Sweat after dark: Shanghai’s best outdoor nighttime workouts
Not everyone is suited to getting up at the crack of dawn for their daily workout.
Likewise, the idea of being penned inside a gym or other overly air-conditioned indoor arena in Shanghai is some people's idea of an exercise nightmare.
So for anyone who likes to work up a sweat after the sun goes down, here are Shanghai's eight best outdoor night workouts.
Basketball fans are always welcome to join the games at Xujiahui Park.
1. Basketball
Fee: Free
Hoops fan Murat Erbayton says evening pickup games at Xujiahui Park are a casual affair and new players are always welcome.
“It's just pickup games. You can go with your friends as a team to challenge others, or you just build a team with people you don't know and play against each other … it's more like a street ball.”
Xujiahui Park, 889 Zhaojiabang Lu, between Tianping Lu and Wanping Lu 肇嘉浜路889号, 天平路与宛平路之间, open until 10 p.m.
Dodging the local cyclists is an exercise in itself.
2. Cycling
Fee: Depends on the ride
For anyone who is interested in seeing Shanghai's city lights from a different perspective, this active biking club organizes regular evening rides around town. Perfect for riders looking for an intense cycling experience in Shanghai.
Prodigy Mountain Biking Club (骑迹自行车俱乐部), Building 27B, Lane 396 Wulumuqi Nan Lu, near Guangyuan Lu,乌鲁木齐南路396弄27B, 近广元路, +86 21 6437 7553 ext. 8008, +86 138 0166 2710, moutainbike@126.com, www.mtb.com.cn
More on CNNGo: The 10 best Shanghai tours for the truly tour group-phobic
Time to train up for Shanghai's marathon run in December.
3. Running
Fee: Free
Kyle Long runs jogging excursions for local tour company UnTour Shanghai. He recommends Xujiahui Park for people looking to pound the pavement once the sun goes down.
“Wide paths that loop around the entire park, elevated foot bridges, and trails around the small lake make this park a good option for night joggers,” says Long. “There are enough lights and other athletes and couples using the area (read: canoodling) to put single runners at ease.” One park loop covers approximately 1.25 kilometers.
Xujiahui Park, 889 Zhaojiabang Lu, between Tianping Lu and Wanping Lu 肇嘉浜路889号, 天平路与宛平路之间, open until 10 p.m.
More on CNNGo: 5 best Shanghai running routes
Up for a tennis match after work?
4. Tennis
Fee: RMB 80 per hour (5 p.m-10 p.m.)
There are a number of outdoor tennis courts around Shanghai open late evening; the advantage of the Luwan Tennis Club lies in its relatively central location and affordable playing fees.
This is a busy center with four outdoor courts, so reservations are a must.
Luwan Tennis Center (卢湾网球中心), 128 Zhaojiabang Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu, 肇嘉浜路128号, 近陕西南路, +86 21 6467 5245, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
More on CNNGo: Shanghai's 6 best tennis courts
Just imagine the view from this pool at night.
5. Swimming
Fee: RMB 300 entrance fee (Monday-Friday); RMB 500 entrance includes RMB 500 worth of food and beverages (Saturday-Sunday)
This hidden oasis on the seventh floor of the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai includes an outdoor pool, complete with stunning views. It's the perfect place for an after work swim (open for outside guests until 11 p.m.) and the poolside dining offers a selection of healthy snacks and drinks.
7/F, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu 南京西路399号, 近黄陂北路, +86 21 5359 4969, 6 a.m-11 p.m. (for outside guests)
More on CNNGo: World's 15 most spectacular swimming pools
Your new Shanghai soul-soothing choice: Rooftop yoga.
6. Yoga
Fee: RMB 180 (single session, discounts available when you buy packages of 10 or 20)
Physical training company MeWellness runs yoga classes on Anken Green's rooftop garden next to Suzhou Creek in the evenings.
Taught by Australian instructor Julia Taylor, the night classes combined with Shanghai's humid weather will eliminate the need for you to sign up for any specialized hot yoga classes.
Event dates not fixed. Call and check in advance.
Anken Green, 668 Huai'an Lu, near Xi Suzhou Lu, 淮安路668号, 近西苏州路, +86 21 136 2167 2421, www.mewellness.com
More on CNNGo: Airplane yoga: 18 exercises for healthy flying
Enjoy a typical American recreation in Shanghai.
7. Touch Football
Fee: RMB 60 per player, RMB 50 for locals and students
Although Shanghai's regular touch competition is traditionally played in Pudong on Saturday afternoons, the Shanghai Touch group have also started playing night games in Puxi on Monday nights from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
This tackle-free derivative of rugby league is a fast and furious sport that makes for a great cardio workout. Players of all levels are welcome.
Nike Football Park next to the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, at Gate no. 6, 800 LingLing Lu, near Tianyaoqiao Lu, 耐克足球公园, 靠近上海体育馆, 零陵路800号外场6号门, 近天钥桥路, www.shanghaitouch.com
A great way to de-stress from a day of hard work, huh?
8. Boot Camp
Fee: RMB 1,188 for six weeks (training twice a week)
This is the longest-running boot camp in Shanghai and draws participants of all fitness levels.
Boot camp involves cross-training and though it has military-sounding connotations, it also incorporates aerobics, resistance training and various martial arts disciplines.
Night sessions are available at People's Square and Xiangyang Park at 7 p.m.
Xiangyang Park, 1008 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Xiangyang Bei Lu 淮海中路1008号, 近襄阳北路, +86 21 3135 1791, more information at www.bootcamp-china.com
