Urban Sports Club City Trips – Rome // Episode 1
Spring has arrived and, with all those bank holidays in May, we’ll have some spare time to take some weekend excursions and mini breaks. And there’s no better way to delve into European cultural heritage than with a beautiful city break.
It’s easy to forget about your fitness routine on holiday but, as an Urban Sports Club member, you don’t need to worry. Now you can check in to do sports with 5,000 partners in four European countries in addition to Germany – including Italy, France, Portugal and Spain. To get the most out of your trip, look for cheap flights or trains to plan your USC City Trip and discover the beauty of Europe.
In our USC City Trips series we offer you a city guide so you have the lowdown on which cool sports you can try and where to get the best (healthy) food. And, of course, all the best sights to see and unmissable hotspots.
First up: Rome! Welcome to the eternal city, with 3000 years of history, countless ancient sights and tons of culinary delights in the form of pizza and pasta. Rome is one of the world’s most exciting cultural and artistic centres and a popular tourist destination. And, although you could spend weeks in this beautiful city checking out the landmarks and munching on ice cream, we have the inside scoop on how to experience the fitness side of the Italian capital. Check out all the places in our map!
Parioli/ Monti Parioli district
A CrossFit box to rock the WOD:
CrossFit® Parioli is a unique box where you’ll find everything you need for effective training. Here you can develop your physical skills under world-class conditions in their 400 square meter box. Unlike a traditional gym, here you can train with kettlebells, ropes or ski machines under the guidance of a trained professional. In addition to the CrossFit sessions, you also have the opportunity to take part in courses that specifically improve your mobility and technique.
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And here’s something tasty to eat nearby to recharge your batteries after training:
Allow yourself to be enchanted by the Sicilian cuisine. For generations, chefs have been making culinary creations that typically use fresh fish and seafood. But there’s much more to it than that. Each dish tells a story of Sicily. Your eyes and ears are in for a treat, too with lovely aromas and colours to give you a modern and elegant dining experience.
And here’s another one you can’t miss:
Villa Ada
This beautiful, unspoilt park over 180 square metres is a wonderland for nature lovers. It’s also the perfect place for an early morning run. As a former royal property you’ll find stables, the Mussolini bunker and the Egyptian embassy and consulate.
Gianicolense district
The best place for a spot of pilates:
Health, strength and vitality. If this is your goal but you’re bored with the gym, then Pilates is for you! Officina Pilates® offers classic Pilates classes, exactly how Joseph H. Pilates designed it. Here you can train on Gratz brand reformers in an elegant and calm environment.
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Don’t miss local food in the area:
Osteria Palmira is a family run restaurant created by Claudio and Assunta, two siblings who are passionate about food. Inspired by the knowledge and technique of their mother Palmira and father Antonio, they serve excellent traditional and regional cuisine. This is the ideal place for Roman pasta with local and organic products.
Discover the nearby Villa Papmhiljis:
Villa Doria Papmhiljis was founded by the Phamphilijs family in the 17th century. The property is divided into three parts: Gardens, pine forests and agricultural land. The villa also houses an old necropolis, numerous fountains and statues. And while you’re there don’t miss The Museum on the Origin of the Villa.
Sant’Eustachio quarter
The studio to maintain your fitness routine:
Omega Fitness welcomes you to its unique studio in the historic centre of Rome. Here you can train, push yourself and then relax. Omega Fitness offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exercise. Whether it’s functional training, Pilates, yoga, boxing or massages: nothing stands in the way of your fitness wishes.
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How about the best Carbonara in Rome afterwards?
Roscioli is a gastronomic temple in the centre of Rome and a versatile place for gourmet-lovers and health-conscious foodies. This restaurant/café serves a carbonara that has the best reviews in town. Alessandro Roscioli and Pierluigi Roscioli, the two brothers and chefs of the restaurant, “pay great attention to all the ingredients of this great Roman speciality”. And you can also enjoy a Piedmont beef burger, Pachino tomato burrata, pizza and much more.
Next visit the church of Sant’Ivo:
The church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, a jewel of Baroque architecture, was built between 1643-1662 by Francesco Borromini. Only a stone’s throw away from Piazza Navona, it’s relatively unknown to tourists. Geometric and symbolic, its shape makes it one of the architect’s most impressive works of art.
Monti district
Do you have half an hour spare? Then this studio is the perfect place for you:
The diversity of the training programs here are unparalleled. As an alternative to the traditional gym, Well Be Fit offers short, twenty-minute EMS sessions for rapid physical results. A team of experts is on hand to help you smash through your fitness goals in no time!
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Delicious food and good wine:
Ai Tre Scalini, a wine tavern dating from 800, is a mythical place in Rome that offers a simple Roman cuisine with brilliant-sized portions. Here you will regain your energy in a traditional atmosphere and learn all about Italian wines. Enjoy this totally authentic Italian retreat.
Walk in the footsteps of ancient Rome:
The Colosseum and the Imperial Forums
The Colosseum is one of the largest buildings of the ancient Roman Empire. The amphitheatre could accommodate 50,000 – 75,000 spectators. From the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia, cross Via dei Fori Imperiali Avenue to find the Imperial Forums and five monuments of the Imperial patronage – built by Caesar and the Emperors.
Travestere district
Top it all with a relaxing yoga session at:
YOGASSAGE
Yogassage is located in the heart of Travestere. A visit guarantees you a unique Ashtanga Yoga experience taught in English. Roberto offers diverse training programmes in small groups with courses that are open to all levels to give you a relaxing and invigorating break.
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A stylish finish:
To finish your weekend in style, visit Glass Hostaria, a restaurant run by a Michelin-star chef. This modern restaurant with lots of glass offers a bold twist to Roman cuisine without forgetting its roots. Cristina Bowerman and her partner Fabio Spada are constantly developing their approach with innovative techniques and ingredients that they discover on their travels around the world. Ravioli with 60-month-old Parmesan cheese, beef tartar with chorizo and turnips or ice cream with espresso jelly and condensed milk are all on the menu to tantalise your taste buds.
Experience the charm of ancient Rome:
The Travestere district
On the other side of the Tiber, stroll through the charming Travestere district. Here you’ll find the old folk quarter with its labyrinth of alleys that lead to the magnificent church of Santa Maria. Built between 217 and 222, it’s one of the oldest in Rome and considered to be the first place of Christian worship officially open to the public.
With these sporting, culinary and cultural tips you will experience a unique overview to the ancient city of Rome.
Do you have any other good tips? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below!
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