Before making the move to El Cangrejo, knowing where the gyms are is a good idea. The neighborhood has some great places for all types of health and fitness enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll discuss where you can go for exercise and what you can do in El Cangrejo’s most popular gyms. Let’s dive in. 

Commercial Gyms

There are two popular commercial gyms in El Cangrejo. PowerClub and Smartfit. They’re fairly similar but do have a few distinct differences. Both offer typical commercial gym facilities like lockers, dressing rooms and showers. You can also get personal training and each have massage rooms. 

Smartfit

Smartfit is a Brazilian behemoth that stretches across 13 countries with 981 locations in Latin America. The gym is excellent for any type of gym-goer. For one, it’s massive and has space for multiple exercise types. Whether you like cardio, functional, HIIT, weightlifting, cycling, or group classes, it has it all. The machines are very clean and modern.

In Panama, the cost of membership will run you $19.99 + tax per month for their basic plan (called the smart plan). Additionally, there is a $39.99 annual maintenance fee that is deducted in January of each year (so the real cost is about $26/mo after tax & fees). With a membership, you have access to one of the 9 Panamanian locations of your choosing. The smart plan grants access to the entire gym and group classes as well. Those classes include Yoga, HIIT, Cycling, Rumba, Combat, RTG, Tono, and Shape.

Smartfit offers another membership called the “black plan” which runs you $26.99 + tax per month, as well as the $39.99 annual fee (about $33/mo after tax and fees). This might be a better bang for your buck as you’ll get access to all locations in Panama and Latin America, which makes it a great option for travellers as well. You’ll also get 5 guest passes per month and access to the spa. The caveat is you must sign a 12 month contract and there is a penalty for cancelling the membership within the first year. 

There are two locations if you live in El Cangrejo. One is on the east side and the other is on the west side. The east side smartfit is technically Obarrio but it’s on Vía España, the street that divides Obarrio and El Cangrejo. Whichever side you live on, there will be a Smartfit nearby. For more information on the gym, here is the link to their website: https://www.smartfit.com.pa/

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 5am – 10pm

Saturday to Sunday / Holidays: 7am – 7pm

Address:

Via España y Av. Republica de Brasil 

PH Galerías Obarrio, Panamá

Powerclub

The arch-rival of Smartfit is Powerclub, a Panamanian chain with 13 locations. Here the typical gym-goer is slightly more fitness-oriented, meaning the majority of the space is dedicated to CrossFit and weightlifting. This particular location offers its own cafe, supplement store, and nutrition center as well. There is even a projector that plays sports games above the weightlifting area.

Powerclub also has locations with a pool and basketball court, however, the El Cangrejo location does not have either. Here you can join one of the many fitness classes or pay for nutrition plans as well. Group classes include Spin, Aerobic, PowerBike, Circuit, Functional, Cardio Boxing, Yoga, Crossfit, and #Shakeit (Dance fitness). The cost of a membership is $47.50/mo after tax but only if you sign a minimum 6-month contract. Month-to-month is much more expensive at $81.50/mo. 

This location is right off of Vía Argentina. For more information, check out the website here: https://www.powerclubpanama.com/

Hours:

Monday to Friday – 5 am – 9 pm

Saturdays – 6 am – 6 pm

Sundays / Holidays – 8 am – 3 pm

Address: 

PowerClub Vía Argentina,

Avenida 1a B Norte, Panama City

Robert’s Gym

Located in the Concordia Plaza Shopping Center, Robert’s gym is another fantastic gym in El Cangrejo. It’s one of those old school gyms where you simply go in, put in some work, maybe talk to a few friends, and then head out. Think Gold’s gym. No over-the-top amenities or facilities yet has all of the necessary machinery for every muscle group. You can also get a great cardio session on one of their many cardio machines.

The gym also has a sizable aerobics area where you can do some functional training, stretching, or creative exercises. This is a great option if you are visiting El Cangrejo as a day pass is only $3 per day. Monthly memberships are equally affordable and the community here is proud. This gym is perfect if you are looking for a smaller gym that has a locals feel to it. There are no other locations in Panama. 

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/robertsgympanama/

Hours:

Monday to Friday – 5 am – 10 pm

Saturdays – 8:30 am – 6 pm

Sundays / Holidays – Closed

Address: 

Concordia Plaza Shopping Center

Cl 55

Vía España, Panamá

Yoga in Panama

Velez Yoga

If you’d like a great yoga studio, you’d be pleased with Velez yoga. Velez is a space for Ashtanga Yoga – a form associated with energetic, synchronising breath with movements. Velez was founded in 2018 by its founder, José Luis Vélez. Originally a martial artist, José fell in love with the Ashtanga Yoga method in 2014 and practiced with his mentor until perfecting his craft. You can read more about José and his approach here: https://ashtangayogapanama.wixsite.com/home

Classes are held for two hours in the morning and two hours at night. If you cannot attend a class in person, there are virtual sessions as well. 

Prices:

*Individual:*

Drop-in $ 20 | 1 day

*Packages:*

4 Classes x $ 60 | 30 days

6 Classes x $ 80 | 30 days

8 Classes x $ 100 | 45 days

* Unlimited: *

Weekly $ 75 | 7 days

Monthly $ 120 | 30 days

Quarterly $ 300 | 90 days

Annuity $ 1,000 | 365 days

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 6am – 8am & 6pm – 8pm

Saturdays: Closed

Sundays: 8am-9am

New moons & Half moons: Closed

Address: 

Dharma Ashtanga Yoga Center

Calle Doctor Alberto Navarro

Edificio Sharon #5, El Cangrejo

Panama City, Panama.

Martial Arts

If you have any interest in martial arts or Karate, below are some great options for yourself or for your kids! All located in El Cangrejo. Feel free to check out their social media pages for more information. 

Genbukai Karate School – https://www.facebook.com/genbukaipanama/

Casa Sarita Martial Arts House – https://www.instagram.com/casasaritapty/

Dragon Kempo – https://www.facebook.com/DragonKempo/

We hope you enjoyed this article on the gyms, fitness and exercise in El Cangrejo. As you can see, there are several great options. A good thing to note, Andres Bello Park is in the heart of El Cangrejo and has its own basketball court and outdoor gym as well! Completely free and another option if you would like some exercise without paying for a gym membership. Feel free to leave some comments with any additional questions. Thanks!