Along the parks, most notably on the 'Aterro de Flamengo,' or Flamengo Park, masses of runners, tight-rope walkers, weight-lifters, skaters and cyclists congregate to flex their muscles and sweat away the stresses of the day. Competitive runs are regularly organized across the city to bring together the large swathes of fitness enthusiasts.

Capoeira is an art form and sport which combines combat, dance, music and play and is performed to chanting and percussion. It was created in the early 16th century by Brazilian slaves of African heritage, as a way of masking fighting techniques by hiding them in dance moves. In late 2014 it was given UN cultural heritage status.

Private gyms and sports clubs abound, providing a wide range of equipment and classes to satisfy every fitness taste. The city itself promotes an active lifestyle to its residents, through advertising campaigns highlighting the value of Rio as a precious tool to stay healthy.