in places like El Poblado. Ultra Fitness in Provenza costs about $60 monthly and includes hot tubs, saunas, and massage services – honestly incredible value. For something unique, Power Fit Training Club in Laureles combines powerlifting with CrossFit and HIIT.
The outdoor culture here is next level. Cerro Nutibarra offers hiking right in the city, while Guatapé (the colorful town with the massive rock) is just two hours away for weekend adventures. I spent four months here and loved how the local fitness community welcomed nomads. Plus, at $600-800 monthly for a nice Airbnb in Laureles or Poblado, you can actually afford to live well while maintaining your fitness routine. The transformation this city has gone through is honestly inspiring.
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