It's time to get your sh*t together. Check out the fitness trends in Shanghai that'll have you ready for summer before the humidity hits.

by John Lynch

With spring now settled in Shanghai, the weather has finally forced you to take a look at your reflection and you've had a nasty shock. Skin like lemon chicken, teeth the color of a pub ceiling and, sweet lord, that double chin–it looks like the Michelin Man has you in a headlock. Yes, the winter is over, and the rolls you thought could be hidden forever beneath thermals and overcoats will soon be exposed for all to see.

Unless you're lucky enough to enjoy a satisfying and physically demanding work life, many of us will spend the majority of our week snatching snacks and coffee breaks between long hours in front of a computer (not exactly conducive to a healthy body and mind). We understand that after a monotonous day in the office, the prospect of a sterile gym environment seems about as appealing as a dip in the Huangpu. Fear not, loyal reader, the road to summer buffness need not be paved with misery.

Increasingly, fitness enthusiasts are turning away from established exercise regimes to embrace more original and exciting takes on the familiar to stay in shape.

Though the art of yoga has developed over thousands of years, its recent boom in popularity is indicative of a desire to find a more enriching and goal-specific fitness regime.

Bend it Like ...

Yoga flexes its muscles

Yoga devotees are now seeking even greater challenges and variety says Chris Tucker, Marketing Manager of Yoga Space. "We are now seeing more diversity in Shanghai," he says. "Certainly popular yoga styles have made their presence known, but as familiarity with these increases, lesser-known styles are coming to the forefront."

Among these new styles is Laughter Yoga, which combats stress and ill-temper in a time honored fashion through exercising the laughing reflex with breathing techniques, as well as providing a workout for your abs and diaphragm. Shanghai's first Laughter Yoga workshop was held in Yoga Space's Gao'an Lu location by a certified Laugh Leader from the Official Laughter Training School in Mumbai (yes, we're serious). Reportedly a great success, Tucker plans to turn this one-time workshop into a regular feature in the Yoga Space program.

Body & Soul Yoga also offers some interesting variations on the ancient themes like Golf and Anti-Aging Yoga. Cindy Chen, at Body & Soul Yoga explains that their Anti-Aging Yoga, "combines stretches, diet and meditation to alleviate tension and maintain a youthful vitality. Uniquely, this form emphasizes mental and spiritual well-being over physical exercise."

Dance Revolution

Can you burlesque?

Across the board, new innovative forms are springing up on the health and fitness market. As well as more established, Shanghai's hot-steppers can now participate in Afro and hip-hop dancing at the Souldancing School. Also try the more sensuous alternative to the pole dancing craze, Jenevieve Chang's burlesque dance class at iDancing. Jessica Zheng, class coordinator at iDancing has seen burlesque enrolment soar as an alternative to the already popular pole dancing class. "Pole dancing is physically demanding enough to keep your body in check, but some feel that it has become somewhat mainstream," she says. "Burlesque dancing gives you the workout you need and is also fun and different."

Take Your Best Shot

Paintball hits its mark

For those of you with more extreme tastes, BOHDI Adventures and ASAS will take you into the wilds for a day of paintball skirmishes in full combat regalia. Hours upon hours of running and diving with the added incentive of turning your buddies into whimpering saps. ASAS also runs a boot camp as an alternative to the traditional personal trainer.

Ten-Hut!

Boot camp gets you in line

Despite the intimidating premise, Tom Zheng, ASAS co-ordinator, explains that boot camp groups, like the ASAS-run course, propel themselves forward on mutual support and encouragement. Importantly, its social aspect makes it a whole lot of fun–more stripes than Full Metal Jacket.

Tri What?

Triathlons are three times the fun

Alternatively, you could escape the city altogether once a week like fitness fanatic Shaun Brodie who's one of the many in Shanghai intending to push himself to further extremes by taking on the challenge of a full triathlon–where competitors race to complete a full marathon alongside a 4km swim and extended bike ride. He's going to be competing in the Ironman race against members from the Shanghai Tri Club. One of members and organizers of the group, Kristian Page says that although this competition is the ultimate way to get in shape, all competitors should look forward to a long period of physical and mental preparation. "The most important thing for a triathlete is core body strength, but most of the race takes place in your head. You have to be prepared to overcome the pain caused by the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles." Through weekly training sessions, groups like the Shanghai Tri Club and the Shanghai Triathlon Club help members get ready to put their best petal, stroke and foot forward.

Even if you'd rather flex and bend your way to a better body instead of run, bike and swim your way to it, there are more than enough sweat inducing new trends go do around. So whether you choose a new trendy yoga class, a fitness general to keep you in line or a routine that gives you a bit more "artistic" freedom, you'll be ready to ditch the thermals and hop into 2008's pool parties with an air of confidence you can only find in Shanghai–and a rarer feat still, something interesting to talk about to go along with your new physique.

Time to Detox

Getting in shape is only half the battle. To reach the final plateau of a happier, healthier you, develop some habits and indulge in some treatments that promote detoxification¡ªespecially important in a place like Shanghai.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

"According to TCM, spring is when life begins to get active again ¡­ In this season, weather changes can produce evil pathogens such as wind. Wind causes diseases like flu or a relapse of chronic diseases. We advise reducing your intake of sour flavors and increasing consumption of sweet flavors. Sweet flavors are warm in energy and tend to move upward, giving you protection from wind."
Doris Rathgeber, OMD, Body and Soul Medical Clinic

Eating Right

"Carbohydrates provide the energy to kick start any fitness program, the key is to get the right kinds. Skip the refined carbs found in many snack food which lead to blood sugar highs and lows, sapping energy. Instead, focus on whole grain carb sources like whole wheats and whole grains. These provide the energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber needed to fuel the metabolism and keep blook sugar steady"
Denis Wehausen, Nutritionist, Shanghai United Family Hospitals and Clinics

Mud Body Wrap or Facial

"The black mud we get is extracted from a sacred lake in the Tibetan highlands and it has pretty much the same detoxifying properties as mud from the Black Sea. It's rich in trace minerals and elements like potassium, sodium and calcium which help to accelerate the natural toxin removal process."
Fiona Leung, Director, APSARA Spa

Body & Soul's ANTI-AGING YOGA

How to help stop the aging process
"Anti-aging yoga students should observe a satvik diet: eat mainly fresh fruit and vegetables and skip spice and oily foods. Also, don't eat three hours before class."

ASAS / Bohdi's PAINTBALL

How to shoot your way to victory
"Make sure you watch the Arnie classic Commando beforehand, it's a great source of tactics and classic one-liners for when you finish your friends off."

iDancing's DANCE

How to make the most of risque dance time
"To get a proper workout from your burlesque class, approach it with the right attitude. Leave your inhibitions at the door and discover your inner temptress."

ASAS' BOOT CAMP

How to survive boot camp
"This class builds your speed and endurance so it's an intense workout. Motivate yourself by feeding off the camaraderie of the group."

Shanghai Tri's TRIATHLON

How to make it to the end
"When you're training, replicate what you'd do on race day. Stick to your plan¨Ceven if you see mates racing past you¨Cand do what you trained to do."