This one's for the yogis. Here are two new places you can practice after CNY. I guess we'll also have a toast for the fighters, cause there's a free Absolute MMA class on Valentine's Day, for those who don't already have dinner plans. Also, I spent the snow day at the new SF transplant Pilates Proworks. Thoughts, feelings and discounts available after the jump.

Upcoming Events

If all the commercialized feels on Valentine’s Day make you want to punch something, you’re in luck! Australian martial arts academy, Absolute MMA, will be running two of their most popular classes (Muay Thai or No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) for free on V-Day. Both classes start at 2.30pm, and each class is limited to 20 people. Follow the link to find the QR code to save your spot. Event not found Also, mentioned this one last time but pick-up games are free till CNY, so you've got just a bit more time; runs every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm. After the holiday, pick-up games will continue but cost 100rmb to join. Also: Stay tuned for schedules over CNY, coming at you next week.

New Gyms and What They’re Offering…

Iyengar Yoga Vidya

Photo provided by Iyengar Yoga Vidya

This yoga studio began its soft open on November 10, and offers classes in Chinese and English (and sometimes a hybrid of the two). They're offering this deal, called a 'welcome pass' that costs 189rmb for 3 classes, but the fine print is you have to use them in 7 days. Maybe worth checking it out? Alternatively one trial is 119rmb. But, the teachers will be training in India till Feb 24 and they reopen the studio after CNY. For more info, check their WeChat: Yoga Vidya. Schedule and when English classes are offered changes weekly, so find the timetable there.

Fresh O2 Power Yoga

This gym won't be opening its doors until March, when they'll be offering Power Yoga, aka 'Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga,' the kind where you hold positions for a long time. Something to mark in your calendar (#newyeargoals) is a workshop for yoga teachers set for March 30, from 6-9pm, will cost 600rmb. From there they have about 4 more time intensive workshops for real serious yogis set for April. Get all the deets on their WeChat: FreshO2PowerYoga. They're still working out membership costs, more on that to come.

News From the Ground

Pilates ProWorks

Checked out a class at this new Wuding Lu studio and only almost fell off the machine once. The class was run at an easy pace for newcomers, and we used the reformers in all kinds of unexpected ways. The staff was super friendly in that fancy pilates studio way that makes you feel safe. The pilates room is all shabby chic exposed brick, and the ballet barre room's bright and clean. What they’re offering: a free trial class for newcomers (that promotion will likely stick around forever) and founding member promotions: 10 classes a month for 1,380rmb for 3 consecutive months (regular is 1,880rmb), or a 10-class package that can be used over 2 months for 1,680rmb (regular: 2,180rmb). The latter is up for grabs until—they’re guesstimating—CNY. But the hot goss is that after this promotion ends there will be another, smaller discount. Also, they'll begin offering Barre classes after CNY, and MatBox will be offered in April. More info and their Chinese New Year schedule all on WeChat: Pilatesproworks