1Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, USA 2Fitt House, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Corresponding Author:
Edward Hebert
SLU Box 10845
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Hammond, LA 70810
ehebert@selu.edu
985-549-2132
Edward Hebert, PhD is a Professor of Kinesiology at Southeastern Louisiana University. His research interests include exercise motivation and adherence, and applied research in motor learning.
Jada McGuin, MS is a fitness professional and the Owner/Operator of The Fitt House in Baton Rouge.
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ABSTRACT
This study describes attitudes of adult exercisers toward female and male personal fitness trainers, and compares responses of male and female, younger vs older exercisers, and those with varying levels of exercise experience. Recruited from 4 fitness gyms, 201 adults aged 18 to 77 completed an anonymous survey where they provided relative attitude ratings toward female vs. male fitness trainers specific to the trainer’s knowledge, helping meet personal fitness goals, following their directions, comfort discussing struggles with exercise, working with the trainer for an extended time, and referring others to them. Participants rated male trainers higher for fitness knowledge, and were more willing to follow their directions, work with them for an extended time, and refer clients to them, but perceived a female trainer more favorably for discussing their struggles with exercise. Significant gender, age, and experience differences were found. Gender-biased perceptions were highest among male, older, and inexperienced exercisers, who had more positive attitudes toward male fitness trainers. Attitudes of women, younger, and experienced exercisers tended to be more neutral, and favor female trainers for meeting personal goals and discussing struggles. The results of this exploratory study suggest gender-biased exercise attitudes are influenced by participant gender, as well as age and experience, and provide impetus for additional research on exercise attitudes.
Keywords: personal training, beliefs, perceptions, biases
INTRODUCTION
Recent decades have seen a great expansion of the fitness industry signaled by an increase in the number of adults exercising in fitness centers around the world. This rise has been attributed to a number of factors including global recognition of the benefits of physical activity, endorsement of exercise by the medical community, and growth of the fitness industry (1, 23). Yet, exercise adherence remains problematic (30, 32) and fitness clubs tend to have low retention rates (23). The practice of exercising with a personal fitness trainer (PFT) has increased in popularity and personal training has become a standard feature in many settings (5, 21, 23, 33). PFTs design and supervise exercise programs, and help clients set and reach personal goals. In addition, they engage in practices to promote an active lifestyle, motivate clients, and facilitate their exercise competence and self-efficacy, which can play an important role in exercise adherence (23, 29, 33). Studies of consumers consistently identify a fitness club’s staff, and fitness leaders’ instruction, feedback, and support as among the most important factors in customer satisfaction (15, 27). In addition, satisfaction with individualized training is positively associated with exercise motivation and self-efficacy (33). Consistent evidence points to the benefits of exercising with a PFT. Studies show that individuals who train with a PFT are more likely to attend exercise sessions and adhere to programs (2, 12, 18, 26). Those who train with a PFT have been found to exercise at higher intensities (25, 31) and make greater strength and fitness gains (24, 25) than those who exercise independently. These results are similar to findings comparing individuals who train alone vs. under the supervision of a fitness professional (9, 14).
Studies of fitness settings have often concluded that gender plays a role in gym-related attitudes and behaviors. In their review, Håman et al. (16) suggested fitness gym spaces are strongly associated with male bodies and norms, and gender norms influence social practices and behaviors there. Exercise motivation has been tied to weight loss for women and enhancing muscularity among men (20). Certain types of exercise are considered masculine or feminine, and exercisers have been shown to use gendered language to refer to areas of the gym (7). Interview-based studies of PFTs indicate that a clients’ gender influences their advice (16) and they recognize that gender plays a role in clients’ selection of a trainer (29).
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The results of previous interview-based studies (21, 28) indicated that women prefer a female PFT. This preference is based on perceptions of being less self-conscious about their bodies with a female trainer, and the beliefs that a female trainer would better understand and empathize with their struggles with exercise and comfort levels in the gym. Survey-based research comparing perceptions of male and female fitness trainers have studied the attitudes of college students, and produced mixed results. In their study of 402 undergraduates, Fisher et al. (13) found no clear preference for a male or female PFT, yet hypothetical female PFTs received higher ratings for general perceptions of competence, and participants’ willingness to discuss progress and take instructions/corrections from them, compared to male trainers. Boerner et al. (5) similarly found that college undergraduates perceived female PFTs as more competent and knowledgeable than males. However, male students preferred to work with a male fitness trainer, while female students had no gender preference. Similarly, Magnusen and Rhea (22) found female college Division I athletes had no preference for a male or female strength coach, whereas males preferred a male coach.
Thus, research to date on attitudes toward male vs. female PFTs has provided mixed results, and survey-based studies to date have exclusively examined perceptions of college students, which may be different from non-college aged adults. In addition, research has yet to examine how attitudes toward male/female fitness trainers may vary with other potentially-influential factors such as age and exercise experience. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study was to examine attitudes toward male and female PFTs in a sample of adult members of fitness gyms, and compare responses with respect to participant gender, age, and exercise experience.
METHODS
Participants
Participants were 201 (144 female; 57 male) adult members of four fitness centers from one city in the southeast United States who responded to an online survey. They ranged in age from 18 to 77 years (mean = 35.87, SD = 14.87 years). Self-reported experience levels were Beginner (n=59), Intermediate (n=91) and Advanced (n=51). Over half of the sample indicated exercising four or more times per week (54.9%), with 25.3% indicating three times per week, and 20.1% once a week. Table 1 provides the number and percent of male and female participants in age and exercise experience groups.
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Procedures
Prior to data collection, the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the authors’ university. Participants were recruited from fitness centers via email with the cooperation of the managers. Two facilities were small gyms that offered only individual and small group training, and two were larger traditional fitness centers that housed a variety of equipment and amenities, and provided personal training services and group exercise classes as well as independent exercise. A recruiting email with a link to an anonymous online survey was sent to all members of the two small gyms, and members of the larger gyms who had expressed interest in personal training. Participants were assured of anonymity and informed their participation was voluntary and they were providing consent to participate by completing the survey.
Data were collected using a survey created for the study. Survey items were based on and relatively similar to those used in previous research on attitudes toward female/male fitness trainers (13). Item content was guided by previous research examining criteria for selecting a PFT (16, 23, 29) and on reasons people may prefer a male/female PFT (21, 28). After initial development, the survey was reviewed by researchers with expertise in fitness who provided feedback and recommendations.
The first section sought demographic information including gender, age, level of fitness experience (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), and frequency of exercise during the last month. The next section focused on participant’s attitudes about working with a PFT, specifically how their attitudes would be influenced by the trainer’s gender. It included 6 face-valid items: (1) “My belief about the trainer’s knowledge about fitness,” (2) “My belief in the trainer’s desire for me to meet my personal fitness goals,” (3) “My willingness to follow the trainer’s directions about exercise,” (4) “My level of comfort discussing my struggles with exercise with the trainer,” (5) “My willingness to continue working with the trainer for an extended length of time,” and (6) “My willingness to refer clients to the trainer.” Participants responded to teach item on a 5-option scale: Higher for a female trainer, slightly higher for a female trainer, the same for a female or male trainer, slightly higher for a male trainer, or higher for a male trainer.
Data Analysis
For data analysis, ratings were translated to a numerical scale from -2 to 2 with the neutral response in the center: (-2) Higher for a female trainer), (-1) Slightly higher for a female trainer), (0) The same for a female or male trainer, (1) Slightly higher for a male trainer, and (2) Higher for a male trainer. Responses were also coded categorically as neutral, or favoring a male or female trainer. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percent of responses indicating a neutral response or favoring a female/male PFT) for responses to each item are reported for the entire sample.
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Responses were also analyzed with respect to three independent variables (gender, age group, and fitness experience). Three levels of fitness experience were self -reported Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. For the purpose of the study, participants were divided into two age groups operationally defined as younger (18-39 years) and older (40 years and older) exercisers. Numerical responses were analyzed using three separate MANOVAs with the 6 survey items as dependent measures. Significant main effects were further analyzed using independent t-tests or one-way ANOVA. Partial Omega Squared (ηp2) and Cohen’s d were reported as indicators of effect size. In addition to these analyses, the percent of participants whose responses were neutral or favored a male or female PFT were reported for groups.
RESULTS
As shown in Figure 1, as a whole, participants tended to have higher ratings of male PFTs relative to fitness knowledge, willingness to follow their directions, working with the trainer for an extended time, and referring clients to them. However, they tended to perceive a female PFT more favorably for discussing their struggles with exercise. The percent of responses that were neutral or favored a male/female trainer yielded similar patterns. Overall, more people indicated positive attitudes toward a male than a female PFT for expectations of fitness knowledge (31.3% vs. 5.5%), as well as willingness to follow the trainer’s directions (29.9% vs. 10.9%), working with the trainer for an extended time (20.9% vs. 11.9%), and referring other clients to the trainer (17.4% vs. 5.5%). For comfort discussing struggles with exercise, 41.8% indicated a preference for a female trainer with only 24.4% preferring a male trainer. For most items, 50-60% of participants indicated a neutral response (the same for a male or female trainer), with the exception of comfort discussing concerns for which only 33.3% indicated no preference.
Attitudes of Male and Female Respondents
As shown in Figure 2, responses of male and female exercisers showed clear gender differences. Mean values indicated men rated a male PFT higher than a female PFT for all items. By comparison, female exercisers’ responses tended to vary more across items, and average responses were near neutral for several items. The MANOVA indicated significant differences between male and female respondents were present [Wilks’ Lambda=.845, p<.001>ηp2=.16]. Follow up comparisons indicated significant differences for four items: expectations for the trainer to help meet personal fitness goals [t(199)=4.20, p<.001 cohen="">d=1.14], willingness to follow the trainer’s directions [t(199)=2.71, p<.01 cohen="">d=1.00], comfort discussing exercise struggles [t(199)=5.24, p<.001 cohen="">d=1.24], and willingness to work with the trainer for an extended time [t(199)=2.01, p<.05 cohen="">d=.93].
Gender-biased patterns were also evident in the percent of ratings which were neutral vs. favored a male or female PFT (see Table 2). A higher percent of male exercisers indicated they would be more comfortable discussing their struggles with a male (43.9%) than a female trainer (17.5%), whereas female exercisers indicated a preference for a female (51.4%) over a male PFT (16.9%). A similar same-gender preference was indicated for perceptions of the trainer’s desire to help meet personal fitness goals, and working with them for an extended time.
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Attitudes of Younger vs. Older Exercisers
Older exercisers (aged 40 and over) tended to favor a male PFT for all items, whereas younger exercises (18-39 years) had more varied responses and were near neutral for several items (see Figure 3). Responses were found to vary significantly by age group [Wilks’ Lambda= .884, p<.05>ηp2=.06]. Follow-up comparisons indicated significant differences for two items: meeting personal goals [t(197)=2.88, p<.01 cohen="">d=0.45], and discussing struggles [t(197)=3.18, p<.01 cohen="">d=0.49]. As indicated in Table 3, for these items, older exercisers tended to have either neutral attitudes or favor a male trainer, whereas younger exercisers more often favored a female trainer.
Variation as a Function of Exercise Experience
Mean scores for individuals varying in exercise experience are shown in Figure 4. The MANOVA comparing responses was significant [Wilks’ Lambda=.839, p<.001>ηp2=.08]. One way ANOVA follow-up comparisons indicated a significant difference for only one item: expectations for the PFT’s knowledge [F(2,198=7.14, p<.001 wp_automatic_readability="65.478938906752">ηp2=.086]. Post-hoc Student-Newman-Keuls comparisons indicated beginning exercisers had significantly greater expectations of fitness knowledge for male trainers (p<.05 whereas="" knowledge="" expectations="" of="" male="" vs.="" female="" trainers="" were="" similar="" for="" exercisers="" with="" intermediate="" or="" advanced="" experience.="" examination="" response="" percentages="" shows="" a="" clear="" pattern="" reduced="" gender-bias="" as="" exercise="" experience="" increased.="" example="" only="" beginner-level="" indicated="" trainer="" to="" help="" them="" meet="" personal="" goals="" would="" be="" the="" same="" but="" this="" neutral="" rating="" increasing="" and="" exercisers.="" higher="" was="" observed="" all="" items.="" wp_automatic_readability="130.95742329693">
DISCUSSION
Research supports the benefits of exercising with a PFT (2, 12, 18, 24, 25, 31), and evidence suggests that gender plays a role in exercise attitudes and behaviors, including selection of a trainer (16, 29). Previous survey-based research on attitudes toward male and female PFTs have studied undergraduate students; attitudes of adult fitness center members have not been investigated. An additional limitation of existing research is the failure to examine variables that may play a role in these attitudes. This study examined attitudes toward male and female PFTs among 201 adult fitness center members. Perceptions were reported for the entire sample, and analyzed relative to participant gender, age group, and exercise experience.
As a whole, more participants favored a male over a female trainer for expectations of fitness-related knowledge, willingness for follow the trainer’s directions, working with the trainer for an extended time, and referring other clients to them. However, adults tended to be more comfortable discussing struggles and concerns with exercise with a female trainer. Fisher et al. (13) similarly reported college students had a more positive attitude about discussing progress with female than male trainers.
Age Differences
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Our results showed age-related attitudinal differences. Specifically, older exercisers favored a male PFT, whereas younger respondents favored a female PFT primarily with respect to two items: assistance achieving personal goals and discussing exercise-related struggles. These findings are different from those reported in studies of college students, who overall, viewed female PFTs as more competent and knowledgeable than males (5, 13). Thus, these age-related attitudinal differences may be one of the more notable findings of this study, and may reflect changes in broader gender role-related attitudes among generations (8, 11).
Differences among Male and Female Exercisers
Comparisons between the responses of male and female exercisers revealed two important findings. First, men rated a male PFT higher than a female PFT for all items, while female exercisers’ ratings were more neutral. This is consistent with previous research on college students (5) and Division I university athletes (22) that indicated males preferred to work with a male PFT or strength coach, while females had no clear preference. Second, large and significant differences were observed between responses of men and women for several attitudes including those associated with knowledge, help meet personal goals, following directions, discussing concerns, and working with the trainer for an extended time. While men rated a male PFT higher for all items, women had more favorable perceptions of female PFTs for two specific items: discussing their struggles with exercise, and expectations regarding the trainer’s desire to help them meet personal fitness goals.
These findings align favorably with the results of previous interview-based studies indicating that women who choose a female PFT attribute this decision to beliefs that a female would have a greater empathy for them, and a better understanding of their bodies, struggles, and comfort levels (21, 28). These findings are also consistent with gender-preference research in healthcare. Drummond et al. (10), for example, found that college athletes felt more comfortable when provided care by an athletic trainer of the same gender, and a same-gender healthcare provider preference has been found for physicians and nurses when interactions are of an intimate nature (6, 19). When providing reasons for a healthcare provider of the same gender, women indicate it is due to comfort levels discussing problems and the perception that a female provider will take more personal interest in them (19).
Experience as a Mediator of Gender-Bias
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We also examined attitudes toward male/female PFTs as a function of exercise experience, and used self-ratings as the basis for group formation. Comparisons indicated that, as exercise experience increased, gender-biased ratings decreased. Among beginning exercisers, 37% indicated their expectations for a PFT’s knowledge was neutral (the same for a male or female), whereas 65% of intermediate and 90% of advanced exercisers indicated so. This pattern of increasing gender-neutrality with exercise experience was observed for all items. These results suggest that gender-biased attitudes toward male/female PFTs may reduce with experience. This interpretation is consistent with the ideas that, while fitness-based attitudes and practices are influenced by gender norms and expectations, they are not fixed, but are fluid and can be changed with experience (3, 4, 16).
CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
The results of this study indicate that many adult exercisers have gender-biased perceptions of PFTs with higher expectations for a male trainer’s fitness-based knowledge, and willingness to follow a male trainer’s directions and refer clients to him, yet are more comfortable discussing their struggles with a female trainer. Consistent with prior research on college students, these attitudes vary with participant gender. Men had stronger preferences for a same-gender PFT than women did, yet many women tended to favor a female PFT for interest in their personal goals and discussing their struggles and concerns. In addition, potentially important findings from this study are that gender-biased attitudes varied by age and exercise experience. Further research examining how these and other factors and experiences influence gender-referenced perceptions of fitness and fitness professionals is warranted, as is extending research on fitness-related attitudes beyond that of college students.
Previous research on this topic (5, 13) has primarily surveyed convenience samples of undergraduate students whose participation and experience in exercise was unknown, whereas participants in this study were adult fitness center members primarily between 20 and 39 years of age, most who identified as having intermediate or advanced exercise experience, and who exercised 3 or more times a week. Thus, the findings of this study may be more generalizable to typical adults who exercise on a regular basis. However, it should be acknowledged that, while data were derived from a sample of adults from multiple fitness centers, all gyms were from the same region of the U.S., and respondents were primarily female. Age-related differences were examined among two groups with an arbitrary dividing point. Thus, future research on this topic using more varied samples, more adult males, among varying age groups, and additional potentially influential variables is recommended.
APPLICATIONS IN SPORT
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Fitness professionals should recognize that gender plays a role in exercise attitudes and behaviors, including the selection of PFTs and exercise leaders to work with. Data from this study highlight specific beliefs that may play a role in PFT preferences, and how these preferences vary with exerciser’s gender, age, and level of exercise experience. As a result, fitness professionals can strive to behave and communicate in ways that both support clients’ preference, but also seek to overcome biases that may exist.
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SOLE Fitness announces new additions to its home exercise bike range, with models including built-in screens, resistance systems, and notably, zero monthly subscription fees.
Salt Lake City, United States, March 9, 2026 — SOLE Fitness has announced a new range of home exercise bikes aligning with its policy against mandatory monthly subscription fees – addressing a growing concern among cost-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
For more information, visit: https://www.soletreadmills.com/collections/bikes
The announcement comes as subscription fatigue intensifies across the home fitness market – where hidden costs of ongoing memberships have become a significant pain point for buyers. Many consumers now actively seek alternatives that deliver premium features without the financial burden of perpetual fees – and SOLE Fitness offers its range in direct response.
Technical capabilities across the range support the no-subscription experience through innovative design and robust hardware. For instance, SOLE Fitness cites the SB1200 exercise bike as a suitable option for its 10-inch touchscreen – including preloaded entertainment applications.
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SOLE’s team notes that this particular model also incorporates 100 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, offering a broad spectrum of intensity for diverse workout preferences. A 35-pound flywheel contributes to smooth, consistent pedaling motion, while the durable steel frame supports users up to 300 pounds.
Elsewhere in the range, SOLE Fitness offers options across recumbent, upright, and indoor cycling styles to accommodate different fitness goals and space constraints.
The LCR Recumbent Bike is an example of a comfortable seated design with back support, ideal for low-impact cardio sessions, coming with 40 levels of magnetic resistance. The B94 Upright Bike, meanwhile, delivers a traditional bike posture with 20 levels of resistance, suited for users seeking straightforward training without advanced touchscreen features.
Central to the value proposition is the SOLE+ App, which provides zero-cost online fitness classes to customers who own SOLE equipment. The app offers hundreds of home gym video tutorials ranging from basic to advanced routines – standing in contrast to platforms that charge separately for similar content.
As explained by SOLE Fitness, its overall range is engineered for smooth, silent rides through magnetic resistance systems, sturdy steel frames, and precision components that deliver a premium indoor cycling experience. Magnetic resistance eliminates the wear and noise associated with friction pads, while the structural integrity of the frames ensures stability during high-intensity intervals.
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“Each treadmill is crafted to provide an unparalleled exercise experience, featuring robust motors, intuitive controls, and cushioned running surfaces for maximum impact absorption,” says a company representative.
Moreover, since the company’s product portfolio is designed to offer entry points at various price levels, customers have readily available access to select models that align with their own budget and training preferences.
Interested parties can browse the full selection at: https://www.soletreadmills.com/
Contact Info: Name: Inquiries Email: Send Email Organization: SOLE Fitness Address: 56 Exchange Pl., Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/
Release ID: 89185487
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Google search trends are truly a thing of wonder when it comes to observing what’s capturing the zeitgeist – and when it comes to health and fitness fads, it’s a veritable treasure trove of ideas. The latest life-changing hacks? ‘Chinese baddie’ rituals.
That’s right: a wildly viral social media trend also known as Chinamaxxing or #becomingChinese is all about taking small life hacks rooted in ancient Chinese wellness principles (think: wearing slippers in the house, enjoying Chinese food, and gentle movement practices like Tai Chi and Qigong) and respectfully and authentically using them to positively upscale wellbeing.
And trust us, it’s all over TikTok. While the practices may have garnered a somewhat questionable moniker, semantics aside, are there really any tangible benefits to ancient Chinese wellbeing rituals?
Interestingly, there is some scientific backing for movement practices such as Tai Chi, with studies (like this one, published in the journal Canadian Family Physician) showing the moves can improve balance and even cognitive ability in older adults. However, when it comes to the benefits of drinking hot water, things aren’t quite as clear-cut.
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So, there was only one thing to be done: try it myself. Would drinking a mug of hot water every morning be a panacea for my health? Keep scrolling to find out, but in the meantime, if wellness wins are top of your 2026 wish list, take a look at our guides to the best ways to spark joy, wellness stacking and the best Scandi wellness hacks, here.
Ancient Chinese wellbeing practices are trending – so I tried one of the most well-known, drinking hot water, every day for a week
What is the daily hot water trend about?
If you’ve missed this trend entirely, you might be interested to learn that, since ancient times, the Chinese have traditionally started their day by drinking a cup of hot water.
“The idea is simple, involving starting your day with a cup of warm (or hot) water instead of something cold,” explains Erin Viljoen, nutritional therapist at W-Wellness. “It’s not tied to a specific brand or fad diet; it’s more of a daily habit that’s been popularised online and in wellness circles as a gentle way to “wake up” the body first thing.”
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Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (or TCM, as it’s commonly known – and yes, it’s also trending on socials!), it’s thought to promote better digestion, boost circulation and help maintain our yin and yang, or balance. And when we say it’s trending, we’re talking millions of views on TikTok alone.
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What’s driving the popularity of ancient Chinese practices like drinking hot water every morning?
If you’ve noticed more noise than usual this year around Chinese New Year and other traditions, you’re not alone.
“There’s definitely a broader shift happening in wellbeing away from quick fixes and towards holistic, time-honoured practices,” notes Viljoen. “Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a systems-based way of thinking about health, focusing on rhythm, balance and how the body responds as a whole. In the age of TikTok and Instagram, trends that feel accessible, grounded and rooted in tradition (like TCM rituals) are gaining traction.”
What are the benefits of drinking hot water in the morning?
As mentioned above, fans of the “Chinese baddie” trend claim a myriad of wellbeing wins, from improved digestion to glowier skin, to name just a couple. While it’s easy to dismiss such claims, it’s worth noting that the principles underlying the trend are thousands of years old and highly revered in Chinese culture.
At its heart, the idea of starting the day with something warm – be it tea, coffee, or water – is something we can all relate to as comforting and soothing. And the main pros of the practice are gentle and holistic, too.
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“The reliable benefits of drinking warm water are straightforward hydration, a comforting feel on the throat and, for some, a gentle nudge to bowel motility,” says pharmacist Palvinder Deol. “Warmth can make sipping more inviting first thing, which may help people reach their daily fluid needs, and the routine itself can be a calming anchor.”
If you’re after a quick health fix, though, this likely isn’t the one. “It’s important to note that the evidence base here isn’t as robust as it is for things like sleep, movement, or nutrition quality. But the practice is low risk, inexpensive and easy to incorporate – and for many people, it builds a mindful start to the day.”
Who is the Chinese baddie trend best for?
Another advantage of the trend is that it’s highly accessible, with most of us already waking up to a hot drink of some form each morning. Seriously, though – can’t we come up with a better name for it?
Days one to three
Usually, I’m pumped to try out a new wellbeing practice – but I’ll admit, the hot water trend has me less excited than usual when day one rolls around. Mainly, I’m concerned about how I’ll function without my daily morning cup of tea, which, in strong wellbeing-writer mode, I try to make my own ritual around.
I’ve recently invested in a whistling stove-top kettle, abandoning my electric one in an attempt to romanticise my life (and, reader, I love it), and it feels serendipitous to be starting my trial the week of Chinese New Year – I take it as an auspicious sign.
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But I have to admit: hot water doesn’t hit quite the same as my morning cuppa, and it’s not long before I’m popping the kettle back on and making a cup of tea – but I think that’s ok, as it’s not until later in the morning that I have a cold drink, meaning I’ve inadvertently been channelling my inner Chinese baddie for decades.
As for noticing any benefits, I’ll be honest: I don’t feel any different, although this could be because I’m fairly healthy (and regular!) anyway. If you were starting this routine from scratch and switching from a cold morning drink, the benefits might be more obvious.
Anna admits: hot water doesn’t hit quite the same as her morning cuppa, and it’s not long before I’m popping the kettle back on and making a cup of tea.
(Image credit: Anna Bartter)
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Days four to seven
Heading into the second half of the week, and I still don’t have much to report, aside from still having a tea chaser shortly after my water. But I do find that overall, I’m drinking more water than usual, which I’m taking as a win.
Am I jumping out of bed, eager to relish my morning hot water? Er, no – sorry. That being said, I’m fully onboard with the idea of embracing warmth over cold in the mornings (or, in fact, at any time of the day!), whether this looks like choosing warming porridge over quick overnight oats, or foregoing a smoothie till after my workout later in the day (hot drinks only before 11 am – I’m in – as long as they contain caffeine).
As I sit here in my house slippers, nursing my millionth cuppa of the day, it strikes me: while I’m sceptical about the water, perhaps I’m more of a Chinese baddie than I thought. Just don’t hold out on the caffeine, please.
Anna didn’t end her experiment jumping out of bed, eager to relish her morning hot water – but she is fully onboard with the idea of embracing warmth over cold in the mornings.
(Image credit: Anna Bartter)
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Shop MC UK-approved wellbeing must-haves now:
ARTAH Cellular Hydration supplement
Hot water not quite hitting the mark for you? Same, but this Artah electrolyte supplement could be just the ticket for better hydration. Pop a teaspoon and a half in your water bottle and say hello to improved energy, focus and more.
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra
Few things boost wellbeing quite like feeling comfy, and we’re big fans of Girlfriend Collective workout kit for this – and many other – reasons. Offering medium support and full coverage, the Paloma bra ticks all our boxes.
There’s a lot of love for our Suri toothbrushes at Team MC UK, and we’re also sold on their science-backed, fluoride-free toothpaste. Minty, soothing and whitening – all bases covered.
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What other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) trends are worth trying?
“Alongside drinking hot water, a few other Chinese rituals have been trending over the last few years,” notes Viljoen. “Overall, these practices resonate now because they offer approachable, sensory rituals; things that feel good and help anchor routines in a world that can feel fragmented. These can include:
1. Acupressure face tools, like jade rollers or a gua sha, which are promoted for lymphatic flow and relaxation;
2. Herbal teas and tonics based on TCM blends for immunity, digestion and stress;
3. Mind-body practices such as Qigong (a 4,000-year-old traditional Chinese practice that cultivates and balances qi – vital life energy – through slow, flowing movements, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm mental focus) which emphasise energy flow and nervous system regulation.”
