3 Fun and Unconventional Exercise Classes to Help You Get Fit This Spring
As spring rolls in and summer approaches, the pressure is on to get that Beijing bikini bod ready for action. If more time at the gym seems like an unappealing prospect, these fun and fit classes and activites might be right for you. Fitness options have expanded across China in recent years, including trendy and social media-friendly options. For the adventurous among us, the list below offers lively and unique ways to kickstart a focus on fitness.
Hop Your Way to Fitness at JumpLife
This cardio trampoline studio boasts club music, lively lighting, and vibes galore. At JumpLife you can hop your way to fitness (and sore hamstrings) through classes that focus on everything from enhancing your dance moves to improving flexibility. The option to track your heart rate and calories burned on a shared leaderboard stimulates added motivation – bring a friend and compete to see who can burn the most calories in a 45-minute cardio-heavy session. For the rhythmically challenged a small word of caution: coordinating your jumping pace with JumpLife’s club-style music can be a challenge, though at least it means you get to simultaneously hone your moves for the dancefloor.
JumpLife
Daily (class times vary). B126-127, B1, Pacific Century Place, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (400 0151 581)
朝阳区三里屯盈科中心B1层B126-127
Get Jazzy With Pussycat Dance
For a spicier exercise option, try pole dancing at Pussycat Dance. Pole dancing can be deceptively challenging, providing an upper body and core workout. Full-length mirrors mean that all illusions of sassiness are quickly kept in check, so come with a can-do spirit and a willingness to laugh at yourself. With English language options (though not always guaranteed, so check beforehand) and other class offerings, including jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, there are a variety of choices even for those intimidated by the saucier instruction.
Pussycat Dance
Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 1-4pm. Rm 3502, Bldg 9, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (139 1165 6059)
朝阳区东三环中路39号建外SOHO9号楼3502室
Master Aerial Yoga at Skyline Dance Lab
Why stick to the ground when you can take to the sky? Skyline Dance Lab specializes in aerial exercise options ranging from yoga, pole dancing, and silk and hoop classes. With a variety of skill levels available, aerial yoga offers a core-centered work out that will both work up a sweat and offer enough novelty to keep even the unenthusiastic athlete engaged. Be warned: instructors may make it look easy, but holding yourself airborne is certainly no small feat. For that reason, those who are afraid of heights or are especially prone to vertigo may want to look elsewhere for their fun workout.
Skyline Dance Lab
Daily 1.30-9.30pm. 5321, 3/F, Bldg 5, Sanlitun Soho, Chaoyang District (5785 3550)
工人体育场北路8号三里屯SOHO5号商场3层5321号
READ: 7 Fun Beijing Races to Kickstart Your Summer Exercise Routine
Image: Skyline Dance Lab
