Gymming, if You're That Way Inclined

South Africans are an outdoorsey bunch. Well, we have the right climate and enough space. Despite all this, some of us love to gym. Perhaps its an inner desire to not fall foul to the weight issues supposedly plaguing western(ised) countries, or perhaps some of us are just plain old vain. Who knows?

If you feel the urge to drag your gym kit along on your visit to South Africa, you might find the following useful once you've decided which gym camp you fall into.

For exercise.

Some hotels have exercise facilities but are more likely to consist of equipment that could have come from your great aunt Edna's spare room. Your best bet is either a Virgin Active or a Planet fitness. Virgin Active definitely offer visitor passes and some will allegedly allow repeated paid entry based on you knowing a member's name. Its best to contact the gym closest to you for correct details.

Cycling and running are also options. In Cape Town, there are several cycle hire places and an abundance of beaches for shirtless posing jogging; Victoria Road from Bantry Bay to the Clifton beaches being the favourite. The promenade along Sea Point to Mouille Point is great for cruising jogging too. With its views of table mountain, Blouberg is the place - though you'll have to negotiate the perambulating crowds, some prams, street hawkers (anything from fixing your car's aircon to wooden patio furniture) and not to mention the myriad of hot guys in kitesurf gear (we love the neoprene look).

Cycling and road running in Johannesburg are somewhat more adventure sports than regular activities (see post on taxis). Cyclelab may be a viable cycling alternative to risking life and limb on the roads. If you have to jog on the street, its best to go with someone else - just to be one the safe side. Never go jogging with your video camera round your neck, latest Nokia to the ear or diamond encrusted Rolex lopping on your wrist - its asking for trouble in any big city with issues.

For cruising (not the sort done in a 1960's American motor).

Gyms the world over seem to attract men attracted to testosterone, sweat and grunting, regardless of actual sexual orientation. Gyms (and sports) probably unleash some primal hunting and gathering instinct. Because of this, you can try your luck pretty much anywhere there are men in skimpy clothes, a changing room and perhaps a sauna and steam room thrown in. But if you don't have time on your side and you need a better bet...

...Point Virgin Active (at Green Point, Cape Town) attracts the lions share of the gorgeous boys, not all of whom are as interested in fitness and building muscle as you may be. The same is true of Old Ed's and Sandton Virgin Actives in Johannesburg and Groenkoof Virgin Active in Pretoria.

Please remember that other people also use these gyms and facilities, and its arguably uncool to get kicked out of a gym for lewd acts in the showers.