Flex This: The Weigh in on Middle Kingdom Fitness in Guanghua Lu

After my first class at Middle Kingdom, my arms ached for a week. I shouldn’t have been surprised, as I’ve hardly moved for months. But the introductory session, one of a six-part “Elements” course (RMB 800) that all new members are put through, seemed a gentle enough opener.

I felt as if I’d spent an hour listening and asking questions as Middle Kingdom boss and trainer Tim Hill introduced the basic concepts and movements that Middle Kingdom’s fitness classes are founded on. Yet as Hill explains the importance of the “hollow body” for basic strength and posture, he’s also nudging me through a series of squats, pushups and ring rows that are deceptively taxing. By the time I complete the closing fitness test in an unspectacular eight minutes (the Middle Kingdom record for men is under four), I’m exhausted. I’m also aware that I will benefit from coming back for more of this.

Middle Kingdom offers drop-in classes for RMB 100, and various membership plans at reasonable prices. Facilities are modest the gym itself is tiny – but they have all you need to improve your fitness. If you want TVs and running machines, go elsewhere.

Hill rejects the “CrossFit” label some have given his gym, but embraces a similar ethos, with classes combining circuit training, gymnastic-style movements, kettlebells and weightlifting. Session two eased me into the latter, helpfully demystifying an art I had thought best left to preening bodybuilders and WWE wrestlers. Rather than muscle for muscle’s sake, Middle Kingdom puts the emphasis on the practical benefits of exercise – greater flexibility, injury prevention, and learning new skills. I’m all for that, but won’t be signing up for the more specialized classes teaching Olympic weightlifting or aerial silks (swinging around on ribbons, circus-style) just yet.


Also try: Prime Gym, Fight Republic

Middle Kingdom Fitness
See website for schedule. 129B Guanghua Lu Soho, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district (156 5232 6889)
www.middlekingdomfitness.com
朝阳区光华路光华路Soho129B号

Photos: Sui