Staying Healthy in Puerto Vallarta

By Paco Ojeda

It wouldn’t be January if we weren’t pondering New Year’s resolutions, particularly those centered around our health, fitness and overall well-being. The good news is that Puerto Vallarta offers just about every element you may need to see your personal intentions through, whether you are here for a weekend or an entire season. Here are some pointers:

Health Clubs

There are fine health clubs located throughout the city, and you’ll be pleased to know that two of them are located in or near Emiliano Zapata, our ‘gayborhood.’ Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s most renowned LGBT hotel (www.casacupula.com), has Pump Gym and Spa, where you are encouraged to unplug while you enjoy their modern, air-conditioned workout area and spa treatments designed to nurture mind, body and soul. Day passes are available for non-hotel guests. The Fit Club (www.thefitclub.mx) offers state-of-the-art gym equipment along with a variety of classes scheduled throughout the week, not to mention their own app to remind you of them. Presently under remodeling—scheduled for completion mid-January—The Fit Club promises to become an even better deal.

Good News for Walkers

If health clubs are not your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that one of the things you must throw in your suitcase when traveling to Puerto Vallarta is comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Not only are we a walking city, but many of our streets are cobblestoned so your feet will appreciate the gesture. You’ll appreciate your surroundings much better if you explore them on foot. And if you are a nature lover, there are popular mountain and beach hikes, such as the Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Hike, 30 minutes south of the city, which takes you to a secluded beach only reachable hiking or by boat. Our wide beaches and downtown boardwalk are extremely popular with early morning joggers and the surrounding hills provide many steps for you to climb.

At the Dinner Table

While Mexican food is not particularly renowned for its healthy properties, there are some tips to consider when it’s time to count calories at your favorite restaurant. Lean toward grilled filets and fresh salads and stay away from those tortilla chips, unless they are toasted, not fried. And when it’s time to toast with your friends, choose your cocktails wisely: frozen margaritas range around 500 – 900 calories!

Medications and Such

Over the counter takes an entirely new meaning in Mexico, when compared to the US or Canada. Many drugs that would require a prescription up north can be readily purchased here, oftentimes at a reduced price, and pharmacies abound. Franchised pharmacies, such as Farmacia Guadalajara will not abide by this rule, but smaller drugstores are not shy about flaunting this opportunity with plenty of ads on their windows. That said, if you are under medical treatment that requires specific medication, it’s best to bring them along with you.

When Things Go Wrong

Nobody expects things to go wrong during a vacation when it comes to your body. But it can happen. The good news is, Puerto Vallarta features excellent medical care provided at a network of hospitals and dedicated physicians. Some return visitors even develop relationships with local dentists, dermatologists and other specialists to take care of preventive treatments during their visit. If you are staying at a resort, your concierge will be able to make the proper connections for you. Otherwise, a great local resource is Health Care Resources Puerto Vallarta, a multi-faceted, independent, resource network that is here for your total health and well-being (www.healthcareresourcespv.com).