If you worry that the cooler days might turn you into a couch potato, never fear – there are many opportunities for your entire family to remain active all winter long. Venture outdoors for skiing and ice skating, or go for an invigorating bike ride. Indoor activities also abound: Scale a rock wall, take an exercise class, or go for a swim. Just keep moving!
Biking and Spinning
Bike Beijing
Bike Beijing, part of Bicycle Kingdom Rentals and Tours Company, has fantastic half-day and full-day tours that explore the city and surrounding areas. Riding through classic hutong neighborhoods and by the Great Wall are two of the most popular options. Bike rentals include the option for child seats, tandem bikes, tagalongs and more. Half-day trips are RMB 300-400 per person, depending on the number of people in your group. Children under 12 receive a 10-50 percent discount; a child in a baby seat is free. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20 percent discount.
Eileen Vickery, her husband Todd Lundgren and their children Zooey (age 9) and Rainier (8), recently took the hutong tour using tandem bikes. Vickery says: “It was a great family outing and perfect for our kids. The children really enjoyed seeing traditional architecture and glimpsing Beijing culture, but never felt bogged down by a long tour. It was certainly an active and extremely fun way to tour Beijing.”
Mother & Daughter Spin+
Mother & Daughter Spin+ is a special program designed by Stella Chan Marinaro for moms and girls to enjoy together. Held on Mondays from 4.30 to 5.30pm at Human in Motion in Shunyi, this upbeat and energetic workout includes 30-40 minutes of spin followed by 20-30 minutes of strength conditioning exercises and nutrition counseling tips. Girls should be 12 years old or older in order to safely use the bike. A five-class series is RMB 1,250 per mother/daughter team.
Donna-Marie Jorgensen was encouraged by her 11-year-old daughter Kathrine to suggest starting up this type of course to Stella. Jorgensen, who now attends the spin class with her daughter,says: “My son plays football with his dad, and this is a great
health-related activity my daughter and I can do together. It motivates us and we understand what we’re each going through.”
Scuba Diving
SinoScuba
For 10 years and counting in Beijing, dive operator SinoScuba has offered safe, fun courses for divers who are just beginning and those with experience. Courses include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, Night Diver and more. The Open Water Diver certification takes two to three weeks to complete, but can be done more quickly or slowly depending on each diver’s ability and schedule.
The course fee of RMB 2,800 includes all materials, instruction, equipment rental, pool fees, and necessary paperwork. Divers wishing to complete their four open water dives in Beijing will be charged RMB 1,000 (in total), but outside of Beijing, the price is set by the operator. All divers, especially beginners, will be interested in a one-time fun dive via the Shark Interaction program, where you can swim at Blue Zoo Beijing amongst six different species of sharks! The all-inclusive cost is RMB 650 (RMB 600 for students); underwater cameras are permitted for an additional fee. Divers must be at least 10 years of age to participate.
Mother-of-two Kathryn Westberg says: “It felt like being on vacation. [Founder] Steven [Schwankert] was so good with the kids, making them at ease with everything. The whole experience was very positive.”
Her 11-year-old daughter, Kelly Westberg recounts: “I got to [swim with]a turtle and pet sharks during the dive. My favorite part was being so close to all the tropical fish, and watching them swim away quickly when startled. It was fun to see all of the marine life up close […] and it was fun to wave at the visitors of Blue Zoo through the glass!”
Hiking and Rock Climbing
Beijing Hikers
Beijing Hikers offers numerous day trips during the week and on weekends. Difficulty of hikes, duration, and prices vary. In November, experts take hikers to the unrestored Jiankou area of the Great Wall, the ancient village of Cuandixia, and Changping District – timed right to collect some wild persimmons along the way. Day trips range from RMB 300-400 (RMB 200-360 for children under 12). Long-distance trips are offered for serious hikers.
Dandelion Hiking
Dandelion Hiking offers treks that are slightly off the beaten track. Day trips, camping trips, and longer-term excursions are available; some even include a cycling portion. Most day trips range from RMB 400-450.
O’le Climbing
O’le Climbing welcomes climbers of all ages and abilities. Scale a 13m indoor climbing wall and a bouldering wall. Harnesses and shoes are available for rent. A day pass costs RMB 60. For repeat visitors, there are multiple pass cards and memberships, as well as discounts for children under the age of 12. Birthday boys and girls receive a free climb on their birthday! If you’re itching to get outdoors, they have group day trips to Hebei for RMB 550 (all-inclusive price) per person (minimum of four people in a group).
Swimming
Encourage student swimmers to maximize their potential in competitive swim clubs: Aqua Warriors Swimming Club and Dragon Fire Swimming. Students of all levels learn to perfect their strokes and speed. Training with both clubs is open to adults, too; you’re never too old to learn or improve your swimming skills! There is also Mookey Swim Club, suitable for babies from 2 months to children 6 years of age.
Aqua Warriors Swimming Club
Aqua Warriors Swimming Club has grown from 100 members to over 300, and participates in several swim meets per year. Student member price at their two swim locations (Zhongjia Palace Hot Spring Hotel and The British School of Beijing – Shunyi campus) costs RMB 1,500 for 11 sessions. Adult lessons are available for RMB 100/hour for non-members (entry fee not included), or free with a student member (entry fee not included).
Dragon Fire Swimming
Since 1996, Dragon Fire Swimming has competed locally and internationally
and now has over 300 swimmers in their club. Swimming lessons and competitive training are available, and camps are offered during the summer and winter holidays. Options for adults are available.
Mookey Swim Club
Mookey (or Mu Qi) Swim Club is a professional baby swimming center founded by Sunny and Shane Novak. In operation since 2010, this parent-child swim program is designed to create a clean and safe water environment for babies. From 2 months to 2 years of age, children can advance through four levels of Dolphin courses (30 minute classes). From ages 2 to 6, they can advance through Shark courses (45 minutes classes). All classes are conducted with a parent or guardian guiding their child in the pool. The customized swimming pool uses salt chlorine to avoid eye and skin irritation commonly associated with chorine water. New classes will be offered at Crowne Plaza International Airport Hotel Beijing by the end of 2012.
Xiqishuiyang Synchronized Swimming Club
Xiqishuiyang Synchronized Swimming Club was founded in 2008 by former China synchronized swimmer Zhang Xi. Students learn this hybrid of swimming, dance and gymnastics, and as members progress through the levels, they have the opportunity to compete. They will also be able to meet Olympic professionals. Junior Synchronized Swimming Course I is suitable for children (ages 5 to 15), who have mastered at least two swimming styles. Classes are 90 minutes long and are held on Saturday and Sunday from 12.30 to 2pm. Sixteen classes cost RMB 1,600.
Yoga and Pilates
While the techniques of yoga and Pilates differ, both use controlled movements of the body that flow from one into another, resulting in improved strength and flexibility.
Alona Pilates
Prenatal and postnatal classes are combined in one-hour sessions at Alona Pilates, held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am. Children
from age 6 often join parents for weekend and holiday classes (11am and 5pm) – there are classes for all levels. Prices range from RMB 200 for a single class to RMB 1,600 for 10 classes. If you download an application online and e-mail it with a reservation, your first class is free.
Fit Pilates
Fit Pilates is a fully-equipped private studio that follows the Stott Pilates method. In addition to its regular mat work and private equipment training, Fit Pilates studio also offers private pre-natal, post-natal and rehabilitation programs. Prices range from RMB 400-600 for private training.
Incy Wincy Yoga
Incy Wincy Yoga was founded in 2006 by mom Angelina Liu. They offer prenatal yoga, baby yoga (from 1-month-old) and kids yoga (ages 3-12) classes. The 45-minute classes are taught entirely in English. Exercises are child-safe and focus on breathing, visualization, trust and co-operation games, modified and age-appropriate Hatha yoga poses, and relaxation games. Fees start from RMB 95 per class; free trial classes are available.
Yoga Yard
Yoga Yard offers a variety of yoga classes, including weekly prenatal classes suitable for all stages of pregnancy (Mon and Thu 10.30am-noon, Tue 6.15-7.35pm, Sat 2-3.30pm). Postnatal course Mommy & Me (Mon 12.30-1.30pm) offers a safe and playful environment for new mothers and babies (from 4 weeks to crawling age) together. A Postnatal Integration class (Thu 12.15-1.30pm) helps new mothers alleviate common places of ache and strain. Prices range from RMB 420 for a four-class pass to RMB 960 for a 10-class pass. Single drop-in classes and other options are also available.
Wan-Ho Got attends the Mommy & Me course with her 7-month-old daughter Lan Kuntze in order to strengthen her body after birth and get her former shape back. “It’s also good to have a regular activity with my daughter and spend some quality time together,” says Got, “and it’s a good place to meet other moms and their babies.”
Akemi Sakaki also attends Mommy & Me, because it’s “doing something not only for me, not only for [my 2-month-old son Leon], but it’s a happy time for both! We often share our own experiences, ideas and information exchange with other moms. It’s a unique experience!”
Heyrobics
One of the most energetic, exciting ways to get into an exercise regimen is with Heyrobics – a program that began in Sweden in 1978. Sessions are accompanied by upbeat music, and are typically 45 minutes of
active exercise and 10 minutes of stretching. Levels vary and classes are held throughout Beijing in 10 different locations. Joining is easy; simply come when you can and pay as you go (RMB 20 per session). Language isn’t an issue for instruction; look around and follow the instructor or your peers. They also host other outdoor exercise events.
Alan and Janice Morrell, and their teens Leigh (age 18), and Siobhan (16), who started up with Heyrobics during the long summer break, have found that there is something for everyone. Alan Morrell says: “My daughter has found something that’s fun in a great non-competitive workout, while my son finds it complements his other sporting interests nicely. I find it a great way to work off the stress of a full-on job, and my wife is delighted to find an activity that caters to all our different interests, but is something we can all do together.”
Horseback Riding and Polo
Equuleus International Riding Club
Founded in 1999, Equuleus International Riding Club provides instruction
and training for riders as young as age 4. Classes are grouped by ability level with two to five riders. The youngest riders begin with 25-minute lead rein lessons (RMB 200); children from six years old and older participate in groups. Annual fees for members come in individual, family or corporate levels starting at RMB 2,000; membership lessons are in packages and range from RMB 300-360, excluding training fees and equipment rental. Pay-as-you-go for non-members is RMB 570.
Sheerwood Beijing Equestrian Country Club
Located in downtown Beijing, the Sheerwood Beijing Equestrian Country Club offers both indoor and outdoor arenas, in addition to Chinese- and English-speaking instructors. A basic lesson costs RMB 400, and rental equipment is an additional RMB 50. Riding packages range from 10-20 lessons for RMB 3,100-5,600 (discounts for riders under the age of 17). During the winter, they are open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm.
Fencing
Fenxing Fencing Club Beijing
Fencing is an intellectual sport of strategic decision making, making it a great character building activity for children and adults alike. While the entry threshold for fencing is not too challenging, it is a competitive sport taught in a tailored one-on-one lesson. Introductory and developmental saber fencing lessons for those from age 10 and up are available by appointment only at RMB 300 per session. All equipment is included. Children and adults can join; and due to the need for agility and speed, the children often win!
Ice Skating
You don’t have to be a hockey player or graceful figure skater to enjoy some time on the ice. Plenty of indoor rinks around Beijing offer rink time and equipment rental. Le Cool and All Star Champion Skating Club both offer classes. Outdoor rinks that open up in the winter for ice skating and ice bikes include Qianhai Lake in Houhai and Dragon Bay in Shunyi.
Other
Sports Beijing is well known for offering a multitude of sports for kids of all ages. Sports offered include soccer, baseball and rugby – as well as polo, ice hockey and ballet. While these team sports are geared for kids (ages 4-18), parents can also get involved via volunteering.
Resources:
Aqua Warriors Swimming Club
(136 8352 7243 Arthur, 136 0110 2151 Sandy, 134 8877 8089 Amanda) www.aquawarriorsbj.com
All Star Ice Rink
Mon-Thu: RMB 30/90 min (10am-6pm), RMB 40/90min (6-10pm); Fri-Sun (and holidays): RMB 50 for 90 min. Daily 10am-10pm. 1/F, Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6328) 全明星滑冰俱乐部,朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区首层
Alona Pilates
Heavenly Spa by Westin, 5/F, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (139 1029 0260, alona@alonapilates.com) www.alonapilates.com 朝阳区新源南路1号
Bike Beijing
34 Donghuangchenggen Nanlu, Beiheyan Dongdajie (6526 5857, 133 8140 0738, info@bikebeijing.com) www.bikebeijing.com
东城区东皇城根南街34号自行车店
Beijing Hikers
(6432 2786, info@beijinghikers.com) www.beijinghikers.com
Dandelion Hiking
(156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn) www.chinahiking.cn
Dragon Fire Swimming
(136 0106 4534 Kevin Hua, dragonfireswimming@gmail.com, beijing@dragonfire.com.cn) www.dragonfire.com.cn
Equuleus International Riding Club
Tue-Sun 8am-noon, 2-6pm. Tack Shop: Tue-Sun 8am-noon, 2-6pm. 91 Shunbai Lu, Sunhe Town (north of and parallel to Xiang Jiang Beilu), Chaoyang District (8459 0236 Chinese, 6432 4947 English, equuleushorse@yahoo.com.cn) www.equriding.com 天星调良国际马术俱乐部,朝阳区孙河镇顺白路91号香江北路北
Fenxing Fencing Club Beijing
2/F, Capital Paradise Clubhouse, Shunyi District (Song Han 139 1171 0845) 顺义区名都园南门二层
Fit Pilates
Mon, Tue, Thu 10am-4pm and 6pm-9pm, Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Across from Shin Kong Place, Chaoyang District (trudywong@hotmail.com) www.fitpilatesstudio.com.cn 朝阳区新光天地对面
Heyrobics
(info@heyrobics.com) www.heyrobics.com
Incy Wincy Yoga
Rm 1909, Bldg A, U-Space Building, 8 Guangqumenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5861 3809, info@incywincyyoga.com) www.incywincyyoga.com 朝阳区广渠门外大街8号优士阁A座,1909室
Le Cool
Mon-Fri: RMB 30 for 90 min (10am-6pm), RMB 40 for 90 min (6-10pm). Sat-Sun: RMB 50 for 90 min. Skate rental included. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm. B2/F, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 5776, lecool@cwtc.com) www.lecoolicerink.com 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸地下2层
Mookey Swim Club
Tue-Sun 9am-6pm. H101 Chateau Regency, Chaoyang District (next to Beijing United Family Hospital) (400 879 9086, sunny_mookey@foxmail.com) www.mookeyswim.com 朝阳区芳园西路和乔丽晶H101
Mother & Daughter Spin+
Cathay View Garden Plaza next to Beijing Riviera, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (186 0127 4767, stella@achievingbalance.asia) 朝阳区香江北路甲2号观唐广场
O’le Climbing
Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. 5 Dongshimencun Lu, Baiziwan Qiao, Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (6776 4705, ole-climbing@gmail.com) www.ole-climbing.com 奥莱攀岩, 朝阳区东四环中路百子湾桥东石门村路5号
Sheerwood Beijing Equestrian Country Club
West coast of Wenyu River, Chaoyang District (8433 2217) 朝阳区温榆河西岸
SinoScuba
(1861 113 3629 Steven Schwankert, steven@sinoscuba.com) www.sinoscuba.com
Sports Beijing
(6430 1370/1176, activities@sportsbj.com) www.sportsbj.org
Xiqishuiyang Synchronized Swimming Club
National Administration of Sports, 2 Tiyuguan Lu, Chongwen District (500 meters east of Temple of Heaven). (Ms. Zhang: 186 1109 6783, lovexixi0203@hotmail.com; Mr. Wang: 139 1023 5840, prince0220@hotmail.com) www.xiqishuiyang.com 崇文区体育馆路甲2号（天坛东门向东300米路南,国家体育训练局内）
Yoga Yard
6/F, Bldg 17, Gongti Beilu (across from the north gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District (6413 0774, info@yogayard.com) www.yogayard.com 朝阳区工体北路17号楼6层工人体育场北门对面
This article is excerpted from beijingkids November 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
