Warming Up for A Healther Life

"Let’s Go Sports,” “Less Internet Surfing, But More Sports,” “Watching the Competitions during the Games, and Warming up for Sports after the Olympics” and so on: it's interesting to see such messages on people's MSN and QQ services. No doubt about it, the Olympics stimulated sports enthusiasm among many ordinary residents of Beijing.

In some ways the Olympics belongs to the world’s best athletes only, but the athletic skills and grace exhibited during the Games captured the imaginations of even the most determined couch potato. But how can ordinary people get a sense of the beautiful moves of the 2008 Olympic gymnastics champion Valery Liukin, the stunning speed of Michael Phelps in the swimming pool or experience the adulation heaped on sprinter Usain Bolt?

Not to worry; sport almost always boils down to a battle with the self, and we ordinary people have our own extraordinary ways to become champions on the playground. Regardless how poorly the Chinese National Football Team plays, we can still enjoy our spare-time games. The sense of competition, the thrill of victory and the insufferable dejection of defeat is all too similar.

Despite the strain and fatigue of hard work and doing business modern people still realize they must take time to exercise. Weight loss alone does not ensure good health; so the idea that “life lies in motion” is popular these days. Whether rich or just scrapping by, people have their own ways to keep fit. Some may choose the expensive and less-crowded Kerry Sports, California Fitness-Yao Ming Sport Club or other quiet and exclusive environments to work out; some may choose more economical gymnasiums such as Bally, Nirvana, Hosa and Ozone Fitness. For having fun with friends, perhaps a comprehensive sports centre is a better choice for many common people; having fun and enjoying life more is the point. Some special fitness clubs are also attractive, such as Uspeed, Beijing Ballroom and Black Tiger Academy. Still not satisfied? Then head to Sanfo, Sunoutdoor or Decathlon and get fitted for an active day in the capital’s rural areas.

Kerry Sports

Upon entering the lounge on the second floor of Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing, we encountered some guests leisurely sitting and chatting. They were surrounded by sportswear, shoes and balls on the shelves and books and magazines. Beyond one wall was the Gymnasium of Kerry Sports.

The Gymnasium, with 35 cardiovascular machines, 15 weight machines, and a wide range of free weights and benches will tempt you to get off your comfortable sofa and join in the exercise.

The spacious gymnasium is divided into three areas for maximum comfort and enjoyment: cardiovascular, strength and free weights. Professional coaches, working through specially designed classes, are on hand to help you keep fit. Some coaches are even well-known sports stars.

In addition to the gymnasium, there is a 150-square-metre aerobic dance studio fitted with mirrored walls, offering regularly scheduled programmes and classes. Beyond the dance studio, there are a five-lane, 35-metre-long indoor swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Thoughtfully, the heated indoor pool and plunge pool are designed for use by children. Luxurious changing rooms complete with lockers, Jacuzzis, a steam bath, sauna, cold plunge pools, massage and relaxation rooms are available to meet your needs and desires.

Kerry Sports, Beijing’s most comprehensive hotel sporting facility, is located within Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing. Covering 6,000 square metres and spread out across three levels, it fulfils a fitness enthusiast’s dreams. All floors have access to natural lighting and a view of the city or landscaped courtyards.

“Activities in the gym are one-directional: forward only,” said Teddy Schrijvers, the Kerry Sports manager. “But the human body moves in all the different directions, side to side and back and forth. So it is important to add variety to your exercise programme such as tennis, badminton, and basketball.”

After a tour of the tennis and basketball courts on the third floor, Schrijvers said the basketball playground may be converted into four badminton courts when needed.

On the fourth floor, we encountered the club’s 235-metre-long outdoor jogging track. Yes, you are on the top of a building when exercising, not a playground, but when you see the well-decorated walls, lawn, and garden there, it’s hard to imagine you are jogging on the top of a building. Yet even taller buildings of the Beijing CBD form a shield blocking noise from busy roads nearby.

Do not leave your children behind; they are welcome here. Alongside the jogging track, there is a small children’s garden where children can rest on frog- and fish-shaped chairs, frolic in a children’s castle and or play under the supervision of an ayi (nursery maid) in a room designed for the children. All will allow you to concentrate on your exercise.

Schrijvers said the club strives to create a relaxing, “like home” environment conducive to exercising well and communicating with friends and family members. Schrijvers said he recognizes most of the gym’s 700 members, although sometimes he cannot recall their names; he tries to bring them together and to use the gym to do it. To this end, a Members’ Night of Kerry Sports was organized to provide opportunities allowing the members to communicate.

From November to December, Kerry Sports will organise a charity drive to raise funds for the Special Olympics; the programme will culminate with a cheque presentation ceremony that will be attended by some disabled athletes who will offer information to members on ways to collaborate with the organisation. “There is much emphasis on the Olympics and Paralympics but people should know and understand the intellectually disabled more,” said Schrijvers. "We are trying to create a heightened awareness of the Special Olympics and are calling on the members to take part in these charity affairs."

As with its slogan: “Sport the Difference,” Kerry Sports provides high-quality facilities and more. Their concept strives for something beyond the exercise, meeting the needs of its members and hotel guests.
Address: Inside the Shangri-La Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing

1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 6561 8833

California Fitness-Yao Ming Sport Club

This club is a new addition to the high-class fitness-club scene in Beijing. Established in September 2007, the California Fitness-Yao Ming Sport Club is the first branch of 24-Hour Fitness Worldwide, the largest privately owned US fitness chain, on the Chinese mainland. It also is the first of its kind in this city. Partially because of the NBA (National Basketball Association) superstar Yang Ming, the shareholder of this club, it is famed among young people.

California Fitness, established in 1996, is a wholly owned subsidiary of 24-Hour Fitness Worldwide. California Fitness is renowned for pioneering the fitness industry in Asia. The company introduced the mega gym concept to Hong Kong with the opening of their first club in the Central district. With 25 locations, of which 10 are in Hong Kong, 6 in Taiwan, 4 in Singapore, 3 in Malaysia and 2 on the Chinese mainland, California Fitness prides itself on helping members live better through health and fitness.

This 24-hour, 40,000-square-metre fitness centre features hundreds of cardio machines, a complete range of free weights and resistance equipment, and Xpress Zone and Kick-Fit classes, basketball court, energy, fly wheels and yoga studios, Internet kiosks, steam and sauna rooms and wireless access.

Its Group Exercise classes take place on five skill levels: Level 1 is usually an introductory or orientation class for participants who have little experience in the class type they are about to attend; Level 2 is suitable for participants with considerable experience in the class type; Level 3 is suited those who need an extra challenge. A firm grip on choreography is essential as the pace moves faster; Level 4 is strictly for the experienced. The pace will be quicker and the choreography more complex. Multi-Level is for those of all fitness and co-ordination levels. This means that it is a class where you can work at your own pace according your fitness levels and goals.

If you want to exercise your heart, you can try the aerobics and body combat courses; to improve the body tone and muscles, barbells are available; yoga helps with mental and body training; jazz, belly dancing, ballet, modern and Latin dance are taught in the dancing class.

Qualified one-on-one trainers are available for personal instruction. The trainers will make a suitable diet and customized training programme to achieve the individual goals in the fastest, safest way possible, by devising a proven balanced nutritional regimen.

When it comes to fitness, a trainer will consider more than the size of your jeans. Your cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and speed will also be a concern.

Kick Fit Personal Training, for example, is a high intensity full-body workout that can burn up to 800 calories per hour. It combines traditional boxing with the popular Muay Thai discipline, resulting in a workout that burns fat, improves balance, coordination and agility.

A free Turkish towel, clean environment and advanced equipment are notable advantages of this club, but it lacks a swimming pool. Bargain hard before you join to get a fee suitable for your budget.

Address: Inside The Place

A9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: 400 810 0988

The Comprehensive Sports Centre

 

Not everyone needs or even wants the luxury of a less-crowded sports venue. Outgoing people sometimes prefer group competitions and exercise. In this case, comprehensive sports centres are a good choice; they are inexpensive and lots of fun.

The National Olympic Sports Centre opened its door to the public after the Olympics. A running track and athletic field, football pitch, softball field and tennis courts are available at the stadium, and table tennis, badminton, volleyball and basketball may be played inside the gymnasium.

Address: 1 Anding Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 8437 5508/5925

The Dongdan Sports Centre in Central Beijing is one of the city’s most famous. Lit up at night, you may encounter it when passing along Chang’an Jie. The players here might be not as tall as Yao Ming, but they are often supper stars on this court. Spectators even cheer them. There is also a football pitch, tennis court, swimming pool, badminton court, bowling lanes and a table tennis centre.

Address: 108 Chongwenmennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (Southwest corner of Dongdan Crossroad)

Tel: +86 10 6512 9377

The Beijing Sports Gymnasium is one of the less known public sports venues; it is under the management of the Training Bureau of General Administration of Sport of China. But don’t be surprised if, when you play there, you encounter sports stars or members of China’s national teams. Swimming, football, basketball, badminton, table tennis, athletics, volleyball and tennis are available here, and they are played on a high level.

Address: 4 Tiyuguan Lu, Chongwen District

There are also many sports venues a Beijing’s many universities; many of them will be open to the public now that the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games have come to an end.

Become a Regular Gym-Goer

Finding a gym near where you live or work and continuing to work out is one of the most effective ways to build up your body and keep fit. With professional equipment, guidance from instructors, and a choice of courses, such as spinning, swimming, yoga, Pilates, belly dancing and group aerobics, among others, gyms offer you a great way to keep fit. Beijing is now blessed with many gyms, making it more convenient to shop around and pick one that suits you: so don’t wait, pick one and get started.

Sources tell Beijing This Month that it's good to have an exercise plan tailored to suit your needs, including your physical condition and time constraints. Setting reasonable goals will more likely ensure that you can stay on schedule and work out efficiently. There is no need to go gym every day, whether this is suitable either physically or mentally, but leaving your gym card in your wallet and recharging just to keep it valid will do your health no good. Be persistent; let nothing stand in the way of your becoming healthier and more energetic. 

   
O-Zone Fitness

 

O-Zone Fitness is a large-scale chain fitness club with nine outlets in Beijing. The environment, facilities and services of O-Zone Fitness are praised by gym-goers. It never gets too crowded for guests to enjoy themselves.

WWW: http://www.ozonefitness.com.cn

 

Nirvana Fitness & Spa

 

The Nirvana gym at the Zhaolong Hotel is their flagship, where people can watch CNN and HBO while exercising, and the shower is said to be better than in other outlets. The Parkson Shopping Centre outlet is popular for its convenient location and first class facilities.

WWW: http://www.nirvana.com.cn

 

CSI Bally Total Fitness

 

The Bally outlet at the Caizhi International Mansion in Zhongguancun is one of the few gyms above ground in the city, where you can work out while taking in a city view. Their Jianwai SOHO outlet is also popular.

WWW: http://www.csibally.com

 

Hosa Sports

 

Hosa Sports was among the earliest fitness clubs in Beijing. Membership is relatively cheap, but the gyms are crowded at rush hour.

WWW: http://www.hosa.cn

 

Lilyspring Spa

 

Spa, body building and yoga can be found at the cosy but luxurious Lilyspring Spa, which has three outlets in Beijing. They also give their guests advice on health and nutrition. Reservations need to be made in advance.

Address: B1/F, Tower B, Global Trade Mansion Business Building，Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: + 86 10 5129 8066

朝阳区光华路世贸国际公寓商务楼D座B1

Address: 2/F, Tower B, Anli Garden Apartment, 66 Anli Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 5165 7456

朝阳区安立路66号安立花园B座2层

Address: North Gate of Forest Hill Villa，Dongfeng Nanlu, Dong Sihuan Beilu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 5129 6876

朝阳区东四环北路东风南路东山别墅北门

Laughing Yoga Lesson

Ten minutes of laughter burns 50 calories; 30 minutes a day of laughter helps lower stress and will add years to your life. Laughter makes you look younger and helps fight frown lines. So come and join in the laughing yoga lesson with the Fitness Centre of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

Address: Fitness Centre of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Tower 1, 25 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District

Tel: +86 10 8889 8850

海淀永泰福朋喜来登健身中心, 海淀区远大路25号1座

Black Tiger Academy

In Jianwai SOHO, there is a Muay Thai club named Black Tiger Academy hidden among the white office buildings. You might have heard about Muay Thai (Thai boxing), or seen it on TV. Its furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints can now be learned in Beijing. The Black Tiger Academy offers the best and the most authentic Muay Thai training with its world champion master instructor Kru Vince Soberano and his team of certified Muay Thai instructors.

In 1992, Kru Vince founded his first Black Tiger Gym in California. Since then, Black Tiger has produced world champions, master instructors and professional fighters. Many graduates of the original Black Tiger Gym have founded their own Muay Thai schools in the United States, Europe and Asia. In June 2006, Vince brought his Black Tiger Muay Thai to Beijing.

The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. For centuries, Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers; gradually, they developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. It became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art.

For those who want a truly hardcore workout, Muay Thai is what they are looking for. The competition of Muay Thai seems furious and dangerous, but with proper safety gear and instruction, the fight training is healthy, fun, and safe. Vince said, “The instructor will tell you how far and deep you can go.”

Now Black Tiger Academy has 5 instructors and about 45 men and women students, and 90 percent of them are expatriates. All classes are taught in English with some Thai terminology for authenticity.

They provide personal training and group classes. Classes are fun and highly interactive as students and instructors work closely with each other to perform various fitness and conditioning drills. Teamwork is built through group training and friendly competition.

Beijing Ballroom: Dance! Dance! Dance!

Unlike some noisy, crowded nightclubs, the Beijing Ballroom is a lovely dance club where people can meet new friends, dance and relax.

Established in 2007, the Beijing Ballroom organizes weekly dance parties at the Sino-Chu Wine Bar near Liangmahe. Its founder, Ken Wiland, is a great dancer from New York who travelled the world dancing and teaching for many years before he came to Beijing in 2005.

Every two weeks, Mr. Young and Ms. Mei, a dance couple, give a workshop before a party begins. From cha-cha to swing, they teach various international dances in English. Their followers are overseas students, often people who work in embassies and companies.

“We teach West Coast swing, the hustle and tango. They are new to Beijing, but quite popular in the United States. Beijing Ballroom is a place to learn new dances and for dance lovers to enjoy themselves.” said Wiland. “We are a loose and non-profit organization. The fees we collect may be used to buy a birthday cake for a member. It’s a custom in the United States to dance and have fun with your friends on weekends; so we hold these parties to help make people feel at home.”

Dance is perhaps the most elegant and joyful way to keep fit. Dancing will also enable you make lots of new friends, gain better control over your body, improve your social and business manners, and most importantly, help you keep your friends close.
To learn more about the Beijing Ballroom, see its Web site (below).

Address: 18 Liangmahe Nanlu (near the Australian Embassy), Chaoyang District

Open: 8:30–11:30 p.m., every Saturday (Workshops begin one hour before the party.)

Admission: 30 yuan (some refreshments included)

Tel: +86 10 8532 2418

WWW: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BeijingBallroom

红酒屋，朝阳区亮马河南路18号（靠近澳大利亚使馆）

 

Other Places to Dance

 

TangoRen

Promotes Argentinean tango events, classes and milongas (tango parties) in Beijing.

WWW: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TangoRen/

The Phoenix Salsa Dance Studio

A gathering place for salsa fans; classes and events are held regularly

WWW: http://www.phoenix-dance.com/index1.htm

Swing Beijing

Keep an eye out for their swing dance contest to be held in December.

WWW: http://groups.google.com/group/Swing-Beijing-Announce/topics

U-Speed Kart & Event Centre: Get Speed-Addicted

Getting stuck in heavy traffic, as on the notorious Erhuan or Sanhuan ring roads in Beijing, is torture for people who love speed. But relief can be found at the U-Speed Kart & Event Centre, where people can live out their F1 (Formula One) dreams and quench their thirst for high-speed action.

Although the sport of karting is relatively new to China, it has snow-balled into a major pastime for thousands of thrill-seekers. The first little kart didn’t appear until mid-1957. But karting has been the cradle for several outstanding auto racers. Many world famous F1 stars, including Michael Schumacher from Germany and Jean Alesi from France, are former world karting champions. The sky-rocketing growth of the popularity of this exhilarating sport is unparalleled in sports history.

With an area of 4,000 square metres, U-Speed Go-Karting is the only indoor karting club in Beijing. Its well-designed track is challenging and exciting, and its heating system enables players to drive comfortably even in winter. To guarantee a constant level of quality, they replace the karts about every six months. In this way they ensure a comparable performance for all their races. 

U-Speed keeps a record of its drivers with high scores, and the top drivers will be offered a free drive in competition. A game area at the centre features pool, electronic games and table football; there is also a restaurant and bar. 
Address: 1 Siyuanqiao, Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 8472 9399, 6473 2548, 6473 6399

WWW: http://www.u-speed.com

优速卡丁赛车馆，朝阳区京顺路四元桥1号

Let’s Go Outdoors!

Outdoor sports are becoming more popular among Beijing’s young people. Far from the foul air of the city, the white walls of gym or sweaty fellows on a running machine, many are choosing to head to the outdoors to embrace nature and have fun. Hiking and climbing mountains in suburban areas, rockcraft, skateboarding and bungee jumping present opportunities and challenges to satisfy your recreational longings. Joining others of similar tastes in a group or club is a great way to enjoy the sporting life.

Where to go?

 

Rockcraft

 

Ritan Park

The rockcraft field in Ritan Park was founded by the Beijing Hardships Snow Outdoor Sport Club in 2001, and was opened to the public in April 2002 after being re-built in accordance with rules governing international competitions. The rock at the club is 15 metres high and is divided into six lanes of varying difficulties. Many local rockcraft fans frequently visit the park. 

Address: 6 Ritan Beilu, Jianguomenwai, Chaoyang District

日坛公园，朝阳区建国门外日坛北路6号

 

Longtanhu Park

The then biggest rockcraft field in Asia was open in Longtanhu Park in 2003. The rock here has six lanes for advanced climbers and two for beginners. Two of the courses feature 18-metre-high, 3.6-metre-wide standard competition lanes, and two are 7.2-metres-high for adult beginners and children. 

Address: 8 Longtan Lu, Chongwen District

龙潭湖公园，崇文区龙潭路8号

 

Skateboarding

Anzhen Hualian Shopping Centre

 

The square outside the front door of this shopping centre is a well-known habitat for skateboarders in Beijing. Whether you are a beginner, a master or just a member of the audience, the vitality of skateboarding will impress you.

Address: 100 metres north of Anzhen Qiao, Bei Sanhuan Zhonglu

安贞华联，北三环中路安贞桥西北100米

 

Wangfujing Church

 

Church, pigeons and skateboarders…what a picture! Come and show off on this busiest and hottest skateboarding stage in Beijing.

Location: 74 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District

王府井天主教堂，东城区王府井大街74号

Bungee Jumping

Shidu

 

Opened in 1997, the 48-metre-high bungee jump in Shidu was the first bungee stage in Beijing. Now they have another bungee stage: a 55-metre plunge. Double jumps are available. Open until 15 November.

Admission: 205 yuan for single; 410 yuan for double

Tel: +86 10 6134 0841

Location: Shidu, Fangshan District

房山区十渡

 

Qinglong Xia

 

With the height of 68 metres, Qinglong Xia has the highest bungee jumping location in the city. Contact before you go, because they close in the winter.

Admission: 155 yuan for single

Tel: +86 10 8969 6099

Location: Qinglong Xia, Huairou District

怀柔区青龙峡

Where to shop?

 

Sanfo Outdoor Club

 

The Sanfo Outdoor Club is one of Beijing's biggest and most comprehensive outdoor outfitters. They sell everything about sports from crampons for your Mt. Qomolangma climb to portable stoves for a trip to the suburbs. They also arrange a variety of outdoor adventures from camping to climbing to overnight hikes in the surrounding areas.

WWW: http://www.sanfo.com

 

Decathlon

 

Where to find anything from golf and angling equipment to camping supplies? Decathlon, of course! with its wide selection of local and foreign products for outdoor activities and sporting.

WWW: http://www.decathlon.com.cn

 

World Health Store

 

A health, nutrition, natural organics store to be open in Beijing, where you will find a large array of imported vitamins and herbs, sports nutrition, natural products and diet and beauty products. Their first store in Beijing will open in December 2008 at Shangdu SOHO.

WWW: http://www.worldhealthstore.com.cn

You don’t need to be a regular gym rat or spend thousands in money on highly ranked gear to become a big sports fan. Go to the Temple of Heaven in the morning, and you will discover what the love of sport really means. There you will find people kicking shuttlecocks, dancing, jogging, playing chess, singing and shadowboxing with their circles of friends. They need neither coaches nor professional facilities to work out and enjoy their favourite sports. Many believe that keeping fit helps their easy moods, making them better prepared to cope with the rigors of life.