Sports and fitness in Buenos Aires

Sports clubs in Buenos Aires

Because of the diverse European origins, sports in Buenos Aires is varied. The mild climate is conducive to athletics as well for activities like cycling, fishing, golf and handball. Other popular sports in South America's second-largest country include auto racing, basketball, boxing, field hockey, mountaineering, paddle tennis, polo, roller hockey, rowing, rugby union, sailing, skiing, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

Swimming

San Martín Club

San Lorenzo 2167

If you live in Palermo, head to the Armenian General Benefit Union (UGAB). It is located in Armenia and Niceto, the heart of Palermo. The prices of swimming lessons are more than fair. The pool is 25 meters long and is very well-maintained, the wave is familiar, each member has a locker in the locker room, the showers do not stink and the people there are very friendly.

Free weights and other activities

The Sports Club

Av. Rivadavia 4893

Simply called “The Sports Club,” like any gym, it is always full after 7 pm, but cleanliness and neatness stand out. It has a variety of machines and classes for all tastes.

The people at the reception are cool, the music is gym punchy so if you don't like it, take your own music. Als, there is free Telecentro wifi, and it works well. To use the lockers you have to carry your lock, they don't give you keys.

Cards, weights and more

Club Belgrano

José Hernánde 1701

Located in the heart of Belgrano, this club is over 100 years old and offers tennis courts, outdoor basketball and squash. It is frequented mostly by neighbourhood families, with some whose bloodlines have been participating since the club opened.

A meeting point to play bridge or poker, the youngest take advantage of the sports facilities especially during the week, thanks to the excellent location of the property a few blocks from any neighbour of downtown Belgrano. Additionally, it has a restaurant, including an outdoor barbecue. The club is open to members, but applications are readily approved.

Popular sports in Buenos Aires

Soccer, rugby, and tennis rule the sports scene in Buenos Aires. That said, you can find all of the sports that you enjoyed playing back home, and maybe even some you never knew existed

Sports fanatics often chase down a pick-up game and in exchange, enjoy a piece of real Argentine culture. Sports, like art, offers a glance into the aggregate psyche, history and culture of Argentina.

The rampant passions of World Cup soccer, the colonial imprint of rugby, and a peek at the pampas through polo, can all be seen through sports.

Sports also are a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. It can be intense to get a handle on what sports are available and open for new participants or spectators. Now you have one less excuse not to burn off all that wine and meat you consumed.

Top 5 soccer teams in Buenos Aires

Until you have been in Buenos Aires awhile, don't answer if asked, “What is your favourite soccer team.” You're more likely to give the wrong answer.

With thousands of teams between the PeeWee leagues through the pros, there ar enough selections to remain relatively safe — just pick one not many have heard of.

The top 5 professional teams in terms of popularity are:

River Plate

Founded in 1901 in La Boca, River Plate plays in the Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti, also called as the El Monumental, in the neighbourhood Núñez.

Boca Juniors

Founded in 1905 in La Boca, Boca Juniors remain in the area's Estadio Alberto J. Armando, the near-mythical Bombonera (“Chocolate box”).

Racing Club

Founded in 1903 in Avellaneda, just south of the City of Buenos Aires. Their Estadio Juan Domingo Perón is better known as El Cilindro, from its shape.

Independiente

Officially founded in Buenos Aires' city centre on New Year's Day 1905 (though the institution had started work some months previously), Independiente is another of Argentina's ‘Big Five',

San Lorenzo de Almagro

Formed in 1908, in Almagro, San Lorenzo plays in Bajo Flores, a rather less salubrious area of town. The fifth of Argentina's ‘Big Five', and until lately were the only ones to have failed to win the Copa Libertadores.

 Good to know:

San Lorenzo is also Pope Francis' favorite team.

Trivia bonus

Q. What is the national sport of Argentina?

A. It's not what you think. The official national sport of Argentina is Pato (duck). Think of a cross between basketball and polo — played on horseback.