Exploring Beijing's Best New Fitness Studios

If you’ve ever bought a gym membership only to find 12 months have passed and you can’t remember the last time you actually went, then Beijing’s new crop of fitness studios could be for you. Instead of flogging you a membership and leaving you to your own devices, they focus on interactive classes designed to make you feel like part of a community, whether that community is sweaty spinning fanatics or serene yogis.

Take a look at our rundown of Beijing’s best new fitness studios. All four studios allow you to view, purchase, and book classes either via WeChat or their app.

Glo Kitchen + Fitness
Glo is a CrossFit box with a difference, the difference being that they also have a café onsite serving healthy (often paleo or gluten free) meals so you can refuel after your WOD (that’s workout of the day to you and me). In addition to CrossFit at varying levels – beginners are very much welcome – they also offer yoga and stretching classes. Glo’s original CrossFit box is in Guanghua Lu Soho, but as of December 2016 they have opened a second location in Dawang Lu.

Individual class: RMB 150

Unit 103A, Guanghua Lu Soho, 22 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (5385 4960)
朝阳区光华路22号光华路Soho1期103A
WeChat: glo-for-it

SpaceCycle
The clue to SpaceCycle’s signature offering is in the name: upbeat spin classes set to the latest, greatest beats. It’s not all about spin, however. SpaceCycle also offer barre classes at varying levels of intensity and core-focused yoga classes. With frequent one-off events, including artist spotlights and live DJ battles, you’re unlikely to get bored with classes here. Members also get discounts at local health brands like Tribe Organic and Juice By Melissa.

Individual class: RMB 258

N4-40A, 4/F, Taikoo Li North, Chaoyang District (8451 6101)
朝阳区太古里北区4层N4-40A
WeChat: spacecyle

Ms. Uptown
This women-only gym offers energetic and uplifting yoga, pilates, dance, and functional training classes in a holistic environment. Small but using its space well, the studio is fully equipped with shower and changing facilities, a free gym area, and even an adjacent café. Many of Ms. Uptown’s instructors speak English, making it a great option if you don’t feel confident following the occasional instruction in Chinese.

Individual class: RMB 199

B1-151, Tower A, Galaxy Soho, 2 Nanzhugan Hutong, Dongcheng District (186 1189 4423)
东城区南竹杆胡同2号银河SOHO A座B1层
WeChat: msuptown尚城健身

GuCycle
Inspired by America’s cult-like Soul Cycle, GuCycle sells its 45-minute spin classes as a “party on a bike,” with everchanging playlists and a funky black-lit studio. Set smack bang in the middle of the CBD (so there’s no excuse to skip that after-work class), GuCycle only uses upmarket Schwinn stationary bikes and Shimano shoes. If you’re new to spinning, they offer a GuCycle Light class to help you find your form and rhythm.

Individual class: RMB 180

Room 32, 1/F, Fraser Suites, 10 Jintong Xilu, Chaoyang District (4000 805 181)
朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际D座1层32室
WeChat: gucycleapp

This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of the Beijinger, which you can read via Issuu.com, via PDF, or in hard copy at all of your favorite venues across town.

Click the cover to read the January/February 2017 edition of the Beijinger

Photos: Uni You, courtesy of Glo