The top New Year's resolution: Gyms in Shanghai get you in shape
Nationality: British.
Years as a trainer: Four years.
Languages spoken: Thai and learning Mandarin.
Claim to fame: Working with public figures closely linked to the Thai Royal Family.
Shanghai's worst fitness failing: "Some of the gyms are too crowded and not open at the right times so doing exercise around a tight work schedule can be difficult. Some clients need to train at 6am before work but many clubs don’t open until 8am or later."
Fitness specialty: "Rebounding, which is aerobics on a mini trampoline (or trampette). It’s more effective and intense than normal aerobics."
Workout she swears by: "I’ve recently taken up Thai boxing. It’s a killer but I love it. I’ve already noticed a difference in my shape and core after a month."
Personal daily work out: "I do a lot of walking and climbing steps (faster than waiting for the escalator). I do Thai boxing twice a week, rebounding, weight training, rubber tube exercises, running and a bit of Pilates. I get bored if I do the same thing so I change things around to stay motivated."
Favorite work out music: "House music like Hed Kandi or Faithless."
Favorite indulgence: "Every woman loves chocolate and I have a sweet tooth but if I really want to indulge, I’ll go for Indian food."
Where to find her: Revolution Fitness, +86 21 6415 0062, www.personaltrainingshanghai.com
Nationality: Swedish.
Years as a trainer: Five and a half years.
Languages spoken: English and Swedish.
Shanghai's worst fitness failing: "People are so stressed here and move too quickly. Squeezing in intense 45-minute work outs is counterproductive. If you lead a hectic schedule, energy building exercises such as yoga or tai chi are much more beneficial then strength training and cardiovascular exercise."
Fitness specialty: Functional training. "I focus less on machines and more on free weights, exercise balls and cable machines. I’m a holistic lifestyle coach so I not only focus on exercise but on lifestyle, diet and ways to improve your vitality and health."
Best workout to get in shape quick: "It depends on the person but a combination of cardiovascular and strength training."
Personal daily work out: "I work out every other day. I do 30 minutes of running or swimming followed by 30 minute of strength training."
Favorite work out music: Techno.
Diet: "I try to steer clear of processed foods, sugars and flour and focus on wheat and vegetables."
Favorite indulgences: Chocolate, coffee and red wine.
Where to find him: The Portman-Ritz Carlton Health Club, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu 南京西路1376号, 近西康路, +86 21 6279 8888
Nationality: Chinese.
Years as a trainer: Eight years.
Languages spoken: Mandarin and English.
Bodies he claims as his work of art: Broadway star Brad Little, "Mr China" Tony Le and Chinese stylist Li Dong Tian. "I also used to work for Techno Gym, the official sponsor of Beijing’s Olympic Games, so I assisted a lot of famous athletes in using the gym equipment."
Shanghai's worst fitness failing: "People find it hard to eat well in Shanghai, especially if they’re working late. Shanghai food is very oily and difficult to adjust to."
Workout regime he swears by: "I focus on five main elements: strength, cardio, balance, flexibility and core (deep abdominals). Balance is especially important to improve body awareness and connect the body and mind."
Personal daily work out: "I like to work out every day and mix indoor with outdoor exercise and cardio with strength."
Favorite work out song: 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' by Abba.
Diet tips: "I use the 80:20 rule. I eat healthily 80 percent of the time and treat myself 20 percent of the time. I tell my clients to eat smaller meals and snack between meals on apples or protein shakes to keep their energy levels up."
Favorite Indulgences: "Having a few drinks and a dance in a nightclub."
Where to find him: One Wellness, 2/F Bldg C, 98 Yanping Lu, near Xinzha Lu 延平路98号C号楼2楼, 近新闸路, +86 21 6267 1550, www.onewellness.com.cn
Nationality: American.
Years as a trainer: Five years.
Languages spoken: English and basic Mandarin.
Shanghai's worst fitness failing: "In China there’s still a lack of knowledge and understanding of the science behind fitness. Also, expats don’t make enough time to exercise. They work hard, party hard and eat too much Sherpa’s and McDonalds."
Fitness specialty: Strength training and fat loss. "I customize training programs to suit client’s body shape and goals."
Best workout to get in shape quick: "Bootcamp. It’s a different type of high intensity training which raises metabolism for hours after. It pushes people to the limit and it’s a fun, outdoor group activity. We use stairs, benches or rails to train -- it’s different every time."
Morning exercise regime he swears by: "Do five minutes intense exercise before getting in the shower, for example jumping up and down, squats and push-ups. This will get your blood circulation going and elevate your metabolism for the rest of the day."
Personal daily work out: "I do three weeks of three-way intensive training in which I focus on chest and arms, biceps and back and legs and lower back, working out every other day. Then I go back to exercising three times a week."
Favorite work out song: 'Let the Bodies Hit the Floor' by System of a Down.
Favorite Indulgences: Chicken nuggets.
Where to find him: Eternity Fitness, 3,5,6/F, 2 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu 余姚路2号3, 5, 6楼, 近西康路, +86 21 6215 1619, www.eternity-fitness.com
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