The Beijing sports authorities organized a number of activities to mark China's 4th National Fitness Day which falls on August 8 each year. And one of these activities is citizens from different districts in Beijing performing the newest radio exercises at the Beijing University of Technology located in eastern Beijing.

This year's National Fitness Day has run with the idea that 1 hour of physical exercise can give you lifelong good health, and it has been widely acclaimed by citizens in Beijing.

Different districts in Beijing have selected representatives to perform the city's 9th radio exercises together. Yi Siling, a female marksman who won a gold medal at the London Olympics at the 10-meter air rifle championship, was at the performance.

She thinks highly of National Fitness Day, a day also marking the 4th anniversary of Beijing Olympics.

"I learned radio exercises when I studied in primary school. The exercises, which generate a relatively small volume of movement, like jumping, can stimulate blood circulation. Regular physical exercise brings good health, so I urge everyone to get involved."

Also today, basketball fans held games at the university, another activity organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports to promote China's National Fitness Day in the capital city.

Pan Yong, manager of Beijing Jutian Basketball Club, said he expects basketball enthusiasm to soar following their promotion of National Fitness Day.

"We join this activity on behalf of all amateur basketball players. National fitness day advocates regular physical exercise and it strengthens the basis of learning basketball for the larger population. Many high schools and middle schools have also organized matches for today," said Pan.

In fact, elderly citizens in the city understand more about the benefits of regular morning exercises than youngsters. And many of them practice Tai Chi every morning.

Wang Pingxiang, 78, explained that he has been practicing Tai Chi since 1974.

"I have benefited a great deal from my Tai Chi, which keeps me in good health. But my fellow practitioners share the ideal of broadening their horizons and sharing skills with their peers through participation and exchange activities."

In addition, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports also invited two health experts to interact with participating citizens on the scientific approach to fitness.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 8, 2012)