Circuit Training

When was the last time you tried a personalised circuit regimen? If it was more than two years ago, youd be surprised how much has changed in the gym. If it was more than five years ago you probably won t even think you are in a gym, because circuit machines and techniques have changed that much! Evolving constantly, it's even no longer the case that you need to circuit with a buddy because of the potential danger from misusing machines. These days the machines are safe, fun, and don't force you to adopt uncomfortable or embarrassing positions for lengthy periods of time. And it doesn't take that much effort to get a personal programme set up. Unless you arrive at the gym at a peak time, there will usually be an instructor available to advise you on your individual needs. Modern and well-equipped circuits can be found in Beijing.

Water Programmes

Suffered a sporting injury? Recovering from illness or surgery? Even if you're in perfect health, a water programme can be a fun, low-impact and low-key addition to your personal fitness regime.

Express Exercise

Largely following the trend set by Curves International, a chain of fitness clubs for women only, many other clubs and fitness organisations have begun offering shorter alternatives to the traditional hour long fitness session. The basic idea driving Curves to pioneer this new trend was that, in this busy modern world, their customers had everything but time. Usually based around an accelerated circuit programme (some as short as 15 minutes), Express Exercise regimes also quite often vary the type of exercise, adding an express spinning class, or 'express yoga' to vary the experience. We're sure you'll see a lot more of this kind of programme in the future, as almost every international fitness chain has implemented an express exercise programme.

Sports-based Programmes

It's sometimes hard to see the benefit in 'pumping iron' on a circuit, when all you really want from your fitness programme is to drop a shot (or three!) in golf, or be able to land your killer badminton forehand without that killer twinge behind your right shoulder. Sports-based training is gaining in popularity, because unlike a general fitness routine you can usually immediately see results in the competitive game that ordinarily comprises the bulk of your exercise anyway. Particularly strong in the golfing community, sports-based programmes target the muscle groups most often used in your game of choice, as well as paying particular attention to strengthening the 'support system' for those well-used areas. Golfers, for example, have reported remarkable improvements to their games by simply adding the right series of stretches before a round. For sports-based training in Beijing you need to ask at the club where you play your chosen sport, but for short-stay visitors, here's a few to get you going: golf, tennis, squash and badminton.

Martial Arts Programmes

What better way to get fit than to learn to kick butt at the same time?! Actually, the desire to cut some moves on the mean streets is one of the first things trained out of you in any martial arts programme. Instead, modern martial arts fitness routines generally focus on all-over tone, and the all-important aspect of flexibility. Often this kind of fitness scheme is called 'mind and body' fitness, because the mental aspect of martial arts can make adherents calmer, and more able to think clearly in a crisis. Beijing is richly endowed with both traditional Chinese martial arts schools and also training centres for Korean, Thai and Japanese martial arts, among others including Wu Shu, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Karate, Judo, Tai Kwon Do and Thai kickboxing.

1

2

3