IT used to be no easy task to find a top grade fitness centre furnished with first class gym facilities in the Putuo District. Since Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai opened its Changshou Lu fitness centre for guests and residents in 2003, life became much easier for demanding people to visit an excellent fitness center.

An affiliated part of the four-star Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai, the fitness centre is located on the 21st floor. The centre includes a gym, an indoor sunlight swimming pool, a golf simulator room and a mahjong room. The gym is equipped with the most up-to-date imported devices, including fitness evaluators, power cycles, strength training machines, power treadmills and power steppers.

The staff in the gym are also well-trained, with a good understanding of fitness. In addition to all these professional devices and services, a surprising bonus for all members is the pleasing view through the windows of the gym.

To maximize sunlight, Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai built the fitness center on the top floor of the hotel. Whatever the weather, the swimming pool is always the place closest to the sky and its glass-roof allows members to enjoy natural light.

There are many options for members besides the gym and swimming pool. The automated mahjong room is a treat for people who would rather exercise their minds than their bodies. The golf simulator room will appeal to those too busy to drive to the golf course. A sauna provides an opportunity for relaxation.

Given its comprehensive and professional equipment and services, the cost of registration, at 3,600 yuan (US$432), is relative low ¡ª below most other fitness centres of the same class. A variety of membership options are available: monthly 500 yuan (US$60); quarterly 1,300 yuan (US$156); biannua l 2,500 yuan (US$300) and annual 4,800 yuan (US$576). (Individual membership excludes children under the age of 18). For family membership (two adults and one child under the age of 18), the biannual rate is 5,000 yuan (US$600) and the annual rate 9,000 yuan (US$1,080). For off peak membership (from Monday to Friday, everyday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm), the quarterly rate is 1,000 yuan (US$120), biannual 1,800 yuan (US$216) and annual 3,500 yuan (US$420). For other facilities, such as the golf simulator and mahjong room, members are entitled to discounts and privileges.

Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai

No.700 Changshou Lu

Tel:021-62768888 ext.2201

(Star News)