Your Ultimate Jing'An Guide to Gyms & Healthy Eats
If there was ever a time to get healthy, January is it. We start out with the best of intentions when it comes to accomplishing our health and fitness resolutions for the New Year, but sometimes life gets in the way. That’s why we have put together this healthy neighborhood guide for no-brainer gym and restaurant pairings. Everyone knows that eating at White Castle or Taco Bell post work out might not be the best decision, but where else can you go? We have the answers below.
Work Out @ Aboro Academy
Source: www.aboroacademy.com
Go to Aboro for classes led by world champion coach, Michele Aboro, and her team of professional coaches. They take fitness very seriously as every coach has competed in the field which they teach. In addition to classes, the gym runs training and events through the Aboro Foundation which aims to inspire physical and mental wellbeing through fitness and nutrition education. As a non-profit community outreach initiative, the Aboro Foundation provides the tools needed to lead healthy, active lives. Feel good about your work out for multiple reasons!
Classes Offered: Boxing, Circuit Training, Cross Training, Dynamic Stretching, HIIT, Kettlebell, Kickboxing, Medicine Ball, Speed & Agility, Strength & Conditioning and Women Only
Prices: RMB 250 (drop-in); RMB 2,100 (unlimited monthly)
Address: Studio 6-8, 2/F, 667 Changhua Lu (near Anyuan Lu)
Tel: 021 6222 0266
Eat @ Urban Grille
Mediterranean platter with lamb, meatballs and chicken
Source: Dianping user YOYO诗琦
Turkish Food is a good choice because there are lots of salads and cold dips (made out of vegetables) as well as plenty of grilled meat choices for protein. Shakshouka is basically a complete healthy meal in one. Just steer clear of too much fried food and pita bread and you should be good.
Average Spend: RMB 200 per person
Address: 127 Anyuan Lu (near Changhua Lu)
Tel: 021 5271 6373
Hours: Daily, 11am-10pm
Work Out @ Absolute MMA
Newly opened Absolute MMA in Shanghai is the result of a homegrown collective of friends passionate about jiu-jitsu and martial arts, Warzone, merging with the Australian world class mixed martial arts gym, Absolute MMA. They offer classes in a variety of martial arts taught head coaches based in Shanghai as well as guest coaches flown in regularly; all champions in respective disciplines.
Classes Offered: Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (adults & kids), Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling and MMA Fit
Prices: contact membership consultant for more details
Address: Building C4, Room 301, 800 Show, 800 Changde Lu (near Changping Lu)
Tel: 021 15801709103
Eat @ Hanguo Chufang Express
On days when eating clean has gotten boring and you need lots of vegetables and protein, Korean food is a good way to get your fix. You still need to order smart and make sure to avoid excess carbs and sugar, but it can be done. Bonus points for eating extra kimchi which is high fiber and good for gut health. We especially recommend the Korean soups.
A selection of Korean yummies
Source: Dianping user yan燕公主
Average Spend: under RMB 100 per person
Address: 1-3/F, 210 Jiaozhou Lu (near Xinzha Lu)
Tel: 021 6237 6835
Hours: Daily, 10:30am-2pm; 5-8pm
Work Out @ AFit
AFit is not your typical fitness studio. They believe that real and lasting transformation starts with proper body movement & developing healthy habits, which is why they do not offer drop-in sessions and specialize in 5 or 10 week transformation programs focusing on fat loss and toning. Lead by internationally certified trainer Alex Garcia, AFit aims to achieve lifelong changes in physical health and appearance with less than 3 hours a week (3x 55-minutes).
Classes Offered: Bootcamp, HIIT, Fitboxing, TRX, Tabata, Strength & Conditioning
Prices: Call for details
Address: Bldg. B, 1/F, 753 Yuyuan Lu (near Jiangsu Lu)
Tel: 021 15026546903
Eat @ Brut Cake Café
The Warm Front is a veggie laden plate of food
Get a head start on our veggie count for the day post work out with pumpkin puree with coconut milk, crispy brussel sprouts, mountain yam, purple potato, sweet potato, fresh baby tomato and sliced beets. The only thing this healthful dish is lacking is protein, so we suggest you add a side of eggs. They do t 41 36296 41 14942 0 0 1690 0 0:00:21 0:00:08 0:00:13 3324 41 36296 41 14942 0 0 1462 0 0:00:24 0:00:10 0:00:14 3068 41 36296 41 14942 0 0 1363 0 0:00:26 0:00:10 0:00:16 3242hem over easy, sunny side up, scrambled or even onsen. You will also want to add a cup of their superb coffee.
Average Spend: RMB 100 per person
Address: 698 Yuyuan Lu (near Zhenning Lu)
Hours: Mon to Fri, 7am to 9pm; Sat & Sun, 10am to 8pm
Tel: 021 17321008129
Work Out @ Becycle
Becycle is indoor cycling with an aim to break all stereotypes about traditional spinning! At Becycle the class is not only a workout. Each time you set goals then push a little more to help you break through your limits. In a smaller and more intimate class, you are kept motivated by energetic instructors, and the enthusiastic people around you. The team is made up of dedicated instructors each with a unique style and ready to bring you a great workout experience.
Classes Offered: Be Upbeat (fat burning cardio) spins and Be Powerful (non-stop high intensity)spins
Prices: New client special RMB 330 (3 rides), RMB 170 (drop in), RMB 770 (5 rides), RMB 140 (10 rides), RMB 2,500 (20 rides), RMB 1,500 (one month unlimited)
Address: Studio S4A, 667 Changhua Lu (near Anyuan Road)
Phone: 021 1861695297
Eat @ Lizzy’s All Natural Flagship
Whether you are stopping in for a pre or post spin smoothie, doing a whole cleanse or lingering over smoothie bowl there is something to satisfy your needs here. They have also recently added warming soups in addition to the healthy hot drinks, coconut yogurts, smoothie power bowls, healthy baked goods, skincare and superfoood grocery products they carry. Get ready to make Lizzy’s part of your wellness lifestyle.
Average Spend: RMB 100 per person
Address: 667 Changhua Lu (near Anyuan Lu)
Hours: Mon to Fri, 7am to 7pm; Sat & Sun, 9am to 5pm
Tel: 021 6029 0357
Work Out @ F45
F45 has a new branch opening in Jing’an at the end of January. Born in Australia, F45 Training is a team-based, functional training. It combines elements of circuit training, functional movements, and HIIT. They promote it as being suitable for all ages and body types, with a team training atmosphere and constant motivation from trainers. No program is ever repeated, making every workout a unique experience.
Classes Offered: rotating cardio, resistance and hybrid HIIT, circuit and functional workouts
Prices: RMB 200 (single), RMB 1,680 (monthly), RMB 4,500 (3 months), RMB 8,000 (6 months), RMB 14,000 (year), RMB 1,800 (10 classes)
Address: B103, 98 Yanping Lu (near Wuding Lu)
WeChatID: Functional45
Eat @ Hunter Gatherer
Source: Hunter Gatherer
We have long been fans of Hunter Gatherer’s build your own bowl concept and find it even easier now that they let you choose your flavor, which gives you a bit more guidance. The best part is that you may choose your base, allowing you to customize your meal to fit your macros. We have heard good things about the new LA Koreatown bowl and can’t wait to go try it after our next F45 sweat sesh.
Average Spend: RMB 100-200 per person
Address: 135 Yanping Lu (near Wuding Lu)
Hours: Daily, 10am-10pm
Tel: 021 5228 1860
Work Out @ Golden Gloves Boxing Gym
Source: www.goldenglovesgym.com
Golden Gloves Boxing Gym offers a dedicated boxing gym experience. This is the place that trains most of Shanghai’s white collar boxers. You can expect to see professional boxers using the gym outside of class hours as well. This doesn’t mean that Golden Gloves is intimidating; it is not. They aim to share the sport of boxing in China and make it accessible for all. They even have ladies only and beginner classes. Just remember to wash your hair immediately after class. You might struggle to lift your arms later.
Classes Offered: boxing, bootcamp, toning, women only
Prices: RMB 3.988 (3 months), RMB 5,588 (6 months), RMB 6,888 (9 months), RMB 8,288 (year), RMB 2,800 (20 classes), RMB 1,600 (10 classes)
Address: 4/F, Huaqi Building, 969 Wuding Lu (near Jiaozhou Lu)
Tel: 021 6733 7257
Eat @ EQ Nordic Eatery
EQ is known for bringing modern Danish food to Shanghai and have very recently opened up a Jing’an location. They have amazing breakfast deals and lunch sets fresh food from a kitchen at eschews additives and artificial ingredients. They have a variety of dishes to help you live a balanced lifestyle from the carb cutter breakfast which includes two eggs, half an avocado, mushrooms, smoked salmon and nuts to the ‘Snap’It’! AKA snapper with puttanesca sauce and sliced potatoes.
Average Spend: RMB 100-200
Address: 98 Yanping Lu (near Xinzha Lu)
Tel: 021 5289 5887
Hours: Daily, 11:30am-2pm; 5:30pm-9pm
Work Out @ Orange Theory
Orange Theory Fitness is an American HIIT (high intensity interval training) franchise that’s quite the craze in the US and they have been only been open in Shanghai since December 22, 2017. Their heart-rate monitored, high-intensity workout is scientifically designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that spikes metabolism and boosts your energy. They call it the afterburn.
Classes Offered: cardio and strength HIIT
Prices: First trial free, RMB 1,988 (10 classes), RMB 3,788 (20 classes), RMB 1,788 (1 month unlimited), RMB 1,300 per month (8 months unlimited)
Address: 3/F, 245 Maoming Bei Lu (near Weihai Lu)
Tel: 021 6031 4777
Eat @ Heat French Rotisserie & Bistro
Bacon wrapped seared salmon with broccoli and cauliflower
Sure everyone knows that chicken (and Heat has fantastic chicken) is a good lean source of protein, but did you know that salmon has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids which will aid you in the building of muscle as well as recovery. The good news is that Heat has just added a couple of new salmon dishes on their lunch menu. The bacon wrapped salmon comes with bonus veggies so that is our top pick for a low carb nibble, but the cream cheese smoked salmon roll with lotus and lemon is pretty tasty.
Average Spend: 100 per person
Address: 199 Maoming Bei Lu (near Weihai Lu)
Tel: 021 5448 8175
Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm
Work Out @ Oz Body Fit
Oz Body Fit is the first Muay Thai gym in Shanghai opened way back in 2008. Their classes focus on helping students of all levels utilize their own bodies for a complete workout. Thai boxing will help you develop speed, power, endurance, cardio health and dexterity. In addition to Muay Thai, they have a variety of other classes available with flexible membership plans.
Classes Offered: Muay Thai, TRX, Boot Camp, Conditioning, Strength and Conditioning, Kettlebell and Wall Ball, Technical & Sparing
Prices: RMB 100 (trial), RMB 180 (drop-in), RMB 1,500 (10 classes), RMB 3,000 (25 classes), RMB 5,500 (50 classes)
Address: 80 Changping Lu (near Changhua Lu)
Tel: 021 6288 5278
Eat @ Anken Green’s Warehouse Café
Greek salad is just one of the great choices at Warehouse Café.
Source: Dianping user shblueblue
The Warehouse Café has a menu that covers pasta, sandwiches, salads and soups so you can be sure to find a nice balanced meal to help you replenish after an intense Muay Thai class. Things like gazpacho, salads, and warm winter stews are just what you are looking for. They offer cauliflower rice as a substitute for rice dishes which is a nice touch.
Average Spend: 100 per person
Address: 668 Huai’an Lu (near Suzhou Xi Lu)
Tel: 021 6083 1155
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat & Sun, 9am-6pm
Work Out @ SpaceCycle
SpaceCycle has been open since September, so it’s still a relatively new kid on the block. They offer booming spinning classes, tough barre classes and vibrant yoga sessions. Their promise is a music-inspired and soul-uplifting workout that injects positivity into your day. Some spin classes even have a live DJ. Classes are suitable for multiple levels from LIGHT classes for beginners to SPACE for more advanced exercisers.
Classes Offered: Spin, Yoga, Barre
Prices: RMB 258 (drop-in), RMB 1,850 (10 classes), RMB 5,100 (30 classes), RMB 9,300 (60 classes)
Address: 3/F, 789 West Nanjing Lu (across from Nike)
Tel: 021 3656 3936
Eat @ Wheat Healthy Eatery
Poached eggs on a bed of spinach and potato
WHEAT focuses on fresh, natural foods and sustainability. Lucky for us they have chosen to make starting the day with a nutritious breakfast possible no matter when you wake up. In fact, all day breakfast means you can also have brunch and/or breakfast for dinner any day of the week. The nicest part about eating at WHEAT is that the entire menu low calorie and guilt free.
Average Spend: RMB 100 per person
Address: 380 Dagu Lu (near Chendu Bei Lu)
Hours: Daily, 10am to 11pm
Tel: 021 6331 1798
Work Out @ Spinback
Spinback provides the latest indoor cycling equipment and monitoring, with targeted group classes and individual and instructor training programs. They will ensure that you will always achieve your fitness and training goals. By providing the best bikes on the market, fully monitored metrics, filtered air, multi-screen visuals and a club level sound system, Spinback ensures you can focus on nothing less than peak performance.
Classes Offered: Spin, Spin & HIIT, Body Blitz Ride
Prices: RMB 150 (drop-in), RMB 1,400 (10 classes), RMB 2,600 (20 classes), RMB 4,800 (40 classes
Address: 4/F, 969 Wuding Lu (near Changde Lu)
Tel: 021 15801869019
Eat @ California Rolls
Source: Meituan
Sushi rolls are a good mix of protein and carbs to fill you up post work out. You will get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from the fish and did you know that rice is good source of carbohydrates for replenishing your glycogen stores. Just don’t go nuts and make sure to have a bit of sashimi, salad and vegetables. And miso soup is a healthful fermented food celebrated in macrobiotic circles.
Average Spend: RMB 200 per person
Address: 1073 Wuding Lu (near Jiaozhou Lu)
Hours: Daily, 11am to 11pm
Tel: 021 6217 0177
Work Out @ Z&B Fitness
Z&B is one of the most popular boutique fitness studios in Shanghai. Just try to work out there without seeing someone you know. We dare you. They offer a wide variety of fitness classes for all preferences and levels and are committed to building healthy lifestyles in Shanghai. In addition, they have separate or combined memberships with Z&B Gym. Z&B Gym is equipped with Technogym’s latest and most innovative machines for your all your cardio, weight training, personal training and stretching needs.
Classes Offered: Barre, Bootcamp, Cardio, Circuit Training/HIIT, Core, Dance, Functional Training, Gymnastics, Indoor Cycling, Martial Arts, Mom & Baby, Pilates, Pole/Aerial, Toning/Stretching, Weights & Lifting, Women Only, Yoga, Zumba, Open Gym
Prices: RMB 150 (drop-in), RMB 130 (5 classes), RMB 1,200 (10 classes), RMB 2,200 (20 classes), RMB 4000 (40 classes), RMB 5,400 (60 classes), RMB 8,000 (100 classes), RMB 799 (1 month gym pass), RMB 1,999 (3 month gym pass), RMB 2,999 (6 month gym pass), RMB 4,999 (12 month gym pass); mixed passes also available
Address: 6F, 278 Shaanxi Lu (near Nanjing Xi Lu)
Tel: 021 71219079
Eat @ Pure & Whole
There are lots of healthy vegetarian dishes at Pure & Whole and one of our favorites is their Quinoa Bowl. It is a fresh mix quinoa, brussel sprouts and avocado for a great mix of fiber and vegetable based proteins. We also love their green goddess soup which is a delicious warm mix of green vegetables. Order her post work out is super easy because they have nutrition info on the menu.
Average Spend: RMB 200 per person
Address: Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu (near Xikang Lu)
Hours: Daily, 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 021 5175 9822
If Jing’an is your hood, and we missed one of your favorite gyms or healthy eateries please let us know. For those of you who do not live or work in the Jing’an area, we are planning a healthy neighborhood guide for you soon! Please let us know in the comments what neighborhood you are eager to have us write about first.
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