HEALTHY CITY GUIDE: Mexico City
For those who imagine Mexico City to be mostly pollution, traffic, gang fights & ghettos - let me change your opinion for just a minute. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to, with trendy neighbourhoods full of hip cafes, clean streets, huge green parks, streets closed for bikes & rollerblades on Sundays, puppies everywhere, stunning architecture, endless historic sights, friendly warm people, charming local markets and incredible food. Not only that, but the health scene is booming. Boutique fitness studios are popping up all over and almost every café you stumble across offers healthy, vegan options. I tried and tested some of the best healthy hotspots in the city, and put together this guide for your next visit to Mexico City.
Working Out in Mexico City
Siclo
Guadalajara 36, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc,
06700 Ciudad de México
When it comes to spinning in Mexico City, all the recommendations I got were unanimous; Siclo is the place to go. This chain is essentially the “Latino SoulCycle” with studios not only in Central and Latin America but also in Spain. The studio did not disappoint, with an absolutely gorgeous, green, entrance, friendly staff and amazing facilities. The class was hard but amazing. Get ready to hear latino jams and get straight in the Mexican mood.
PRICE: MXN$ 200 (equivalent: €9.70, $10.52 USD)
NOTE: They provide spinning shoes, towels, showers & shower products but no hair dryers
Sersana
Guadalajara 93, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc,
06700 Ciudad de México
A rather simple but friendly studio, with many different functional class types from SWEAT to TONE. I did a SWEAT class which was a mix of light resistance and cardio. My favourite part was how seamlessly “with the beat” the whole class was. I doubt it was just my instructor or just that class, it must be a latino thing. They also have a healthy café (Seven Buddhas: see below) which makes it the perfect place for a morning workout & coffee.
PRICE: MXN$ 200 2-for-1 Intro Offer (equivalent: €9.70, $10.52 USD)
NOTE: They provide towels, showers and shower products but no hair dryers
JC Chavanez
Av. Horacio 428, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo,
11560 Ciudad de México
This place was hands down my favourite studio in Mexico City. This boxing class uses the “teardrop bags” to do a mix of boxing sequences and body weight exercises. The whole vibe is out of this world thanks to a bass-pumping playlist, perfectly coordinated to the beat of the exercises. The lights match the music and it all comes together to create a completely immersive experience. Get ready to work your brain just as much as your body; the boxing sequences are not simple, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll leave sweaty and happy.
PRICE: First class is MXN$ 150 (equivalent: €7.28, $7.90 USD)
NOTE: If you don’t have straps they have some on sale (MXN$ 150). They provide boxing gloves, towels and shower products but no hair dryers
Green Yoga
Alfonso Reyes 23, Hipódromo Condesa,
06721 Ciudad de México
This place was recommended to me a few times. It’s a rather sweet and simple yoga studio with two rooms; one for regular yoga classes, and one for aerial yoga. I went to a Level 2 Vinyasa class which was full of original sequences and fun, playful arm balances to try, test and fall over in the non-intimidating class setting. The studio breeds a very easy-going and open atmosphere, so no need to be worried even if you’re a beginner. Little bonus: first class is free!
PRICE: First class is free, then it’s MXN $170 (equivalent: €8.19, $8.88 USD)
NOTE: The studio has mats for rent (50 pesos), showers but no shower products or towels.
Go Running
Chapultepec Park or Viveros Coyoacán
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-04/21/c_137995564_4.htm
Mexico City boast tons of huge beautiful parks, and contrary to what you might think, they’re generally very safe to run through during the day. I ran through the Condesa neighbourhood to Chapultepec park which is beautiful. The Condesa neighbourhood also has pedestrian walk ways in between the two lanes of major roads. There are lots of people running and walking through these paths, and they’re generally lines with big beautiful tropical trees. I’ve also heard that running around Coyoacán is very scenic. One thing to note is that the air quality is quite bad in Mexico City. I didn’t notice it while running but it’s definitely something to be wary of.
Healthy Eating in Mexico City
Blend Station
Avenida Tamaulipas 60 , Col. Condesa, Hipódromo,
13210 Ciudad de México
Blend quickly became one of my favourite spots during my trip. Not only is it a specialty coffee roaster with delicious healthy food, it’s also the perfect work space, with high counters full of laptop tapping freelancers and plugs everywhere - not to mention reliable and quick internet: a total win in my books. They serve brunch until 1pm (shakshuka, avocado toast, porridge, açai bowls) and salads, bowls & sandwiches in the afternoons and evenings. I discovered their coconut milk chai on one of the last days, and I have to say it might have been one of the best Chai Lattes I’ve ever had.
Seven Buddhas
Guadalajara 93, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc,
06700 Ciudad de México
This little café is tied to the Sersana Studio (see above). They serve coffee, juices, smoothies, pancakes (vegan & keto versions), waffles (vegan & keto versions), toasts, salad and smoothie bowls. This was the first place I saw a fully veggie-only green juice in Mexico City. They have “green juices” on most café menus in the city, but they tend to be 80% orange juice (with some spinach for the colour). These guys know how to do it right. On top of it, they sell their juices, juice shots and breakfast pots in glass jars to-go (not plastic). They have a few tables outside, making it the perfect spot to sit with a coffee and a juice after your morning workout.
Ojo de Agua
Condesa Hipodrome 23C, Hipódromo,
06100 Ciudad de México
https://lorriegrahamblog.com/ojo-de-agua-restaurant-condesa-mexico-city/
This chain of healthy cafés can be found dotted all over the city. They’re open all day, every day, and on top of having a huge varied menu, they sell fresh fruit, veggies and health food products at most of their venues. On their menu you’ll find every kind of juice, smoothie & flavoured water you can imagine, as well as a mix of not-so-healthy Mexican classics (Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros) and healthy staples (açai bowls, vegan salads & protein shakes). Their juice jars are huge, so order a “small” to get a normal sized portion.
Mora Mora
Amsterdam 171, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc,
06100 Ciudad de México
I first discovered Mora Mora at their take-away shop inside the Siclo studio (see above) and soon found out they have locations sprinkled all around Mexico City as well. Their motto is #NoBullshitJustClean - and they seem to live by it through and through. Although their food is all take-away, meaning wrapped in single-use plastic, they are indeed quite thorough with their mission towards complete transparency. Every item is labeled with exact ingredients, macros, vitamins etc. They sell juices, salads, smoothies, quick healthy vegan, paleo and keto snacks, soups and homemade nut butter.
Eating Local
I always try add a “local eats” section in my Healthy City Guides, because I think it’s a shame to travel to the other side of the world just to stick to the same vegan smoothie bowls we have at home. Although I definitely ate my fair share of tacos, I know how eating unhealthily on holiday can also turn into a downwards spiral of indigestion and feeling sluggish… that’s why I always try find healthy local alternatives wherever I go.
Mexico is known for it’s deep fried food and cheese on everything, however you can also find lighter, fresher local options. Guacamole is a staple on every menu and provides your daily dose of healthy fats. If you’re not opposed to eating fish, fish tacos are another healthy option. In their simplest form, corn tortillas are filled with grilled fish or shrimp and you decide on your toppings (salsa, veggies, sauces etc). Once again if you’re not opposed to fish, ceviche is another way to get your quality protein and fats in while avoiding the vegetable oils and heavy dairy.
Amsterdam Markt
Amsterdam 159, Hipódromo Condesa,
06100 Ciudad de México
I discovered this little health food store at the beginning of my time in Mexico City and it soon became my local. I literally went here every day during my trip and I have to say despite being relatively small, it stocked incredible products. You can find everything from matcha flavoured almond butter, to marine collagen powder, to monk fruit extract, tons of different Ayurvedic herbal blends, protein powders, vegan and keto snack bars and more. They even have a little bulk section with nuts and seeds to fill your jars.