Sports for Couples: Get Sweaty & Romantic

By Liz Grabenstein

New Year's resolutions are hard to keep. Instead of burying your face in that box of chocolates from your beloved, why not change things up by taking up a sport with your significant other. A 'workout partner' to keep you on track makes you more likely to succeed than tackling the gym solo, and it’s a great way to spend a little more quality time with your better half.

Tennis

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have always wondered what you would look like in a cute pleated skirt, why not give tennis a try? Events like the Shanghai Rolex Masters have made tennis more accessible in China, but you still need to book a court in advance. The Luwan Tennis Center will run you RMB 50 an hour during the week and RMB 60 on weekends. Take a trip to Decathlon to pick up some rackets and enjoy an afternoon of a little back and forth.

Luwan Tennis Center. 128 Zhaojiabang Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu Tel : 6467 5245

Salsa Classes

Dancing is a great way to work out, and it takes your chemistry to another level. Mural offers free salsa lessons every Monday, and in a single night you can learn all the basic steps. As your relationship grows, your dance moves will surely follow suit. If you’re committed to learning the moves, Souldancing Studio offers classes for you to perfect your steps so you can shine on the dance floor. So even if you can’t shake it like Shakira, head on over and both of you can enjoy a little Latin persuasion.

Mural. 697 Yongjia Lu, near Hengshan Lu. Tel: 6433 5023. Web:  www.muralbar.com

Souldancing. 1 Maoming Nan Lu, near Yan’an Lu. Tel: 6256 4400. Web:  www.souldancing.cn

Couples Yoga

While the health benefits of yoga speak for themselves, couples yoga can bring a whole new dimension into both the sport and your relationship. Y+ offers Acro Yoga classes for you and your partner to focus on balance, alignment and concentration while building your inner confidence. If you still aren’t convinced, and think that yoga is a bit too Zen and not challenging enough for a seasoned gymrat, just think, better flex equals better sex. Apply for a free trial course and see what you’ve been missing.

Y+ Anfu Lu Studio: 308 Anfu Lu, near Wukang Lu. Tel: 6437 2121. Fuxing Lu Studio: 299-2 Fuxing Xi Lu. Tel: 6433 3646. Xintiandi Studio: 2F, 2 Corporate Avenue, 202 Hubin Lu. Tel: 6340 6161. Web: www.yplus.cn

Rock Climbing

Give a new meaning to “hanging out” and head to Hongkou Football Stadium for some one-on-one wall action. Indoor rock climbing has become increasingly popular in Shanghai and the Hengyi Indoor Rock Climbing Studio has surfaces suitable for beginners and pros. Unlimited climbing starts at RMB 40 weekdays and just RMB 5 for harness rental. Tone your body, control your mind and motivate and encourage one another as you work your way up the wall.

Hengyi Indoors Rock Climbing Gym. 3F, Gate 21, Hongkou Football Stadium, 444 Jiangwan Dong Lu, near Huayuan Lu. Tel: 5696 6657. Web: www.hyclimbing.com