This Week in Health and Fitness: Fit Into 2018 at Ramo, F45 Game of the Brave, Zumba With Lululemon, and More

As I write this blog, the temperature feels like -10 degrees Celsius outside so you could be forgiven for giving up on your recently made commitment to going to the gym more. Persevere, however, and you'll be rewarded with better circulation, more energy, and, some studies suggest, a strengthened immune system (good at a time when Beijing is facing an unprecedentedly serious flu season). Rather than chaining yourself to the treadmill, motivate yourself to get out there with these fun fitness events and classes.

A mindful attitude to exercise can help you identify more suitable fitness goals and stick to them. Head over to Ramo's new location in Lido this Saturday, Jan 13 for a workshop with Beijing Mindfulness Center's Cassie Kang, followed by a session with pilates instructor Cromwell and finishing with a fun Zumba dance party with instructor AJ. Participants will also get an RMB 10 voucher to spend on food and drink at Ramo. Add Zhangbo1506 for more info. 

Speaking of Zumba, activewear brand Lululemon are back with plenty of free community fitness classes for 2018. For example, this Saturday, January 13, they are holding a partner's Zumba class at Cocoon Space on the 21st floor of Hotel Éclat in Parkview Green – a great non-WeChat way to reconnect with a friend or loved one. To find all of Lululemon's classes, follow them on WeChat (WeChat ID: lululemonathletica), enter their official account, and find "热汗社区" in the bottom right-hand corner (see picture above) – head-to-toe Lululemon yoga gear optional. 

Fitness pass/app Guavapass also works with its partner studios to offer complimentary classes (open to all, not just Guavapass members). This week, they have teamed up with Carmen Fit, a fun studio with locations in Haidian and near the Olympic Park, for "Bounce and Fit," which is bound to offer a cardio burn. Sign up here.

Finally, if you are looking to take your yoga practice to the next level, inversions (aka turning your body upside down) can be one of the most challenging aspects. However, they can also be incredibly beneficial, building strength and balance, and encouraging the release of serotonin and endorphins. To help you on your way to inversions, Yoga Yard is presenting a three-hour workshop on inversions with instructor Justine on Saturday, Jan 20. The workshop will focus on breaking down inversions, including headstands, forearm stands, handstands, and funky partner variations (Justine is also a certified AcroYoga teacher) in a fun and creative way. You'll start with a yoga practice that will prepare your body and mind, and with a guided relaxation and partner flow. Book ASAP as Yoga Yard's workshops are usually very popular.

More stories by this author here.

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Photos: Pixabay, courtesy of the organizers