Registration is now underway across a range of sports after school activities, so if your kids are looking to improve their game, hone their skills, or take on a totally new challenge, there are plenty of options available across Shunyi. Why let the kids have all the fun? There are classes for adults too, from toning through yoga, or going for the burn with CrossFit.

Beijing Dragon Fire
Dragon Fire provides swim coaching at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi campus, and Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Legend Garden campus, with a comprehensive program of coaching to suit all ages and abilities. In addition to their swim program, they also run gymnastics as an after school activity, at DCB Riviera Campus. For more details contact (136 0106 4534, beijing@dragonfire.com.cn) www.dragonfire.com.cn

Flips & Kicks Plus
Registration has opened for this season’s Flips & Kicks Plus gymnastics and martial arts coaching programs. All programs are taught in English by fully qualified international staff. Karate is a good art form for personal development, encouraging focus and discipline. Gymnastics is a great foundation for any sport. Coaches use their own Badge Award Scheme to help keep students enthusiastic and thriving to improve. Their new schedule is as follows:

Friday Gymnastics at WAB from August 29 to December 5
Beginners: 4-4.55pm  (RMB 1,560)
Returners: 5-5.55pm  (RMB 1,560)
Intermediate and Advanced: 6-7.25pm (RMB 1,820)

Sunday Gymnastics at WAB September 7 to December 7
Beginners: 9-9.55am (RMB 1,440)
Returners and Intermediate: 10-10.55am (RMB 1,440)
Advanced: 11am-12.25pm (RMB 1,680)

Monday Gymnastics at BSB Shunyi September 1 to December 8
3 to 4 years old: 3.30-4.15pm (RMB 1,560)
5 to 6 years old: 4.15-5pm (RMB 1,560)
7 years and over: 5-6pm (RMB 1,560)

Karate and Martial Arts
7-12 years old: Wednesday 4.30-6pm at BSB Shunyi (3rd floor) RMB 140 per class
7-12 years old: Sunday 12.30-1.30pm at WAB RMB 140 per class

To enroll in any of the above classes, fill in the application form (available here) and send a copy as PDF-file to info@flipsandkicksplus.com

O’le Skate
The people behind O’le Sports are introducing a public after school activity at Beijing Riviera. The sessions will take place every Friday at 4.30pm, starting September 5. Anyone aged 6-16 years may take part, and you don’t have to be a Riviera resident. The cost will be RMB 150 per session and to register simply fill in the form on their website.
For more details contact Beijing Riviera, No1 Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (186 1045 3101, peter@ole-sports.org) www.ole-sports.org 

YOGA at Human in Motion
Human in Motion has welcomed a new Yoga teacher at the studio, Esme Kan will be teaching one class per week on Mondays at 10.30am.Additional classes may be added, if the Monday class proves popular. Kan is from the Netherlands and in 2012 she completed a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training Course in Shanghai, she has been teaching yoga since March 2013. To book a session contact Human in Motion, Cathay View Plaza, 2a, Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (8470 3616, 136 7129 4008, humaninmotion@yahoo.com) www.humaninmotion.com.cn

CrossFit
This high intensity fitness program incorporates constantly varied, functional movements, suitable for people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and levels of fitness. Class schedule is as follows:
Weekdays at 6am, 9am, and 5.30pm
Mondays and Wednesdays at 6.30pm
Saturdays at 8am and 9am

If you fancy giving it a go, to find out what it’s all about,come along to one of the free trial classes. Located at Pinnacle Plaza (behind Jenny Wang, next to Gold River PGA Golf School) the trial classes will take place at 9am on August 23, 30, September 6, and 13. For more information contact (186 1257 2313, Bernard.Yapp@crossfit86.com, 186 1262 8095, Samuel.Lian@crossfit86.com) www.CrossFit86.com

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Crossfit Fever, David Bannister, Erica, Lyn Tally (Flickr)

The kids have been out of school for a while now. If you’re in Beijing for the summer, you’ve no doubt spent the last month trying to find different activities to entertain them. If you’ve been traveling, you may well be heading back to Beijing in the next week or so. Either way, it’s likely you’ve indulged a little, and let the exercise routine take a back seat. No need to stress – easing yourself back into a fitness routine is so much easier when you have great group classes and supportive trainers to help you. Whilst you’re feeling the burn, the kids can still sign up for summer camps, with some camps continuing well into August. If you’re a mom to be, or a mom to little ones, don’t forget to head over to BabyGro to bag a bargain during the final week of their big summer sale.

Get your fitness back on track
Human In Motion have been busy this summer, giving the studio a deep clean and a spruce up, ready for clients both old and new to return from their travels. There is no time like the present, and there is no higher priority than your health. Ease yourself (back) into the studio by attending their group classes, which are still running throughout the summer. Their coaches are also on hand ready to help you shed some of that summer indulgence, to develop a training schedule to suit your needs, and to help you meet your goals. To encourage you further, invite a friend to sign up for personal training or group classes during the month of July, and with their first purchase of either five personal training sessions or eight group class lessons, your name will go into a free draw to win any two group sessions per week, for an entire month.

Human in Motion, Cathay View Plaza, No.2 Xiang Jiang Bei Lu

AEA Beijing Summer Camp at BSB Shunyi
The AEA Summer Camp provides daily youth leadership programs led by American camp counselors, organized by the US Embassy Beijing. Daily activities are divided into 45-60 minute blocks to include both outdoor and indoor activities. Each week has a specific “theme” and for the weeks July 28 – August 15, the camp will be held at BSB Shunyi.

Earthday Birthday Extravaganza, July 28 – August 1
Join the Earthday Birthday Extravaganza. The Lorax will be there to speak on behalf of trees, explaining just how important trees are to the earth. Kids will have the chance to play in the shade with the Brown Barbaloots, sing with the Swomee Swans, and eat Truffula Fruits.

Colossal Fossils and Dino-mite Discoveries, August 4 – August 8
Join amateur paleontologists as you Walk with the Dinosaurs, and trace tracks to the volcanic prehistoric past. Follow colossal fossil footprints on Camp Adventure’s super continental search for Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous giants.

Super Space Station Celebration, August 11 – August 15
It’s time to shine on a planetary race through outer space with Camp Adventure. Zoom to the moon and take a spin around the solar system, learn the order of the planets, and hunt for moon rocks.

The camp is suitable for ages 4-12 years, RMB 3,380 per week. Contact (8531 3285, summer@aeabeijing.org) www.aeabeijing.net/Summer-Camp

Summer Camp with Bridge School
A two-week education camp where you can learn Chinese, complete cool projects, play tennis, swim, take part in Chinese cultural activities, and make new friends. Highly professional teachers lead kids through games and activities in Chinese. The camp includes indoor and outdoor activities such as singing, arts and crafts, magic, kungfu, dancing, swimming, and tennis. Lunch is provided. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years, the camp runs July 28 – August 22 (two weeks a term) from 8.30am-5.30pm. For Beijing Riviera (8430 8068, riviera@birdgeschoolchina.com, Vgao66@sina.com) for Capital Paradise (8046 1707, capitalparadise@bridgeschoolchina.com) www.bridgeschoolchina.com

BabyGro Final Sale
BabyGro is having its final summer sale, from now until July 31 you can get 30 percent off the RRP of all stock, including Phil & Teds strollers, travel cots and accessories, Micro Scooters and accessories, Skip Hop diaper bags and toys, Baby Banz swimwear, sunglasses and hats, Bravado Nursing Bras, plus all maternity wear, baby and kids clothing, and shoes. Once the stock’s gone, it’s gone.

BabyGro, Cathay View Plaza, No.2 Xiang Jiang Bei Lu. Contact (84701690) www.babygro.com.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Honza Soukup, Glowingrock (Flickr), courtesy of HIM

This week, The British School of Beijing, Shunyi is hosting an open morning, Roundabout is hosting an INN Coffee Morning (and a chance to donate your used items), O’le Sports offers rollerblading instructors, Human in Motion publishes its new summer schedule, and we spotlight places to watch the World Cup in Shunyi.

Early Years Open Morning
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi will host an open morning on Thursday, June 19 from 8.30-10am. The morning will give parents and their children the opportunity to see the school’s Early Years Foundation stage facilities, join a range of activities, and meet the teachers and other parents. It is a “stay and play” session; kids will have a range of equipment, games, activities, and a story session available to them. Drinks and snacks will be provided. The BSB classes are:
 Teddies 1 – children from 1 year (who are walking)
Teddies 2 – children 2-3 years
Nursery – children 3 – 4 years
Reception – children 4 – 5 years

RSVP at 8047 3558 or play@britishschool.org.cn.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning
After that, perhaps you’d like to join the INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at Roundabout on Thursday, June 19 from 10am-noon. Coffee mornings are held every third Thursday of the month, so come along for coffee, chat, and some cake. It’s a great opportunity to meet other locals in Shunyi and at the same time you can shop at the Roundabout store or drop off any donations you may have.

Rollerblading Classes
Rollerblading is a great sport that can be done all year round and pretty much anywhere that has a large space. O’le Sports has English-speaking skate instructors who can arrange a variety of activities. Rollerblading can be taught as a weekly private lesson, or you can start a group along with a few friends. Participants are required to buy their own skating equipment and gear. O’le currently provides skating after-school activities for a number of Beijing international schools, so if your school is looking for a new ASA contact 186 1045 3101 or peter@ole-sports.org.

Human in Motion Summer Schedule
The HIM Studio will have a reduced timetable for the summer. Circuit classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-10am. The River Garden circuit classes will instead take place at the HIM Studio 8.30-9.30am. Saturday and Sunday spin classes will be by appointment only. Text Ruben at 136 7129 4008 to reserve your spot.

2014 FIFA World Cup
Don’t miss out on all the action from this year’s World Cup, as Shunyi has a few options for watching the big games. You can head over to The Garage Bar and Grill between now and July 12 to enjoy a cool beer and a bite to eat whilst you cheer on your home country (or someone else’s if yours have failed to qualify).

Joining in the action is the Long Bar at the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport. Located by Beijing Airport’s Terminal 3, the Long Bar will have big screens showing the games live, as well as a late happy hour from midnight to 2am with buy-one-get-one free on their draught Tsingtao.

 beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos of BSB and chichacha, Thu Wu’s Photo Land (Flickr)

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

Are you less active as colder temperatures make their way to Beijing? Do the winter months and holiday goodies sneak in unwanted extra weight? Air quality during the winter months tends to be less than ideal, and that’s yet another reason why many of us stay inside and veg a little more than usual.

Before you get lured into that nasty habit, know that there are a LOT of exercise options around in our Shunyi area. Highlighting one in particular, learn more about Spin+ (below), with several others listed as options to meet your interest and needs. Many opportunities are available to keep you active, fit and healthy throughout the cold Beijing winter.

Spin+ is a great exercise program led by Stella Chan Marinaro at Human in Motion (Cathay View Garden Plaza). The classes include 45 minutes of high intensity cardiovascular cycling on an indoor bike, followed by 10 minutes of high repetition, upper body conditioning using light weights, all set in a fun atmosphere with great energy and music. There are currently six Spin+ classes offered per week attended by more than 30 women; new bikes and possibly  extra classes will be added if there is enough demand.

Marinaro has created a variety of fitness and weight loss programs for women, as well as specialty programs for teen and preteen girls. Through her classes, she inspires people to increase their fitness levels inside and out, ultimately improving their overall lifestyles. Her education and experience in fitness and nutrition offers attendees a high level of training, custom-made to the individual.  A previous post on Marinaro can be found here.

Classes cost RMB 150 each or you may purchase a punch card of 10 classes for RMB 1350. They are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:30am and 9:30am. Intermediate and advances classes are both available; there is a waiting list for some timeslots. A running waiting list still allows people to spin at least two times a week because of the flexibility of everyone’s schedule, so there’s no excuse not to carve out time for spinning!

Stay tuned for the winter months when Marinaro offers GAB (Girls Achieving Balance) classes once again, a six-week series for preteens focusing on self-esteem, nutrition and fitness.  There will be a separate offering available for boys this time, too!  Plus, her exercise and weight loss program for women called Fit & FAB (Females Achieving Balance) will gear up again soon.

Other options in our area:

• Human in Motion has many other fitness classes available, including Yoga (Tuesdays at 10:30am), Pilates and more. Zuma classes will be coming soon! Visit www.Humaninmotion.com.cn to see all group offerings. Call 8470 3616 or e-mail humaninmotion@yahoo.com for details.
• Calling all (wannabe) Bollywood Dancers! Don’t let the name fool you; this dance class is truly a workout. No previous experience required and no age restrictions. Three classes are offered each week (Mondays at 10am and Tuesdays/Thursdays at 11am) at the River Garden Dance Studio. For more information, e-mail Orli (ginossar@gmail.com) or Cindy (cindyla26@hotmail.com).
• Many other workout classes are held at River Garden, from circuit training and aerobics to yoga and more. Contact the clubhouse for individual class schedules and instructor information at 8046 1918.
• Don’t forget the little ones! Yoga for kids is available in age-appropriate classes beginning with mother/baby all the way up to age 12. Contact Ms. Angelina at 186 1156 8556 for class information.

There are many, many more exercise options in our area, as well as dance classes for kids and adults alike. Contact neighborhood clubhouses as a first stop for schedules and other specifics. Online forums and word of mouth are also great ways to find out the opportunities to stay active. And coming up soon, learn more about registering for the “Running for Hope” Beijing International Marathon by United Foundation for Children’s Health (for a sneak peak, go to http://unitedfoundation.org.).