Sometimes, living in Shanghai can be as physically taxing as it is mentally. The demands of work, combined with non-stop partying and a lack of time and options for exercise can cause a sharp decline in health over time. Seeking to interject a little balance in our lives, "Wellbeing" is SmartShanghai's column dedicated to the healthier aspects of Shanghai city life: getting outside, being active, eating right and just generally trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

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Best Beds

- Shanghai's sizzling solariums -

This blog almost got hurled in the bin yesterday when Mr. Golden Sun reared his ugly head. Fortunately, Zeus is back at it today: rains have reemerged and the universe is (once again) in order, thus rendering this article relevant. Phew.

The benefits of tanning in a bed are manifold: healthy-looking skin, influx of Vitamins D and E and a mild, yet distinct euphoria. Salon tanning is also faster and a lot less messy than a day at the beach. No more picking sand from unseemly places, boys and girls. In an effort to bring a fair and balanced report SmSh shall reference the World Health Organization: WHO states: "there is no evidence to suggest that UV exposure from any type of sunbed is less harmful than UV exposure from the sun." Apparently, there is also no evidence to suggest that UV exposure from a bed is more harmful than UV exposure from the sun. [ Read on ]

Outdoor Activities

- Suggestions for swimming, sliding, biking... -

Summer is finally here (sort of) and I'm guessing some of you, like me, are dying to get involved in some new activities that don't always include hanging out at a bar (or let's just say in addition to the bar life). Don't get me wrong -- I love a good party, but I'm also totally down with getting some "fresh" air and exercise too. Here's a few ideas of what you can do this summer to get those endorphins pumping... [ Read on ]

Gyms

- A few options for working out in Shanghai -

There are lots of aspects of Shanghai which necessitate going to the gym. The combination of one too many dumplings and far too many events photos is never going to be pretty unless you go for a workout every now and again. So SmartShanghai went to check out a few gyms (I was only checking out the equipment, I promise) to see if the city has as much on offer to help us burn calories as it does at helping us to consume them: [ Read on ]

Parks

- Getting out into Shanghai's greenspaces -

The concept of a park in Shanghai sometimes seems a bit pointless -- as one of my friend's put it; "you get fresher air inside." But spring has swiftly arrived, and with it comes the brief period during which being outside in Shanghai is really enjoyable. A day in the park is cheap, fun, and (depending on the size of your picnic) a healthy way to spend the weekend. Being brought up in London makes you a bit of expert on urban green spaces, and so I decided to check out how well Shanghai's parks compared: [ Read on ]

Yoga 101

- Inroads to healthier living though Yoga -

Tranquility, relaxation, wellness -- achieving these states, I think, is something we all strive for in our lives but sometimes it's difficult to maintain all three at the same time. Yoga, a more holistic form of exercise, concentrates on strengthening and improving our mental and spiritual sides as well as our physical wellbeing, and is a great option for people seeking more balance in their lives. So what is yoga anyway? [ Read on ]

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