WALK, jogging and badminton are the three most popular exercises in the city, but less than 40 percent of residents have a regular fitness regime.

According to Shanghai Sports Bureau statistics, 38.5 percent of residents do exercise of medium intensity for 30 minutes at least three times a week.

"Shanghai's percentage is the highest in China," said Huang Yongping, director of Shanghai Sports Bureau. "However, when you look at the age breakdown, only 25 percent of those aged between 20 and 39 exercise regularly, which is very low."