(cityweekend.com)
Updated: 2008-03-13 10:18

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 Yogaalso 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."

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