Saturday in Santiago: TRX in Parque Araucano

Why didn't I figure it out earlier that taking group fitness classes is such an effective method to learn Spanish! You are listening, copying kinesthetic movements and repeating them over and over. Wouldn't it be great to have Spanish and gym class as 1 class in high school? 

I recently joined a gym (finally!) because of its groups classes, small boutique feel and most important, location. It's a 4 minute jog from my place and can be quite entertaining. Something that rarely happens in the States but frequently is part of my sidewalk commute: catcalls; love it or hate it, it happens. There are days when I laugh about it and other days get me fired up, wanting to belittle them for whistling at me. Has anyone ever gone off on a Chilean man for whistling and hollering, or will I be the first?

Anyway, after my first TRX class I had trouble washing my hair for the next 3 days. I love that type of soreness, you can feel the fibers braiding together, creating stronger muscles. When do I get that beautiful tricep line to come back?  Even more important-  How many Spanish-speaking beefy men have led you through a sweat session?  

That's what I thought. The Spinning coach and the TRX trainer are both extremely fit, super nice and consistent at coaching you to get the most out of class. I'm hooked. After a class, the profe told me about a Saturday morning class he does at the park, the park you can see out my window. Outdoor exercise is 100% more motivating and enjoyable than being in a gym, so why not?

Our park is fabulous: there are tennis courts, basketball courts, space for futbolitos, a maze of paths for running and biking and some simple work-out machines. On occasion, I've seen workout groups and wondered how to join in without an awkward approach. Now, I get to be in the group!

My friend Stephanie was up for the challenge too so on a Saturday morning, with the sun shining but not yet too hot, we met the group at the tennis courts. As Fabian, the instructor, set up the TRX ropes to the tennis court fence we chatted about the upcoming 4-day weekend and fun girly stuff. But when it came down to class time, we put on our game faces. 

An hour later I was dead. I could already feel the tear and build deep in my gluteal muscles. PLEASE don't be broken today, elevator! 3 days later Steph told me she was still sore - and so was I!  Squats, 1-leg squats, some squat-jump move, and oh the floating planks and push-ups at the end were killer. The Y-move is so tough when you do it correctly. Fabian and Manuel co-lead the class, constantly commenting on form and position to make it tougher. You will leave sore, and wake up the next day sore.

skull crushers!

This second class we did was hilarious because 2 of the moves required lateral movements. With 6 people packed in close we had to move at the same time to avoid any bumping. But my neighbor either 1) doesn't know how to jump or 2) doesn't know left from right. She was silly.

It's a buena onda class, costa 3.000 pesos ($6US) for a TRX class in the open air. Come! And yes, it is in Spanish! Bring a water bottle and be prepared to leave with a solid new behind! 

Saturday outside Santiago: Rio Clarillo

Sunny with a side of rushing water made for a spectacular day at Río Clarillo. It's a park just south of Santiago, in the suburb of Pirque - where the internationally known winery Concho y Toro was born.

To get there, there are micros and colectivos but we drove Súper Rojo to the park, paid our fee then found parking in the shade. My grand idea was to hike. Get to the top and be able to look into a green, lush valley. Pablo was along for the ride. Poor guy, he's dating a girl that lived in Colorado and lives for adventure when his ideal weekend is: sleep, and sleep a lot. Good thing he's a Boy Scout and with a little coaxing, he's right by my side.  

We went without knowing where to hike and at first, ended up smelling more asados than vegetation. It was great to see so many families enjoying the outdoors: grilling, swimming in the river and playing soccer. Do you think they'd notice if we joined in their party? No Chilean family is smaller than 30 people - they might think we're just another set of cousins! One day, I'll find the chutzpah to introduce myself as Pablo's girlfriend (true), because every Chilean family has at least one Pablo,  and start small talking. Being Chilean, they'll have to offer me a choripan and bebida. Let's just hope their Pablo is a single man under 70 years old!  

After meandering, we eventually found a hanging bridge and a trail map. We followed the well-marked trail and made our way to the lookout point for a clear view of the green valley and in the distance, the peaks of the Andes.  Bridges are fascinating, right? Someone designed and constructed a walkway over rushing water. You've got to have a deep understanding of geometric modeling, weight and movement conditions and the necessary suspension pressure.  If one calculation is off, that bridge could not hold you. Think about that the next time you cross the Mackinaw Bridge or San Francisco's Big Red. 

There's something calming and rejuvenating about being next to a river; it's like a shower for my soul and cleans out what's dusty and dirty, leaving me feeling like I'm shining bright like a diamond.  I feel most myself when I'm out there, me and Mother Earth. It's when I think most clearly, solve problems and project my path in life. Deep, no?  If you're wondering, I'm still searching for the meaning of living abroad and my purpose in life. In the meantime, I'll keep hiking. 

After hiking, we boulder hopped to a shady spot along the river to snack and reflect on life's big questions: Where should we travel next? How bad do you want to eat an empanada right now? 

If you need a day without hearing car horns, with clean(er) air and a place to swim - Rio Clarillo is a fabulous spot! There are plenty of BBQs and picnic tables with plenty of shade, lots of parking spaces and rocks perfect for soaking in the sun.