Let's exercise on the National Fitness Day
The National Fitness Day, which arrives today, was established to commemorate the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games on August 8, 2008, and also to encourage people to pursue healthy lifestyles.
A survey by the Shanghai Sports Bureau last year revealed that over 42 percent of citizens “frequently” take part in sports activities, meaning at least three times a week and over 30 minutes each time. Running, cycling, badminton, swimming and basketball are among the most popular fitness activities.
As a metropolitan city, Shanghai has many high-end sport venues open to the public. However, the most frequently used facilities are still those in the neighborhoods. Shanghai Daily photographers were out and about snapping some sweaty shots of residents keeping fit on the street corners.
Retirees, white-collar workers and youngsters make full use of public exercise equipment installed in the neighborhoods.
A man practices martial arts with two swords in Fuxing Park.
Young men play basketball in Xujiahui Park on a summer evening.
Local residents play table tennis on a makeshift ping-pong table on Fahuazhen Road.
Kids climb the rock walls at the sidewalk along the Huangpu River in Xuhui.
