Mind Gym Lab – the name sounds a little kooky, doesn’t it? I thought it was just another local kids’ pseudo-educational center with a Chinglish name until I saw videos of the actual training that happens there and realized that this is probably the only cutting-edge neuro-cognitive training facility in China (as they tell me).
So, I made an appointment with Susan, one of the main bilingual trainers at Mind Gym Lab (MGL), who set up an evaluation session for me and my kid.
Following her detailed directions, I found my way to the serene private gardens of Cathay View in Shunyi, close to Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), and entered MGL.
The place is cozy and, much like the work that gets done there, used efficiently. An infrared light machine, a hyperbaric chamber, gym mats, colorful foam rollers, and other pieces of sporting equipment decorate the space invitingly.
Susan greeted us warmly and instantly bonded with my kid, chit-chatting with him over his love of math and video games. We started with some classic warm-ups and stretches before we put on a heart rate tracker and RFID bracelet and let the real games begin.
Without the proper technical terms, it’s hard for me to describe the training we did that day. The best I can do is to reference brain training games like PEAK and arcade games like Dance Dance Revolution to help you understand the mechanics of it. You are essentially tested on reflexes, memory, and more, to use your body to answer questions and challenges.
Here’s where a video speaks a thousand words, so check out the video the center made below.
Unlike most other training that leaves you physically and mentally exhausted, you’ll feel differently after a session at MGL. I felt rather pleased with my performance and my brain was all abuzz with the unique exercises we had accomplished.
My kid thought it was so much fun because he was tested in ways he had never been before. We both definitely recommend trying it out at least once, especially for aspiring athletes and anyone who wants to sharpen their mental performance. Here are some quotes from athletes who have trained at MGL:
Fencing athlete said: “After just one training cycle, my opponents’ movements seemed slower – I felt like I had the powers of The Flash.”
Basketball athlete remarked: “My in-game decision-making has improved, my field vision has expanded significantly, and my defensive footwork is now much quicker.”
Tennis athlete shared: “MGL’s training has made my footwork faster. In crucial matches, I can engage in several rounds of intense play with my opponents and still accurately read their shot directions even when my stamina is pushed to the limit. I’m incredibly grateful for this training, which helped me earn a spot on the national training team!”
Right now, MGL has a special promotion where you pay RMB 480 for your introductory evaluation session, which you can get fully refunded by simply posting your pictures and videos on platforms like Douyin, Xiaohongshu, or WeChat Moments! They’ll even provide professional shots and edit the entire video for you. Additionally, if you post on all three of the social media platforms, you’ll also receive a one-hour session in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber (worth RMB 368) that allows you to explore the fusion of biological technology and health.
Scan the QR code below to connect with Susan if you want to try it out for yourself.
Find it:
Mind Gym Lab
Guantanghui Chamber Underground
1/F, 1, Rm 112, Bldg 8, Courtyard 1, Guantang Donglu, Chaoyang District
脑体能实验室
朝阳区观唐东路1号院8号楼1层1号112室
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Images: MindGymLab, VivienneTseng-Rush
