If you’re among the millions who visit every year and you’re considering a more permanent plan, did you know moving to Turkey could be good for your health?
Obviously, there’s the Mediterranean diet. Consuming more fruit and vegetables, fish and natural oils has to be better than a processed dinner zapped in the microwave.
No doubt those who have come before you will also wax lyrical about the slower pace of life. After all, it’s a particularly popular destination for those looking for a place in the sun to retire.
Admittedly, a recent headline suggested Turks themselves are pretty laid back when it comes to personal fitness regimes.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean there are few opportunities for those who like to keep in trim. Indeed, in some ways, keeping fit in Turkey is easier to integrate into your daily life than you might think.
Gyms and swims
The summer resorts may boast miles of beach, countless bars and restaurants and plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a week or two. However, fitness fans on holiday may remark on the apparent lack of facilities.
Many of the larger hotels do boast spas and even fitness rooms. Of course, usually, there’s also the pool. But, in peak season, hotel gyms can be busy while actually swimming a set distance for fitness purposes can mean zig-zagging to avoid collisions. The only other alternative is to get up early to miss the crowds.
However, if moving to Turkey permanently is something you’re considering, you will find most towns away from the tourist traps do indeed boast a selection of modern gyms. Not only that, parks and public gardens often include free exercise equipment as well as softer running surfaces for joggers.
Similarly, for at least six months of the year, the waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean are warm and welcoming. The number of public beaches accessible for free may have diminished as the tourism dollar becomes increasingly important to the Turkish economy.
However, most local authorities retain ownership of some of the best sites for swimming. Many are now also complemented by cafes and restaurants operated on a lease.
Other watersports
Another reason moving to Turkey could be good for your health is the number of other activities you can enjoy in or on the water.
If you choose a home close to the coast, then there are clubs and societies dedicated to kayaking, wind-surfing, kiteboarding, paddle-boarding, scuba-diving, sailing and rowing.
Naturally, many are busy in the summer serving visitors from overseas but some continue into the winter months when residents can enjoy weeks of easy access to some of the best locations in the world.
Turkey also boasts some incredible lakes and inland waterways, some perfect for canoes and kayaks and others for white-water rafting, although the latter would usually be part of an organised trip.
Cycling
Cycling has seen something of a global resurgence over the past couple of decades. More of us have been getting on our bikes as a way of integrating keeping fit with our daily routines.
Turkey hasn’t been left behind either. Cycling is actively promoted as a sport and more cycleways have been developed nationwide as part of municipal plans, helping to keep two-wheeled traffic out of harm’s way. The big cities also boast schemes similar to London’s “Boris bikes”.
However, perhaps the most obvious indicator of cycling’s popularity in Turkey is the number of shops and repair depots to be found in most towns. Turkey’s “make-do-and-mend” mentality to most things certainly extends to bikes, helping to keep costs down. It’s also not hard to find cycling clubs and societies enjoyed not just by locals but any nationality.
Walking and jogging
Obviously, walking and jogging are universally available too. However, Turkey offers some truly stunning routes, many of them punctuated by hills. The latter can make a stroll or a run challenging for the less able-bodied or for those with medical conditions. Even the flatter ones can be demanding in the summer heat.
Nevertheless, a regular walk over different types of terrain is often all you need to lose weight or enhance your fitness and the wide-open spaces around Turkey offer ample opportunity.
For those who enjoy something a bit more extreme, you could also consider the Lycian Way. The 500km route follows the Turquoise Coast from Ölüdeniz, near Fethiye, all the way to Konyaaltı near Antalya.
A search on the internet will lead you to companies which arrange organised trips although self-guided options are also available.
Keep Fit Classes
But, for others, exercise can be all about having others around to keep you motivated. And, if that’s you, then you may be happy to know it’s easy to find classes.
For example, activities in and around Fethiye where our Turkey offices are based include circuit training, keep fit, pilates, yoga, line-dancing, salsa, belly-dancing, yoga and spinning – and that’s without having to do a great deal of research.
How can we help?
If you would like more information on why moving to Turkey could be good for your health or about buying property please drop us a line of give us a call. We can also help with the administration and logistics or relocation.
Alternatively, feel free to browse our blog for previous posts you may find useful. If you’d like to check out our full portfolio, you can find details of properties currently on our books right here. You can also keep up to date with our Facebook page here.
