The Olympics renews the focus on fitness, agility and health. In Beijing that focus is ongoing and there're lots of places to go. There are morning exercises in parks. Every district has gyms and sports centers. Keeping fit in Beijing is easy and convenient.

How do Chinese people exercise? Every morning, every park in Beijing is filled with people doing morning exercises. It's quite normal. There's fresh air. There's a place to show off all the tricks you've just mastered and get a fresh start to the day. So if you're an early bird, join in.

Practising Taichi is a favorite exercise among people  in Beijing.

Practising Taichi is also a favorite exercise among people in Beijing. If you head for the parks and plazas, chances are you'll discover ranks of people practicing the ancient art. Taichi has a five hundred-year history in China. It incorporates kungfu and ancient medical practices. It strengthens the body and serves as an exercise in self defense.

Beijing has many Taichi clubs where people can train. Yang Songquan teaches the Chen school of Taichi, which is believed to be the founding form. He holds classes every day in Beihai park. Yang says his students benefit greatly from the ancient controlled movements. He cites cases of illnesses being cured. If you've tried it at home, or it's something you've always want to try join a Taichi class. There're lots to choose from.

Apart from traditional ways to keep fit, like Taichi, there are state-of-the-art gyms. You find them in every corner of the city.

Beijing has many fitness centers.

Beijing has many fitness centers. The major hotels have their own. But even outside the hotels, there's always one nearby in almost every community. There's a big youth market. Young people are avid followers of overall fitness, body building, and relaxation. And there's lots of competition at fitness clubs to have the most up to date facilities. There are the stairsteppers and treadmills, body building machines and stationary bicycles. There are fitness instructors to provide professional training where it's needed.

Mainly clubs operate on a yearly membership, but they also welcome visitors on a pay as you go basis.

Most fitness clubs have gymnasiums. There are plentiful classes in gymnastics, dance, yoga and pilates.

There's taekwondo. All of these are a big draw for young people, who like to workout in groups. There are also clubs where the focus is exclusively on either yoga or pilates.

A swimming pool

At the sports centres you find in almost every district, you can play badminton, volleyball, basketball and football. But the most complete exercise, remains swimming. And you'll find a swimming pool at every major sports centre. The pools offer a good escape from the heat.

Beijing is going at its daily fitness routines with increased vigor thanks to the coming of the Olympics. If you train and like to keep fit, no reason to take a rest while you're here. There're lots of places to go.