10 Awesome Ways to Get an Outdoor Workout
Spring is here and you know what that means: dreaded bikini season is just around the corner. If you’re anything like me, the idea of letting your muffin tops hang out in front of people you know and love is on an embarrassment par with streaking through K11 on a Sunday, after devouring 28 pancakes. Bad. Bad. Bad.
It’s not our fault magazines inflict ridiculous beauty standard on us and have the most shapely of us asking, with trembling lips, ‘does my fat pouch look big in this?’ It’s bullsh*t and we should love the human body as it is. But for those of you who are looking to get in shape, but can’t bear the thought of panting in time with 100 other people sweating it out in a gym, then we have some amazing OUTDOOR (cause it’s almost summer yo!) exercise alternatives for you to consider.
Those weird things outside your apartment
Seen those weird pieces of exercise equipment outside your apartment or in the local park? Don’t be shy… get on ’em! Why not just go for a run and come back and do a bit of zero resistant cross training or a few dips. You’ll be fighting fit in no time and your neighborhood Ayis will love it!
Address: All over Shanghai, multiple parks and apartment complexes
Price: free
FitFam
Source: FitFam
FitFam is an amazing fitness community with more than 20 locations around Shanghai and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background and status. No equipment, no previous experience needed. And the best thing about it: it’s free!
Most of their sessions run for 60 minutes and are based on cross-training workouts, which alternate between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of active rest. They also offer running and yoga classes.
Visit their registration page on Eventbank for a list of their upcoming workouts, or any of the other links for more information.
Website: www.wefitfam.com
Registration: www.eventbank.cn/org/fitfam
WeChat: FitFamShanghai
Price: Free
Jiao Tong University Exercise park
Source: poco photography user Alexli0429
Address: 1954 Huashan Lu
Price: Free
Jiao Tong University has a whole exercise park that is completely free and open to the public. It includes a running track and tons of work out equipment which apparently is excellent for calisthenics...
‘Whole outdoor gym is open to the public. Build for athletes which train calisthenics workout, street workout, ninja warrior training, freeletics, bodyweight workout, parkour strength training and bootcamp workout.’ - calisthenics-parks.com
I don’t really know what any of that is but it sounds great!
Running… Super Cool Running
Source: ispo.com.cn
WeChat: adidasrunning
Price: Free
Jogging remains to be a go-to activity for many to this day due to how convenient it may be for those with limited funds or tight schedules. Inconvenience aside, who wants to bolt down tiny sidewalks often scattered with potholes and dodge through innocent people? More importantly, who wants to run in unpredictable weather/smog?? Fortunately, Adidas has stepped in to provide an opportunity to make running a little less mafan. Their Runbase in Xuhui will provide joggers a resting area and medical aid in addition to lockers, restrooms, and a functional jogging track near the river.
Soccer
There are loads of different sport leagues all over the city. (For a more detailed list look in related articles below.) But a great option is soccer (football to us Brits) if you’re interested in joining a league then check out ASUS, they play all over the city and have heaps of different teams of varying ability, you can take it super seriously or you can use it as a pregame to drinking. Whatever floats your boat.
Website: http://www.asas.com.cn/leagues/?cat=3
Price: Around RMB 8k per season (11 weeks)
Rugby
Source: Shanghai RFC
Contact: Scan QR code
Address: The Shanghai University of Sports, 399 Chang Hai Road, Yangpu District
Rugby is another excellent option if football feels a little to safe for you. Rugby league in Shanghai are growing in popularity and there are plenty of options available to you if you want to roll around in the mud with a group of sweaty blokes. Shanghai RFC is open to all people regards of ability. Ones hoping they don’t pair up the pros with the amateurs or people will get mullered.
Outdoor Pools
Address: 47 Zhongtan Road, Lane 99, near Yichang Road
Hours: Daily, 9am-10pm
How much: RMB 18
As the weather heats up, pools will most certainly be a necessity for those looking to stay in shape during bikini season. One pool we recommend is Oasis Riviera. This pool is one of the cheapest non-sports center outdoor options in the city. The pool is quite large but also includes a small water slide so kids can have their own fun.
Note: Most outdoor pools aren't open all year round because it's pretty nippy in winter. They tend to open in may so double check!
Get out of Shanghai and explore nature
Source: thorrunning.blogspot.hk
Address: Getting there: Trains leave from Shanghai Hongqiao regularly and range from RMB 73 – RMB 25
Price: Free (excluding transport)
Not into treadmills or weights? Desperately craving the sweet sight of some leafy greens and city life is just not cutting it? Fortunately, Hangzhou is only a couple of hours away and you can easily pop out for a day trip, where you can walk, run or cycle around the West Lake.
But wait! Am I suggesting that you have to figure out logistics and transportation to and from with limited Chinese? Fear not, friend! We’ve uncovered trusty groups that seek to lessen the anxiety of planning. The Shanghai Outing Club is one of many that exist to help bring together both foreigners and locals of all abilities and genders with a love for outdoor activity WITH NO MEMBERSHIP FEE! Simply contact info@shanghaioutingclub.com for info on upcoming trips (both one day and extended trips are offered).
Parks
Source: Flickr user Jonathan
Century Park is a wonderful option for witnessing local life but also provides ample space for you to take in nature, enjoy an intimate picnic, ride bikes, and go for a long run without a lengthy commute. Open daily 7 am-6 pm with only an entrance fee of RMB 10.
BYMB
BYMB is a fun way for yoga enthusiasts to explore some of the most spectacular venues around the city (inside and out). Especially when the weather gets nice, you can enjoy some stunning views by signing up for a rooftop yoga session. For info on how to join their next event:
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