When I used to wonder how I, a mom of two very young children, would exercise, I’d imagine myself in front of the TV doing an aerobics or Yoga workout while my child (or children, depending on the time of the day) loiters around the house. But as someone who prefers the outdoors, I tended to push the thought away and so up until recently I practically gave up on exercising.
That was until my friend told me about a three-seater bike—two of the seats for younger children.
I confess. I was just blown away.
Better yet, my kids loved it, too!
This discovery led me to researching about how else a mom might exercise in Beijing. If I could bike with my kids in tow, what else could we do?
Yoga
Turns out there are quite a few options for this, actually. For those who feel they’re ready to get back into shape after nine months of carrying a human being, Little Oasis’ weekly Yoga(亲子瑜伽, qinzi yujia) classes will welcome you. Stretch your muscles with Teacher Angelina as she shows you the untapped might of a mama as she aids her newborn in the art of yoga every Wednesday morning at 10:30-11:15 or at 11:30-12:15 for those with toddlers under 3.
Swimming
If yoga isn’t your thing, then how about swimming (亲子游泳)? Though you won’t really get to exercise, it’ll be the closest thing you can do in the water together with your young child. Mookey Swim is one of the more popular options, with six branches across our fair city. A trial class will cost RMB 100 from Tuesdays through Fridays and RMB 180 on weekends if you purchase via Dianping. Reserve a slot by calling 18001035645.
Attend an Aerobics Class
For those with babies who are deep sleepers, substitute that naptime lullaby with some aerobics exercise music in the background. A friend of mine signed up with her local gym and brought her baby (who can sleep through anything, it seems) along with her to the morning aerobics sessions. Amazingly he’d nap through her whole session—the perfect example of what “sleeping like a baby” looks like!
Taichi
But of course not all kids can sleep through the tippity-taps of pumped up mamas. A morning tai chi routine with some Beijing ladies in the parks would probably do you better, of course when the air is good. Another option would be forming a group with your friends by hiring an instructor.
Jogging
Speaking of parks, if you prefer something that requires more mobility, jogging through some of Beijing’s best parks with your little one might be a better option. Shake the dust off those almost-forgotten sneakers and bring them back to life. Take advantage of the green in the ‘Jing on those rare blue days and get your jogger stroller ready. Set. Run!
Biking
Explore every corner of the park with ease with your toddler on one of these funky bike prams. Another option once you have that bike is joining one of Beijing Hutong Tour’s Bicycle Tours which can help you and your young child get to know the city better.
Hiking
For those who prefer a challenge, breathe in fresh air at the height of the Great Wall. Thankfully technology has now afforded us with a myriad of baby carrier for hiking options that’ll encourage Mama to explore the city!
Abdominal Exercises and More in the Outdoor Exercise Parks
Of course, there’s also the Outdoors Exercise Machines readily available to most in every neighborhood. Just ask a few of your neighbors where your nearest exercise equipment collection is. Don’t forget to bring a variety of toys for your child to play with while you’re doing your sit-ups next to him. Make this a routine and your baby will remember that this is Mama’s exercise time!
Photo: Courtesy of Mookey Swim, 金牌卖家, lovewecare