Fitness Trends to Watch in 2018
With the new year just around the corner, there are some curious predictions for coming fitness trends. From recovery methods, to food control, to boxing, here’s what to expect.
Smarter Recovery
Photo: Floatasian
All of the HIIT, functional training, and spinning classes from 2017 have definitely taken a toll on us. Popular high-end recovery methods like cryotherapy and floating aren’t new, but are going to continue as popular recovery methods in 2018.
Cryotherapy is like a super-fast and intense ice bath that works by decreasing cell growth inflammation and pain, and increasing cell survival. As you stand in a little pod with your hands and head sticking out the top, it works by surrounding the body with a super cold -150°C mist for 1-3 minutes.
Floating, or sensory deprivation, is our personal favorite recovery method to recover from a hard workout. You lay in a foot of water infused with a ton of Epsom salt (a literal ton), which keeps you floating on the top. Floating is useful for stress relief, circulation, pain relief, and recovery.
Where to do them in Shanghai:
Cryotherapy: CryoWorld, 150 Hubin Lu
Floating: Floatasian Spa, 288 Dagu Lu, Bldg 5, 2/F
Returning to Play
One of the things that deters people from going to the gym is that it’s boring. So boring. Which is why many places are gaining momentum and more attention as they incorporate natural movement and a play-like workout. Workouts that combine strength training, climbing, swinging, or running with mindfulness create a more fun and playful atmosphere.
Where to play in Shanghai:
CrossFit Body in Motion: 288 Dagu Lu, Bldg 6, 1/F
Primal6: MetCon, 1772 Zhongshan Nan Er road, 3/F
Shanghai Indoor Stadium Climbing Gym: 666 Tianyaoqiao Lu
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has become a popular way to lose weight and control food portions. It’s an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It does not say anything about which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them. For example, if you intermittently fast for 16 hours, you eat dinner no later than 6pm, and eat your next meal at 10am the next morning. If you decide to try it, make sure to consult medical professionals before making this change.
Boxing
Boxing is continuing its popular reign into 2018. There’s something about learning to punch correctly and punching a bag that makes you feel powerful. It seems like boxing and kickboxing aren’t going anywhere in 2018, which we’re happy to hear.
Where to do it in Shanghai:
Golden Gloves Boxing Gym: 969 Wuding Lu, 4/F
Aboro Academy: 667 Changhua Lu, 2/F
Oz Body Fit: 80 Changping Lu
DNA Testing
DNA testing has become more popular than ever over the past year, from allergy genealogy, and fitness tests. It looks like in 2018 more people will take their health and wellness to the next level by looking at their genetic data. While this field is still developing, the data can tell you the way you’re built, and how to optimize your diet and workouts.
Where to do it in Shanghai: DNAFit, 969 Wuding Lu, 5/F
Wearable Technology
While we all have our Apple watches, Xiaomi bands, and FitBits to monitor our sleep and heartrates, studios are starting to take it to the next level. Many boutique fitness franchises and gyms now utilize technology in their group classes to show real-time performance metrics that can be easily compared with others. Since you can see your results next to the entire class, you can push yourself harder next time.
Where to do it in Shanghai:
F45: B101, No. 25, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu
OrangeTheory Fitness: 245 Maoming Bei Lu, 3/F
Video Host
Looking for an enthusiastic and bilingual, on-camera personality to host a new video series for top restaurants, hotels and bars around the city. Get your passport ready, as there will opportunities for international travel.
We are also looking for a skilled videographer and director
All interested applicants please send your resume and show reel to jobs@shanghaiwow.com
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