Cardio! If part of your daily routine means cardio exercise, and your vacations don't mean a vacation from that, then you're probably already thinking how to exercise while you're here in Stresa. Depending on what your exercise of choice is, here are a few suggestions:

Running: Stresa's lakefront measures just about one mile from one edge to the other. The pink-paved Lungolago path runs the entire distance, and there is a bit of sidewalk continuing past that. It's flat, and wide, and you can't beat the scenery. For long-distance runners, it might become boring running back and forth along this path; once you become familiar with Stresa's streets you can cut inland and run along a parallel street, creating a loop. For those of you who like or want to run some hills, that's easy; just run inland a few streets and you'll find them. 

Back on the Lungolago, while running you will notice some exercise stations that Stresa has placed along the route. If you like to interval train, these are good points to stop and do a set of pull ups or stretches.

Swimming: Stresa's newly opened public swimming pool should be welcome news to swimmers whose  accommodations are lacking one. The new pool, located at the Carciano end of Stresa, should provide a place for some laps. But I would keep in mind a couple of caveats: first, if you really want to do laps then choose your time wisely; it may become difficult if the pool is too crowded. And second, note that the pool is not very deep. While adequate for laps, it won't be for diving or jumping. It'll be perfect for cooling down though. And the adjoining beach is perfect for in between and some sunning. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented for nominal fees; no definite word yet on what pool fees will be.

Or, if you want to swim in the lake (the water is safe), a secure spot to do so is at Lido Blu Beach in Stresa, where a safe swimming area is cordoned off with floating ropes. Here too you can rent chaises and umbrellas, and the swimming is free.

Gym: For many people, to go without a gym during vacation is actually a difficult change in their routine. Especially when eating wonderful Italian cuisine, and all those aperitivi. I know that many travelers chose a hotel because it has a gym. If your accommodation doesn't, however, I can suggest an alternative. The beautiful, new gym at Hotel La Palma is open to the public, for a very reasonable fee. No reservation is required, but you must stop at the main desk and just say you would like to pay a daily fee to use the gym.



The gym is located up on the sixth floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the mountains and up and down the lake. Machines face the windows... The machines are state-of-the-art, iPhone compatible for your music, programmable in several different languages, and are actually connected to the Internet. Yes, check emails and Facebook from your treadmill!


In addition, for a slightly higher fee, you can use the spa facilities located on the same floor. This includes the sauna, Turkish bath, and the new salt spa, that I'm very curious to try. A still slightly higher fee gets use of all of the above plus the roof pool. So, whether for a quick gym workout once or twice during your vacation, or a half day of treating yourself to the gym and spa, it's nice to know that even when not staying somewhere that has a gym, you can use one, for about the same price as those aperitivo drinks and snack you're going to have later on. Perfect for a rainy day too, I think...


all photos property of stresa sights except exercise signs courtesy of jasons flickr photostream