Job Discussion Forums

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

I am a huge excercise fanatic and am wondering about the availability of gyms and fitness centres in Mexico.
I was in Playa Del Carmen last January and didn't notice much of anything in terms of a fitness centre. The hotel fitness center was really sad! Which cities have really good gyms?

What can you tell me about the air quality in Mexico city? is it as bad as they say? Could I run in that city without damaging my lungs??

What about the water quality (purity)...any advice?

How about smoking? Is it banned in most public places? What about living accomodations and smoking? Are non-smoking appartments readily available? thanks for any advice---I'm new to this!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

The air quality in Mexico City is not as bas as 'they' say, but it is not pristine, to be sure. January to March is worst, when cold air across the mountains keeps the warm air, and particulate matter in the valley. You notice it. Rainy season, just now ending, has much cleaner air. For comparison, Mexico City and Los Angeles are about the same on a range of EPA categories.

http://www.pacificresearch.org/pub/sab/enviro/06_enviroindex/27_mexico.html

Most people in Mexico City drink bottled water. What comes out of the tap is like in any other city...chemically filtered. One problem that arises is at the end of the distribution chain. Most homes and buildings draw on the city system with a pump, and fill tanks either in the basement or on the roof. Older buildings and homes may have old concrete tanks and if they aren't cleaned, you can get things growing in there. Modern homes and buildings, or places that have upgraded to plastic tanks don't have problems.

Smoking is not banned in most public places, with the exception of the airport, some bus stations, hospitals, etc. All restaurants have a smoking section, and you can pretty much smoke in any mall.

Non-smoking apartments...I guess if you live alone and don't smoke, then no worries? Or do you mean if you live with other people? You'd have to find that out on a place-by-place basis.

oh, and gyms. A dime a dozen, though not quite that cheap. The '68 Olympic facilities have been maintained and are open to the public, scattered throughout the city.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 2:17 pm Post subject:

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

Thanks Guy. I appreciate your help!

I guess my concern about appartments and smoking is ending up in a building (my own appartment) with lots of smokers. Kind of like being in a hotel in a smoking room or on a smoking floor. Even though I'm not smoking I might be exposed to other people's smoking. I was trying to gage if smoking is a really big thing in Mexico.

The link for the air quality is really helpful. I've been searching for a long time for that kind of info. so I guess running outdoors in Mexico City isn't recommended!

Are you familiar with the Southern parts of Mexico (Huatulca)? Do you know anthing about fitness centers down there?

Is there a reason why you have settled in DF as opposed to another area in the country? I am curious because I'm trying to decide the best area for me. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Let's let others answer for other parts of Mexico. It is certainly healthier in smaller towns, though I'm iffy on the water outside DF. I'm surprised, Melee, to hear about Tlaxcala water being pure. Thought you'd have to go as far as Chiapas for that. Good to know the water is clean somewhere. I miss the million lakes of Northern Ontario, and the freshness of having a large river around.

I settled into DF for a number of reasons...I married a girl from DF (her family is all here). Work keeps me here, though with it I get to travel around. Variety keeps me here. I like to visit other places but I don't find the same dynamism outside of DF. I guess I'm a city guy now.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

From my limited experience....if you're living in a large tourist area, then smoking areas are more limited (but still usually more available than in Canada) while the cities tend to have even more tolerance for it (b/c so many people do smoke). I personally love it....as I'm one of the 'bad, evil' smokers. However, getting around without exposing yourself to second-hand smoke will be a lot more difficult than in CND, esp. in regards to restaurants and bars.

As for gyms...I know that there are quite a few around, ranging in quality and services. I however find them to be quite expensive but if you're going to be making use of it every day, perhaps it's not so bad. I have yet to master that habit! Wink

As for deciding where to live, I came to D.F b/c the school here was the only one willing to accept me AND Tequila (my dog...we're a package deal!) I lived last year in Torreon, in the north and enjoyed my time there, and go back to visit, but prefer living here. I loved the hot climate of Torreon, but hate the dusty, dead vegetation look.

Best of luck!

...dixie

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your help.

Guy....I know what you mean about the freshness of Ontario lakes. I enjoyed a beautiful walk around Lake Simcoe on Saturday afternoon. We've got that crisp fall air with the beautiful leaves changing colour. I'm sure Mexico offers it's own natural beauty.

Melee...who is that adorable dog?

Dixie...smokers are fine...I've got several as friends! I just can't breath smokey air. Thanks for your input.

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

For me, smoking is a problem here. I find there are more people smoking inside or where the smoke can drift my way than there are in Canada. The anti-smoking campaign in Canada has made most people very aware of it, and consequently most smokers are considerate. Here, it's quite different, with people being surprised that the smoke bothers me.

Recently I had a coughing fit when I went into the office at school, which all teachers use, and found two teachers smoking. I didn't even get the chance to say anything-I had to run outside to be able to breathe again. Luckily both teachers are very considerate now that they realize smoke bothers me. They smoke outside, which I appreciate.

It's something you need to be aware of when you come here. Restaurants aren't that bad, in my opinion, because most are open on at least one side, so there's decent air flow. But overall, attitudes towards smoking are not the same as in Canada.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

MELEE · Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:08 pm Post subject:

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

Hey...what's a Garrafon? I better add this to my very limited Spanish vocab Wink

You're right...I've only been in Playa Del Carmen for 7 days. But, to my credit I've researched Mexico like crazy ever since I returned.

Let me get your opinions on this. I met a local guy...I'd say late 20's early 30's who escorted guests to their rooms at my hotel. This guy...who seems super nice, educated and a real gentleman owns property in the gated community in Playacar and has built his own appartment (with enough land to build 3 more units in addition to the land he bought in the gated community.) He also has 2 vans which he has people driving in Cancun as a transportation business. Is it possible that he's earned his money legitimately? I know many workers at the hotel were earning just $5/day US. Since then he's quit that job and also another. I'm just curious ....he's so young and yet SOOOOOO much better off than many of the locals. Any thoughts?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

there was an earlier post on gyms in mexico city. you can find ones that rival typical chains in the US, like Gold's. just expect to pay three times more.

as for the air, i flew in on thursday and it was by far the worst i've ever seen. the entire city was cloaked in a brown brown brown cloud, you couldn't see anything. seriously, it almost looked like a sandstorm, it was disgusting. and this is just october. by the way, that was at 12pm, so not even rush hour.

but, once you're in the city you don't even notice it! Very Happy

there are some parks where you could run. the altitude might present more of a problem than the pollution at first.

smoking, hasn't really been an issue for me except in restaurants and bars.
i think everyone else covered water.