Trying to get in shape, but just dread heading to the gym? If you're one of the millions of people who made the New Year's resolution to get fit, make sure to find the regimen that works best for you. It's easy to get burnt out trying to force yourself to do something that just isn't enjoyable.

Good results are a lot easier to attain when you find a workout you look forward to. If lifting weights or running on a treadmill is enjoyable, great! There are lots of gyms around the city that cater to your needs. But for the rest of us who cringe at the thought, here are a few alternative ways to work out.

Exercise classes have a lot to offer in terms of motivation with the camaraderie of other people working out at the same time and the assurance of an instructor to guide you through it. Seeing other people doing the same thing is often the push you need to get through the class, but the key is to feel excited about going back the next time. It helps to take time and find a class with a little something extra to offer to keep you looking forward to it.

1) Heyrobics
There are aerobics classes, and then there is Heyrobics. Founded in Sweden 40 years ago and met with tremendous popularity, it was brought to Beijing in 2010 and has seen similar enthusiasm. Instructors are brightly-clad in blue and yellow tops to resemble the Swedish flag with, of course, the signature pink shorts.

Don't let the outfits fool you - the instructors will surely whip you into shape. Heyrobics incorporates cardio, strength and speed training intermingled into a high-energy, one-hour session. Classes are offered at various intensity levels to accommodate a wide range of fitness needs.

The various locations also make Heyrobics a convenient work-out choice. A few of the favourite spots include Sunday afternoons in Chaoyang Park and rooftop sessions in Sanlitun's Nali Patio, both open during warm weather months.

So if you're looking to teach an old cardio class new tricks, give Heyrobics a try. From the pink short-wearing instructors to the eccentric movements set to incredibly happy-sounding music, this class will force you to crack a smile while you're feeling the burn.

- Heyrobics (Sanlitun Location, Behind the Volkswagon building)View In Map
Add: 5 Xiliu Jie, Just West of Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址:  北京市朝阳区西六街5号 (三里屯路)
Price: 20 RMB per class
Website: www.heyrobics.com (Other locations can be found at the website)

2) Bikram Yoga
For a new take on a more traditional activity, try Bikram Yoga, the most well-known form of hot yoga. Performed in a room set between 38 - 42 degrees Celsius, it was adapted by Bikram Choudury from the ever-so-popular hatha yoga in the 1970's. In the past 10 years, Bikram yoga has seen a jump in popularity and made its way to China in the last few years.

On top of yoga's well-known physical and psychological benefits, those extra degrees bring additional incentives. The high temperatures are said to increase circulation, relax tension in order to help prevent injuries and increase flexibility. Each class is 90 minutes long, and consists of 26 asanas, or poses, and two breathing exercises.

While there is only one certified Bikram yoga studio in Beijing, other hot yoga studios are popping up all over the city and are usually less expensive than Bikram, but at the risk of a less qualified instructor.

- Soma Yoga (Beijing's only certified Bikram Yoga instruction)View In Map
Add: Pacific Century Place, 2A Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址:北京市朝阳区工体北路甲2号太平洋百货
Tel: 6539 3434
Price: 150 RMB for one class, cheaper when you purchase more classes
Website: somahotyoga.com

- Om Shanti YogaView In Map
Add: B1117 (P1), Building 11, Jianwai SOHO, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址: 北京市朝阳区建外SOHO 西区11号楼B1117
Tel: 5869 2849
Website: omshantiyoga.cn

- Fine YogaView In Map
Add: West Dawang Road, Blue Castle International Centre 16th Floor, Tower (Dawang Road subway station Exit A northwest exit of 200 meters to the north) 1601
地址: 北京市朝阳区西大望路蓝堡国际中心2座16楼
Tel: 8599 9566, 8599 7702
Price: 100 RMB for 1 class, 4500 RMB for 6 months unlimited. Many other price packages on offer.
Website: www.fine-yoga.com (Other locations in Shunyi can be found at the website)

3) Muay Thai
Looking for something a bit more intense? Try the up-and-coming sport of Muay Thai. This shoeless sport is the Thai version of kickboxing, combining the typical punching and kicking with elbow- and knee-strikes for a full-body workout. Because of its heavy emphasis on fitness, many are drawn to it for the fitness aspect and don't participate in combat.

The two major Muay Thai gyms in Beijing, The Legend and Black Tiger Club both boast state-of-the-art training facilities, and a large staff of certified Muay Thai instructors to keep class sizes small and personal. Personal training with champion Thai fighters motivates people to keep a consistent workout schedule.

- The Legend Muay ThaiView In Map
Add: S-B02, Bld 2, South Blue Castle Int'l Apartment, 3 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址:  北京市朝阳区西大望路3号院蓝堡国际公寓2号楼S-B02
Tel: 8599 7786
Website: www.thelegend-muaythai.com

- Black Tiger ClubView In Map
Add: B-101, Hyundai Motor Building, 38 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址:  北京市朝阳区霄云路38号现代汽车大厦地下一层
Tel: 131 2121 9317
Website: www.blacktigerclub.com (Other locations can be found at the website)

There are lots of other ways to keep that New Year's resolution. Find the workout that works for you, and you'll be feeling fit in no time. Who knows, maybe by next year you'll be ready to tackle the resolution to finally learn Chinese. Hey, baby steps.

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Keywords: kept fit in Beijing workout Beijing staying healthy Beijing popular sports Beijing