Welcome to Florence! The first weeks of a semester abroad are a whirlwind: new classes, new roommates, new streets and a lot of gelato. It’s easy to let your workout routine slip, but keeping it going is one of the best ways to feel at home, sleep better and shake off the jet lag.
Here’s a simple plan for your first month.
Week 1: Settle in and keep moving
Your body is still adjusting to a new time zone, so keep the intensity low. The good news is that Florence is a walking city: between classes, museums and dinner, you’ll probably cover more ground than you do at home. Add one or two easy gym sessions to loosen up after the flight and get to know the space.
Weeks 2–3: Build a schedule around your classes
Look at your timetable and pick two or three fixed slots a week. Many programmes leave Fridays free for travel, so it helps to train earlier in the week and keep your weekends flexible.
- Monday: full-body strength.
- Wednesday: strength, or a mix of intervals and mobility.
- Friday or Sunday: a long walk or run along the Arno before or after a trip out of town.
Week 4: Make it a habit
By now you know your neighbourhood and your weekly rhythm. This is the moment to lock in your routine: same days, same times, same gym. Training with a friend from your programme makes it much easier to stay on track, especially after a long weekend away.
Eat like a local (mostly)
Pasta, schiacciata and cappuccino are part of the experience, and you should enjoy them. Balance them with plenty of vegetables, beans and fruit from the local markets, drink more water than you think you need, and keep a snack on hand for long museum days. When you want something fresh after training, our rooftop café has vegetarian bowls, oats and protein shakes.
A few practical tips
- Shoes: pack comfortable, supportive pairs – cobblestones are tough on ankles and knees.
- Water: carry a refillable bottle and top it up at the public drinking fountains around the city.
- Emergencies: save 112, the European emergency number, in your phone.
- Nights out: walk home with friends and stick to busy, well-lit streets.
Your Florence fitness home
Our Student Monthly Membership (€79 per month) gives you unlimited workouts above the city, plus café perks. Friends or family visiting for a few days? The Florence Week Pass (€45) and the Rooftop Day Pass (€15) have them covered. We’re open from 9am to 6pm – see you on the rooftop.