Primal Instincts: Get High Intensity Training at Prime Fitness

A number of fitness centers have opened up in the past year, giving people more or less the same options in terms of machinery and classes available. Usually the main concern is, “Does it have a swimming pool?” Prime Fitness sets itself apart by providing a primeval approach to high intensity training with quality instructors in a highly personalized setting.

The style of workout here is called primal because it is short (usually 30-minute bursts) and is an intense program based on the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of our ancestors. You can expect a lot of lunging, throwing, pushing and pulling. This may all sound a little antiquated, but if you desire that cage fighter physique, then it’s probably the best option in town.

There is limited use of machines because the trainers believe that style of training to be limiting and neglectful of essential muscle groups. One of the aims of this method is to leave you informed about a natural way to train your body and how to sustain it with a healthy diet.

A large percentage of the classes they do at Prime are one-on-one. There are also group classes that are capped at eight people so you never have to worry about overcrowding. There are no membership fees, but there is a minimum amount (RMB 1,500) that you must put down as credit to participate in either individual or group sessions. Each group class will set you back RMB 150 and each one-on-one class is RMB 450. If this is out of your price range, but you still want a more focused experience, there is a “couple” option where you and a friend can feel the burn together for RMB 350.

Also try: Kerry Sports, Pulse Fitness

Prime Fitness
Daily 7am-10pm. Suite 3009, 2/F, Bldg AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Jie, Chaoyang District (5907 3006)
朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号万通中心AB座2层3009室

Photo: Sui