We love our students but teaching takes a toll on our emotional and mental batteries. So as we enjoy the last hazy days of summer break, it’s time to make sure we are fully recharged and ready to mold young minds. Here are my suggestions for a teacher’s mind, body, and soul refresh leading up to the first day back.

High Tea at InterContinental:

Before you go back to rushed lunches in machine-washable slacks, get all dressed up and laze away an afternoon with your friends and a delectable assortment of treats (and bubbles). Ajit and his team never fail to treat you like the queen or king you were always meant to be, and it’s nice to have jam on scones instead of smeared all over your shirt by tiny fingers. Scan the QR code below to reserve.

Spa Day:

Teachers are on their feet all day so be nice to yours. A full spa day of scrubs, massages, and facials will send you back glowing and ready to ace your yearbook photo, and Bodhi Spa is exactly the place to indulge. They have two locations in Beijing at Workers Stadium and Liangmaqiao. Scan the QR code to book!

Get Your Geek On:

If you’re a teacher you are probably into learning stuff, and no one makes that more fun and entertaining than Beijing By Foot and The Hutong. Tours and Talks led by Jeremiah Jenne take you through the hidden history of places like the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Lama Temple, and give life and perspective to these national landmarks. I promise your inner Hermione will be fascinated and entertained. To see the schedule of events check out their website at www.beijingbyfoot.com or scan the QR Code for The Hutong’s calendar below.

Take a Hike:

Beijing is more than just the city center, it’s a sprawling area filled with nature trails and historical hikes that go beyond the Great Wall. The Cave of Stone Flowers and the Guyaju Caves are only two of the hidden gems not to be missed in our immediate vicinity. Beijing Hikers organizes day trips and hikes that will help you get away from the hustle and bustle, clear your mind, and get inspired by nature. To see their schedule or ask about organizing your own group scan the QR code.

Refresh Your Workout:

Managing your own stress is a big part of managing your classroom, and for me that means my workouts are necessary! But the treadmill and yoga ball in the gym can get a little monotonous, so try shaking it up before you head back. Do something different and challenging. Discover your inner performer with an Ariel silks class, or your inner warrior in Krav Maga or Kali. You never know, it might be your new favorite and the thing that gets you through parent-teacher conference week.

Images: Canva, InterContinental Hotel, The Hutong, Beijing Hikers, Warrior One, Songyao Dance Factory

KEEP READING: Beat the Boredom in Quarantine

The sun is out and the skies are blue (for the most part, anyways). It’s summertime, which means you might be on vacation—but your healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be. Every city offers its unique takes on collaborative fitness and opportunities to help you reach your goals and Beijing is no exception. Outdoors or indoors, relaxing or invigorating, on a rooftop or in an office space, this city is teeming with countless options you can take on for yourself to get a sweat going and burn some extra calories (offsetting, of course, that decadent jianbing you treated yourself to for breakfast). Not to mention, a solid bout of fitness can be both physically and mentally rewarding. Sometimes, we’re all just one good workout away from a mood and healthy mindset. So don’t hesitate to try out these five outstanding fitness classes available around the city.

Summer Super Burn!, June 27
Over 18. Taking a turn from the relaxing realm of yoga, WeWork is offering an intensive one-time fitness session on the outdoor rooftop terrace of their Guanghua Lu branch on Wednesday June 27. Strength training, interval training, conditioning, and more will be led by certified trainer James from SuperFit Ltd. Free tastings of specialty cocktails and handmade healthy food options will be offered to fuel and for post-workout recovery. Participation is free, but pre-bookings are required. 6.30-7.30pm. All required equipment is provided. WeWork.

Pop-Up Office Yoga with Ziyang, Jul 2
Adults. For those working through the summer, a relaxing session of yoga in the afternoon may just be the perfect way to refresh after a busy morning. Join yoga instructor Ziyang for her twenty-minute sessions at 3pm on the first Monday of every month starting July 2. Sessions are hosted at Café Zarah, a scenic café, lounge, and art gallery rolled into one. Feel welcome to pop in unannounced: no reservations are required and the sessions are free. 3-3.20pm. All required equipment is provided. Café Zarah.

Kids Yoga with Ziyang, Jul 7
Kids 3+. Ziyang has classes for the young ones, too! Bring your kids along to Café Zarah on Sunday, July 7 for a special session of yoga. Get them moving early in the day, and enjoy a hearty family breakfast while you’re at it. Café Zarah will be offering specially prepared healthy meals for you and the kids. Parents will get to enjoy a 15 percent discount on breakfast. Not to mention, the restaurant-slash-lounge-slash-gallery will be having lions, peacocks, cobras, and more in house for the kids to meet at this event.10-10.40am. RMB 50 per child. Pre-booking required. Yoga mat or blanket is required. Café Zarah.

Tour de France Challenge – Beijing Guoan Sports Training Camp, every Sun from Jul 8
Adults. Probably the most reputable (and certainly the priciest) option on this list, the Beijing Tour de France Challenge boasts an extensive bang-for-your-buck participants package, not to mention a two-month rigorous training regimen beginning in July. For those hoping to hone their racing ability before the real-deal Beijing Tour de France this coming September—or those simply looking to test their physical and mental willpower—this demanding challenge will help you do just that with the guidance of seasoned and professional cycling coaches. Check out this page for more information and details on the contents of the participants’ package. RMB 2,999 per person. 10am-noon. Pre-booking is required and spots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Yoga in the Park, every Sun
All ages. If you enjoy yoga, but the indoors aren’t quite your thing, try Yoga in the Park. Hosted every Sunday morning by yoga instructor Theresa Rae at Chaoyang Park, this class will bring you to the great outdoors. The 90-minute session is followed by an optional group brunch at Moka Bros Solana, where participants of the class will enjoy a 15 percent discount. Contact Theresa (WeChat ID: TheresaRae) directly for more information. RMB 50 per person. 9.30-11am. The event will be canceled if it rains or the AQI exceeds 200. Yoga mats required. Chaoyang Park.

Photos: Courtesy of events organizers via the Beijinger

Who are they?
HUMAN IN MOTION (HIM) is a fitness studio in Shunyi. They are in the business of personal transformation, using their top team of professional fitness experts, and with the latest functional training techniques and specialized equipment.

Whether it’s weight loss, strengthening, sports-specific conditioning or improved health and fitness, their team of international trainers can help you achieve your goals! And I should know, I’ve worked with one of their personal trainers and attend their fantastic circuit classes. As a result, my baby weight has gone and my fitness levels have improved immensely.

Importantly, HIM provides a fun environment in which to work out and get fit. It’s also a great way to be a part of a community of like-minded trainers and enthusiasts. The well-maintained facilities include a main fitness room, cycling room, group class studio and changing facilities. There are plenty of air filters, so the air is clean and as healthy as possible.

If you want to continue your training back in your own home, they also have available smaller fitness equipment items to purchase, including stability and medicine balls and foam rollers.

What do they do?

Personal Training
HIM has achieved superb results with its clients, but it’s more than just weight loss. Their approach to personal transformation is comprehensive and multi-dimensional. It starts with a detailed assessment of your existing performance, before agreeing what you want to achieve. For a free consultation http://www.humaninmotion.com.cn/create-your-own-journey/free-trial/

Group Classes

Spin
Beijing’s air often makes it difficult to get out and ride a bike. Add to that the toe numbing winters and sweltering heat of the summer. No more excuses! Spin classes mean you can enjoy a great cardio workout with friends, to music, at varying speeds and intensities.

Cardio Circuit
Combining a balance of cardio and intense training exercises. These classes are fun and challenging, with each class using different movements and equipment to keep energy high, burn calories and give a total body workout.

Advanced Circuit
This intermediate/advanced class combines strength training with high-intensity cardio interval training. It’s a 30-minute, challenging workout designed for maximum efficiency and intensity. Great for those with limited spare time!
 

Yoga
Relaxing, strengthening, lengthening and realigning your body.       

Pilates
Develop your mind-body connection as you strengthen your core and increase flexibility. Adaptable to any fitness level.
 

For days and times, the Class Schedule can be viewed here http://www.humaninmotion.com.cn/wp-content/uploads/CHINESE-NEW-YEAR-SCHEDULE-2014.pdf
 

Facilities
April Promotion!
If you bring a friend to join a group class, you will receive 9 sessions with your next purchase of 8 group classes. So bringing a friend gets you a bonus class!
 

Where are they?
Cathay View Plaza, 2a, Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (behind DDs Supermarket and adjacent to Beijing Riviera) +86 8470 3616 or email humaninmotion@yahoo.com www.humaninmotion.com.cn/

Photo by Sally Wilson