Looking to kick-start the Year of the Rat with a new fitness regime but intimidated by all the choices out there? Whether you’re in the mood to lift some weights, break a sweat in a HIIT class, or looking to zen out while stretching out your body, what your Chinese zodiac sign says about you can unveil important personality traits that explain your workout preferences. Keep an open mind and read on to find out which sport you should consider trying in 2020—you have nothing to lose but your calories

1. Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

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Megaformer

Quick-witted, charming and ever curious, Rats are attracted to new challenges. A megaformer class at H-Kore will challenge them to adapt to a new form of workout unlike any other. Not one to shy away from hard work, they will achieve their fitness goals by trying the latest workout trends. 

See also: The Hottest Fitness Classes In Asia To Help You Shape Up In 2020

2. Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

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Pilates

A goal-oriental zodiac animal, the Ox is known for being reliable and a natural leader. Pilates is a great way to improve flexibility and the Pilates reformer provides support for the movements, which allows the Ox to set realistic goals for the body, whether it’s weight loss or increased muscle strength.

 

3. Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

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Boxing

Unsurprisingly, Tigers are authoritative and possess strong leadership qualities. They’re filled with energy, and ready to pounce any time. Boxing is an ideal sport for them, as they get to release all their energy while burning calories and getting fit at the same time.

See also: 6 Hong Kong Boxing Gyms To Help You Kick-Start 2020

4. Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

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Yoga

Rabbits love being surrounded by friends and family and spending time indoor, which is why they can be quite a homebody. Yoga is the perfect workout for them, as they can choose to practice it at home or with a group of yogis in a yoga studio.

 

5. Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

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Cardio

A powerful zodiac sign, Dragons are energetic, charismatic and are good at doing what’s necessary to stay on top in life. Cardio is a straightforward workout method that guarantees results, which makes it the best training for the Dragon, whether it’s running, swimming or cycling.

See also: 10 Hong Kong Gym Classes To Kick-Start Your Day

6. Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

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HIIT

Snakes are analytical, smart and hard-working, so they’ll benefit from HIIT—a combination of cardio and strength training which requires a high level of body coordination. Out of all the signs, the snake is more likely to stick to their goals as they don’t give up easily.

 

7. Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

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Rebounder workout

Born with a desire to roam free, the horse is restless, self-reliant and loves to try new things. The rebounder workout at BounceLimit is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that can be a fun addition to a workout routine. Horses will have fun jumping, sprinting and stretching on their individual rebounder (a mini trampoline) and burn calories without even noticing.

See also: 10 Most Instagram-Friendly Gyms In Hong Kong

8. Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

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Indoor cycling

Goats enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They are thinkers, wanderers and need lots of support and reassurance. A spin class at XYZ checks all the boxes for them—they can get in the zone, focus on their own ride in a room filled with neon lights, upbeat music and positive energy.

See also: Reset Your Body With These Hong Kong Fitness And Nutrition Challenges In 2020

9. Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

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CrossFit

Monkeys thrive on having fun. As you would’ve guessed, they have unlimited energy and like being active and stimulated. CrossFit is a perfect match for them, as the sport consists of complicated movements that incorporate gymnastics, weightlifting, powerlifting to keep them interested. 

 

10. Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

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Olympic weightlifting

Roosters are known to be perfectionists, which makes sense as they’re incredibly observant and analytical. Weightlifting consists of dynamic, full-body movements that require strength, power, speed and coordination—no easy feat but certainly something the rooster will find pleasure learning.

11. Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

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Muay Thai

Dogs are loyal, cautious, and will do anything to protect their loved ones. These characteristics make them a great Muay Thai fighter, who is as good at defending as they are in attacking. Muay Thai is also a dogmatic sport that helps build discipline and challenges the core strength. 

12. Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

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Strength training

Pigs are kind, well-mannered and always seeking more knowledge. As a perfectionist, the Pig will enjoy a strength training session that incorporates exercises such as bench press, leg press, dumbbell lunges, which allow them to feel and learn more about their muscles compared to other forms of workout.

See also: Tatler's 12-Week Countdown To Junk Season 2020

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