Get Fit: Summer Sports in Shanghai

Get Fit: Summer Sports in Shanghai
By Andrea Scarlatelli , eChinacities.com

There's something about that blazing summer sun outside that makes people want to run around and get sweaty. And with Shanghai's plethora of summer sport opportunities, you'll have no trouble feeling the burn. Stick to tried and true favorites like swimming, or broaden your horizons with a game of cricket or a round of archery. So whether you hail from a place that calls it football or soccer, you're bound to find the sport of your choice this summer.

Squash
Everyone's favorite way to risk getting a black eye, squash is a great means to get in shape while satisfying your competitive streak. The Shanghai Squash Association should be your first stop to get in on tournaments, group lessons, and private coaching (by Johnny Cai, no less – China's top squash player). They meet every week at the Jinqiao Megafit Sports Club in Pudong. For more casual playing, drop by the Shanghai East Asia Sport Center (located at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium). Reserve one of the city's largest squash courts (be sure to call ahead because there are only four of them!) and also gain access to their swimming pool, soccer fields, and tennis courts.

Shanghai Squash AssociationView In Map

Add: Jinqiao Megafit Sports Club,  600 Lantian Lu, Jinqiao, near Jinqiao Carrefour, Shanghai
地址:上海市金桥蓝天路600号, 近金桥家乐褔
Tel: 137 0184 9343
Website: www.shanghaisquash.com

Shanghai East Asia Sport CenterView In Map

Add: 666 Tianyaoqiao Lu, near Lingling Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市天钥桥路666号, 近零陵路
Tel: 021 6426 6666

Cricket
Boasting one of the oldest organizations in Shanghai, the Shanghai Cricket Club began in 1863 and reorganized in 1994. They play both in and outdoor, and are happy to help beginners learn the ins and outs of wickets, pitches, and bowlers. If you enjoy drinking with your athletics, check out the Bashers Cricket Club Shanghai, whose cricket group motto is “Ball, Bats, Bails, Buses, Beer.” Beginners are welcome, but must participate in a mandatory training lesson in order to place you in a particular level. You can find them after their Sunday matches at The Camel, their beer drinking bar of choice.

Shanghai Cricket ClubView In Map
Add: 222 Lan'an Lu, near Biyun Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市蓝桉路222号, 近碧云路
Tel: (021) 136-2193-5254
Website: www.cricketshanghai.com

Bashers Cricket Club ShanghaiView In Map

Add: The Camel, 1 Yueyang Lu, near Fenyang Lu
地址:上海市岳阳路1号
Tel: 158 0179 8071
Website: basherscc.org/blog/bashers-in-a-cup

Tennis
Whether you want to be the next Roger Federer or you're just looking for a good way to get out all that pent up aggression, tennis has been the sport of choice for gentlemen and ladies alike. One of the best places to enjoy a sunny afternoon out is the International Tennis Center (located at The Regal International East Asia Hotel). They boast eight outdoor tennis courts and two indoor ones (in case the Shanghai heat proves to be too much). The Indoor Tennis Stadium (at the Shanghai University of Sports) is also a good place to practice with a friend. You can also get private coaching for 250rmb/hour in case you're serious about that whole Federer thing.

International Tennis CenterView In Map

Add: The Regal International East Asia Hotel, 516 Hengshan Lu, near Yuqing Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市衡山路516号, 近余庆路
Tel: 021 6415 5588 ext.82
Website: regal-eastasia.com

Indoor Tennis StadiumView In Map

Add: Shanghai University Of Sports, 345 Changhai Lu, Yangpu District, Shanghai
地址:上海市杨浦区长海路345号

Tel: 021 5125 3527
Website: www.591sports.com

Swimming
For those who like to use swimming as a serious workout instead of a chance to paddle around on a float with a drink in hand, check out the Olympic-sized indoor pool at Pudong Swimming Pool. You'll have plenty of space to do laps, as it's rarely crowded, and the price isn't too bad either – weekdays are just 25RMB for ninety minutes. For those in the Puxi area, Changning Swimming Pool may be a better option. The district's only public swimming facility boasts two pools (25x15 and 10x4 meters, respectively) that are rarely packed. Just be sure to bring your own towels!

Pudong Swimming PoolView In Map

Add: 3669 Pudong Nan Lu, near Dongfang Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市浦东南路3669号, 近东方路
Tel: 021 5889 0101

Changning Swimming PoolView In Map

Add: 1041 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市愚园路1041号, 近江苏路
Tel: 021 6252 2797  

Soccer
Soccer, football – it's all the same here in Shanghai! If you're in the mood for a fun pick-me-up game with friends, stop by Soccerworld, a fully equipped facility designed for five, seven, or nine player teams. There are also multiple soccer organizations throughout the city, from the semi-serious leagues (like the Shanghai International Football League, which many consider the “strongest amateur league in Asia”) to more casual scrimmages (like the Shanghai Premier League, whose self-professed mission is to spread “the three F's - football, friendship and fun”) – and everything in between.

SoccerworldView In Map

Add: 1860 Daduhe Lu, Near Tongchuan Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市大渡河路1860号, 近铜川路
Tel:  153 0167 0406
Website: www.soccerworld.cc

Shanghai International Football LeagueView In Map

Add: Tianma Golf & Country Club, 3958 Zhaokun Gonglu, Shanghai
地址:上海市赵昆公路3958号
Tel: 138 0182 7960
Website: www.eteams.com/sifl

Shanghai Rugby Football ClubView In Map

Add: Zhangyang Bei Lu , near Wuzhou Dadao, Shanghai
地址:上海市张杨北路 , 靠近五州大道
Tel: 021 6210 7977
Website: www.shanghaifootballclub.com

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Keywords: Summer sports Shanghai getting fit Shanghai summer summer sport opportunities Shanghai sports Shanghai

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