7 Awesome Beijing Gyms to Help You Stay in Shape This Winter

By Justine Lopez

It’s officially freezing outside, which is making the thought of exercising outdoors kind of unappealing. If you’re anything like us, you’re currently mulling over the idea of purchasing a gym membership at one of Beijing’s many health clubs. Just in case you don't know where to start looking, here are some awesome Beijing gyms to help you stay in shape this winter.

1. Alexander Health Club

Alexander Health Club is Asia's largest fitness chain, and its upscale Beijing branch is located in Central Park. The three-floor space boasts tons of high-end gym equipment, sauna and steam rooms, a heated swimming pool, tennis court and more. They also offer a wide range of exercise classes and personal training services.

Membership rates: RMB14,000 per year (includes unlimited access to classes)

Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. Bldg 8, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie 朝外大街6号, 新城国际8号楼 (6597-0088)

2. Sportathlon

Sportathlon might not be the biggest space, but it’s packed with 60 plus machines, a 25-meter swimming pool, steam room and sauna, Technogym weight machines and a designated area for free weights. It definitely gets the job done. It also opens way earlier than most gyms in town (6.30am) so it’s a great midrange option for those who like to fit in a nice workout before going into the office.

Membership rates: RMB5,500 per year; RMB3,200 per six months; RMB2,100 per three months; or RMB900 per month.

Mon-Fri 6.30am-10.30pm, Sat- Sun 9am-9pm. B1, China Life Tower, 16 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳门外大街16号中国人寿大夏地下一层 (8225 1818)

3. Kerry Sports Beijing

This place is the cream of the crop when it comes to upscale health clubs in Beijing. It comes with a hefty annual membership fee, so obviously the Kerry Hotel pulls out all the stops for members. The 7,000 square-meter gym is chock full of 100 or so machines (rest assured they are top of the line and have all the frills). There’s also a luxurious heated pool, courts (for tennis, basketball and badminton) and 235-meter rooftop running track.

Membership rates: RMB25,000 for individual; RMB42,000 for couple; RMB45,000 for family (2 adults, 1 child); for additional child; RMB4,000.

1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district 朝阳区光华路1号 (6561 8833 ext 6465)

4. Pacific Century Club

This place is enormous and is another solid upscale option. Located in Sanlitun, Pacific Century Club boasts high-end equipment, weight machines, treadmills and ellipticals. The saunas, steam room, tennis courts and 17-meter pool are added bonuses.

Membership rates: RMB12,000 per year; RMB7,000 per six months; RMB4,300 per three months; RMB1,700 per month.

5/F, Pacific Century Place, Tower E, 2A Gongti Beilu 工体北路甲2号 (6539-3434)

5. California Fitness Beijing Club

With over 40,000 sq. meters, this place is massive. There is no shortage of outstanding equipment and specialty features, including basketball courts. Plus, it’s open 24 hours – a nice perk for those of us who work odd hours.

Membership rates: RMB9,800 per year.

3F, South Tower, L4, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang 光华路9号世贸天阶南街3楼(近东大桥路) (4008 100 988)

6. B Active Fitness 24/7

Located near the CBD, B Active Fitness is a pretty solid option. It's not huge, but it's known for having quality machines. If you're on a budget, they offer very reasonably-priced annual and monthly memberships. They also have 24-hour access for members and offer some cool classes (at extra cost), such as Muay Thai and boxing.

Membership rates: RMB180 per week, RMB310 for off-peak hours (11pm-11am); RMB460 per month, RMB1,600 (off peak); RMB2,200 per six months, RMB2,300 (off-peak); RMB3,300 per year.

Daily 9am-7pm. Members-only access 24 hours/day. Unit 161A&C, 1-2/F, Bldg C, Chaowai SOHO, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie 朝阳门外大街乙6号朝外SOHO C座2层0161C号 (5900-4748)

7. Prime Fitness

Prime Fitness isn’t your average gym. You’re not going to find the standard treadmills here, because it turns out you don’t actually need them. Prime is all about working with natural movements and repetition, like pushing, pulling, jumping and lifting. Another factor that makes Prime stand out from the rest is that there is no membership fee; all sessions are by appointment only.

Membership rates: RMB350 for a 30-minute (one on one), RMB450 for a 30-minute (partner training); RMB150 per person for 45-minute small group training.

6am to 10pm. Suite 3009, 2/F, Bldg AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Street 朝阳门外大街6号万通中心AB座2层3009室 (5907-3006)

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