Celebrating Health and Fitness In Tamarindo
Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream, with an astounding percentage of the world's biodiversity and a thriving eco-tourism industry. The nation of pura vida also contains a certified Blue Zone, namely one of those regions around the world where residents routinely enjoy atypical health and longevity. (Costa Rica's Blue Zone is in Nicoya, where living to 100 years old and being active is nothing uncommon.)
Is it the diet heavy in “the three sisters” — squash, corn and beans? The drinking water heavy in calcium? Strong social networks and a plan de vida, or purpose to life that keeps a sparkle in the eyes and a pep in the step?
The answer is all of the above, and more. Costa Ricans, in general, embrace a healthier lifestyle than folks are used to in the United States and … and … ok, healthier than the United States.
Many people make the trip to Costa Rica specifically to adopt a lifestyle based on health and fitness. I know I did, twice.
I first moved to Costa Rica in 2011 after selling everything I owned and quitting my job in the States. My goals were to get in better shape, slow down, and, ideally, not croak of a stress-related heart attack by 40 years old.
Different time and place
Back then, Tamarindo, where I settled, was a much different town. The epicenter was the notorious (fun) Bar One perched on the top floor of Plaza Tamarindo, overlooking the streets below like a wink from a drunken pirate.
Having returned to Costa Rica last November, close to 10 years later, I'm still enjoying my journey of becoming a healthier, better version of myself.
But, this time, Tamarindo seems to have matured with me. The town's vibe now revolves around far more than the fiesta nightlife. Instead of Bar One tempting us, there is a fitness studio and health bar” dispenses vegetable juices and spin classes instead of bad decisions in a glass.
To me, it signals a cultural shift. I see a real healthy revolution underway, no doubt accelerated by our collective refocus on health during a global pandemic.
Many people make the trip to Costa Rica specifically to adopt a lifestyle based on health and fitness.
It's also proven to be good business. Just look at the Rythmia Life Advancement Center, a resort specializing in ayahuasca ceremonies not far from Tamarindo, where “93.26% of our guests report a life-changing miracle during their stay,” according to its website. I can almost imagine that one schlub who wouldn't stop complaining about mosquitos and weak wi-fi that screwed up the center's 100% track record.
Joking aside, I have several friends who attended and raved about their powerful experiences there. I'd even be open to attending an ayahuasca ceremony IF I could work up the courage that my skull wouldn't crack open and ooze melted crayons as I go running off into the jungle naked. (Which is sort of the whole point, I guess.)
However, that diversity of wellness is one of the things I truly love about Tamarindo. No matter what sport, adventure or activity you're into, you'll find an opportunity, as well as a whole tribe of people who are doing the same.