Are you less active as colder temperatures make their way to Beijing? Do the winter months and holiday goodies sneak in unwanted extra weight? Air quality during the winter months tends to be less than ideal, and that’s yet another reason why many of us stay inside and veg a little more than usual.
Before you get lured into that nasty habit, know that there are a LOT of exercise options around in our Shunyi area. Highlighting one in particular, learn more about Spin+ (below), with several others listed as options to meet your interest and needs. Many opportunities are available to keep you active, fit and healthy throughout the cold Beijing winter.
Spin+ is a great exercise program led by Stella Chan Marinaro at Human in Motion (Cathay View Garden Plaza). The classes include 45 minutes of high intensity cardiovascular cycling on an indoor bike, followed by 10 minutes of high repetition, upper body conditioning using light weights, all set in a fun atmosphere with great energy and music. There are currently six Spin+ classes offered per week attended by more than 30 women; new bikes and possibly extra classes will be added if there is enough demand.
Marinaro has created a variety of fitness and weight loss programs for women, as well as specialty programs for teen and preteen girls. Through her classes, she inspires people to increase their fitness levels inside and out, ultimately improving their overall lifestyles. Her education and experience in fitness and nutrition offers attendees a high level of training, custom-made to the individual. A previous post on Marinaro can be found here.
Classes cost RMB 150 each or you may purchase a punch card of 10 classes for RMB 1350. They are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:30am and 9:30am. Intermediate and advances classes are both available; there is a waiting list for some timeslots. A running waiting list still allows people to spin at least two times a week because of the flexibility of everyone’s schedule, so there’s no excuse not to carve out time for spinning!
Stay tuned for the winter months when Marinaro offers GAB (Girls Achieving Balance) classes once again, a six-week series for preteens focusing on self-esteem, nutrition and fitness. There will be a separate offering available for boys this time, too! Plus, her exercise and weight loss program for women called Fit & FAB (Females Achieving Balance) will gear up again soon.
Other options in our area:
- Human in Motion has many other fitness classes available, including Yoga (Tuesdays at 10:30am), Pilates and more. Zuma classes will be coming soon! Visit www.Humaninmotion.com.cn to see all group offerings. Call 8470 3616 or e-mail humaninmotion@yahoo.com for details.
- Calling all (wannabe) Bollywood Dancers! Don’t let the name fool you; this dance class is truly a workout. No previous experience required and no age restrictions. Three classes are offered each week (Mondays at 10am and Tuesdays/Thursdays at 11am) at the River Garden Dance Studio. For more information, e-mail Orli (ginossar@gmail.com) or Cindy (cindyla26@hotmail.com).
- Many other workout classes are held at River Garden, from circuit training and aerobics to yoga and more. Contact the clubhouse for individual class schedules and instructor information at 8046 1918.
- Don’t forget the little ones! Yoga for kids is available in age-appropriate classes beginning with mother/baby all the way up to age 12. Contact Ms. Angelina at 186 1156 8556 for class information.
There are many, many more exercise options in our area, as well as dance classes for kids and adults alike. Contact neighborhood clubhouses as a first stop for schedules and other specifics. Online forums and word of mouth are also great ways to find out the opportunities to stay active. And coming up soon, learn more about registering for the “Running for Hope” Beijing International Marathon by United Foundation for Children’s Health (for a sneak peak, go to http://unitedfoundation.org.).
