This Week in Health and Fitness brings you weekly updates on fitness events, health and wellness news, and healthy eating from around Beijing.
Beijing is home to a wide variety of yoga studios, from funky new multifunctional studios like Space Cycle to well-established venues like Yoga Yard. However, the studio yoga experience isn't for everybody – maybe you find it too expensive, you don't want to be tied to a single studio or you just want to practice in a group once or twice a month. If you are one of those people, then this post is for you. We have rounded up Beijing's best non-studio yoga opportunities, including small-scale classes, regular pop-ups, and even al fresco classes.
Yoga with Yonnie
Qualified yoga therapist and registered yoga instructor Yonnie Fung leads small-group yoga sessions – no more than six students per class – from her yoga room just north of Dongzhimen. You will need to commit to a six-week session of two classes per week, making this a great way to advance and expand your practice. Yonnie offers various classes in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga. Visit the Yoga with Yonnie website for more information.
Yoga by the Pool
Head to the Opposite House every Saturday morning for a yoga session by the subterranean pool. Classes are led by a rotating roster of bilingual instructors. Note that you will need to bring your own mat. RSVP to guestexperience@theoppositehouse.com. Free. 10-11am, every Saturday. Opposite House
Moka Bros x Yoga Yard present Yoga in the Park
Bring your yoga mat and RMB 30 to the north gate of Chaoyang Park every Sunday for an al fresco class with yoga instructor Theresa. All participants also get a 15 percent discount at Moka Bros after the class. Note that the class will be canceled if the AQI is over 200. RMB 30. 9.30-11am, every Sunday until October. Chaoyang Park
Sunset rooftop yoga
Mental health NGO CandleX offers weekly sunset rooftop yoga sessions at its courtyard near Jingshan Park. There is a maximum of 12 spots and the classes are open to all levels. After the yoga session, stay and mingle with a cup of tea or a juice. RMB 100 (includes a post-session drink). 5-7pm, every Sunday until October. CandleX Beijing
READ: Beer and Yoga, the Detox and Retox Trend
Home Yoga with Yiyang
Yoga instructor Yiyang (who has trained extensively in India) holds a program of weekly yoga classes at her home in Dongzhimen. Classes include Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Meditation, and pre- and post-natal yoga. Add HomeYogaBeijing on WeChat for more information about classes, schedule, and pricing. Classes and passes can be purchased via her WeChat store.
Note: Activewear brand Lululemon (see my review of their first Beijing store here) also offers occasional community yoga classes (usually free of charge). Check their WeChat (WeChat ID: lululemonathletica) for more information.
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