New Year, New You
by Misty Sloane
Another year, another New Year’s resolution unfulfilled. Do you even remember what your resolution for 2011 was? Well, here’s your chance to make it count. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular resolutions and given them a Shanghai solution – and exclusive discounts for Talk readers. To 2012, the year of no excuses!
Resolution #1:
Get in Shape
Looking to drop a few kilos in the next year? Well, you’re not alone. Losing weight is the most popular New Year’s resolution year in and year out, which only goes to show how difficult it is to stick to that newfound exercise plan, but the good news is there are lots of other scale-tippers out there looking for a gym pal. One of the best ways to accomplish your New Year’s resolution is to find a friend with the same goals, so buddy up and make sure to motivate each other.
Another way to stay on your weight loss track is to be realistic. Sure, we’d all like to have a six pack like Ryan Gosling or gams like Megan Fox, but if you compare yourself to celebrities who are paid to keep their bodies in peak physical condition, you’ll inevitably fail. Instead set attainable targets, like losing two kilos every month, and stick to your exercise plan. Check out our Coach’s Corner with James Scott this month on p19 for a simple work-out plan you can do from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re looking to join a class, which can be a great support group during the weight loss process, try Me Wellness. They offer a well-rounded class schedule of boot camp, yoga and circuit training that’s great for beginners. Our cover model Justyn Giachetti teaches candlelight and Vinyasa flow for Me Wellness, or if you’re interested in delving deeper into your yoga practice, Giachetti offers private yoga and meditation classes.
Me Wellness. Multiple locations, including Anken Green Warehouse. 668 Huai’an Lu, near Xi Suzhou Lu. Web: www.mewellness.com
Justyn Giachetti’s private yoga and mediation classes. Tel: 131 2291 0252. Email: [email protected]
DEAL!
Talk readers receive one free class from Me Wellness when you show this issue at the start of class. Also, when you show your issue of Talk when purchasing any package, you receive an extra week for free. If you’re interested in taking a private lesson from Justyn Giachetti, just show the magazine and your first lesson is free.
Resolution #2:
Study Chinese
We all say we’re going to become literate, functioning members of the country we call home, but too often work or an active social life get in the way. Sure, you can move to a smaller city with fewer English speakers and really immerse yourself, but don’t write off Shanghai just yet. Living in this city provides a wonderful opportunity to study, no matter how selective your optimum learning method or hectic your schedule. Besides, how embarrassing will it be if you return to your home country unable to speak a single coherent sentence in Mandarin?
If you can’t fit in a regular Chinese class, try ChinesePod, a website designed to help busy people learn Chinese. It offers courses, self-study packages and Skype speaking classes and you can study online and on your smartphone and tablet apps, making it easy to brush up on your characters whenever you have a free moment. Just make sure to practice on your cab drivers so your spoken Chinese improves too!
DEAL!
The first 10 Talk readers to enter promotion code SHTalk1744 receive 20 per cent off when purchasing a one year premium subscription (regularly priced at US$ 249). The code is valid through 21 March. To use the code, please go to http://chinesepod.com/store and select 12-month Premium Subscription and enter promo code when checking out.
