What is Pilates?

The Pilates method was created in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom the practice was named. It’s a principle-led fitness system, guided by nine philosophies: breathing, concentration, control, centering, rhythm/flow, balanced muscle development, precision, relaxation, and whole body movement. It aims to provide a good balance of flexibility, strength, and muscle tone to help people with posture problems and make them more aware of their bodies in general. There are different types of Pilates, the most common being the Clinical, Classical, Mat, Contemporary, and Reformer varieties — each of which has a different focus, and may require equipment.

Elevate Pilates — Central

This conveniently located studio has state-of-the-art equipment in a spacious and welcoming setting designed for mindful movement and growth. They do Reformer Pilates group classes and one-on-one sessions, as well as movement classes that include suspension training and ballet — hardly surprising, considering that Elevate was founded by two former pro ballet dancers. You can also sign up for post-rehab, pre- and post-natal, and athletic conditioning sessions here.

Location: 3/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central & Western District
Opening Hours: 8:45am-9pm
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2698 4228

Pilates Body HK — Sheung Wan

This studio has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner, regular, or looking for advanced classes. For instance, the Cardio Burn & Stretch programme uses a jumpboard to get your heart rate going, while the Full-Body Strength sessions are more abs-focused. All their classes — which include Full-Body Burn & Sculpt, Full-body Sculpt, and Full-Body Alignment Focused — are small so that each member gets the attention they need from the instructors.

Location: 19/B, Tung Hip Commercial Building, 244-248 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 10am-8:30pm (Monday-Thursday), 10am-2pm (Friday), 10:15am-3pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | + 852 4622 7613

Anhao Wellness — Mid-Levels, Causeway Bay

Anhao Wellness specialises in Reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, yoga, and personal training. The mat Pilates classes focus on increasing core strength and flexibility through the use of the body’s own weight, while the Reformer sessions help participants develop body awareness to increase their fitness. The studio’s personal trainers will work closely with you to assess your fitness goals and devise a schedule to help you achieve them. Anhao’s yoga teachers are experts in practices like Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin Yang, and Vinyasa.

Location: 1/F & 4/F Sunny Sky Center, 5 Ladder Street, Mid-Levels | 19/F, Art Piece, 3 Matheson Street Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 7:15am-10pm (Monday-Friday), 10am-6pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 5199 4795

Embody — Discovery Bay

Embody has been running personal training and small group classes for mat and Reformer Pilates, yoga, HIIT, and movement for over 15 years. The instructors here place great emphasis on injury prevention, mobility, and pre- and post-natal fitness. And if you’d like to try something different, they also have barre classes that combine ballet, strength, and flexibility to create a cardio format with no jumping or impact on the joints.

Location: DB Plaza Unit 211 & 225, Block B & D, South Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau
Opening Hours: 8am-8pm (Monday-Friday), 8am-6pm (Saturday), 9am-5pm (Sunday)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 6624 8712

ISO Fit — Central

This is one of the more established studios in Hong Kong, having opened in 1998. The studio is equipped with a full range of Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment, as well as auxiliary exercise accessories. A team of experienced professionals trained to use them will guide you through your sessions. Remember, if you want dedicated Pilates or Gyrotonic classes, you need to book a one-on-session. Check out their Pilates options for expecting and new mothers, golfers, runners, and rehabilitation if you have these specific concerns.

Location: 802-805, 8/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
Opening Hours: 8am-9pm (Closed on public holidays)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2869 8630

Be Plus Pilates Gyrotonic — Tsim Sha Tsui

While this studio offers standard Gyrotonic, mat Pilates, and reformer Pilates classes for groups and individuals, they’re also committed to promoting Pilates among specific groups. They help men train small, deep, and core muscles so they perform better in high-intensity exercises. They also have a team of prenatal and postnatal trainers to aid pregnant women alleviate discomfort during pregnancy, such as leg cramps, lower back pain, and swollen legs. And if you’re a member of a dance or sports team, try their classes to improve posture and flexibility, reduce joint stress, and increase body control and muscle coordination.

Location: Room 702, Yue Haw International Building, 1 Kowloon Park Drive, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 9am-9pm
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3709 6716

TOPFIT Fitness — Central

If you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, enhance core stability, or refine your posture, you may want to look into what this boutique fitness studio and gym has to offer. They conduct a low-impact Pilates Allegro workout that targets strength, flexibility, and body control. Sign up for Wunda Chair sessions to improve postural alignment through a series of controlled, functional movements. And, of course, you can opt for their mat Pilates classes that use props like resistance bands, balls, and foam rollers to help you achieve a leaner, more toned physique.

Location: 6/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Opening Hours: 7:30am-9pm (Monday-Thursday), 7:30am-8pm (Friday), 9am-6pm (Saturday), 10am-5pm (Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2877 9988

O2 Pilates — Multiple Locations

O2 Pilates encourages people to break the limitations they set on their bodies, and believes that with practice, regular folk can master seemingly difficult Pilates movements. Their group and private mat Pilates, Pilates Allegro, and Reformer, and Pilates Chair classes ensure there’s something that appeals to different sorts of people. Each class has a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 10 participants.

Locations: Jordan | Wan Chai | Kwun Tong | Central | Quarry Bay (see addresses here)
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 9520 3291

If you’re looking for other fitness options in the 852, check out these guides:

• Best Muay Thai Studios in Hong Kong
• Best Yoga Studios in Hong Kong
• Where to go Rock Climbing and Bouldering in Hong Kong?
• Top Gyms and Fitness Centres in Hong Kong

Header image credits: Embody Studio

Output Fitness

Output Fitness is a boutique gym in the heart of Sheung Wan that focuses on building strength and being “heart healthy”. Owners Tom and Kalana instruct group classes of HIIT, Strength, Conditioning and core workouts. They use progressional programs to challenge gym goers to enhance their fitness level in a fun and friendly environment.  For a more personal touch, Output offers personal training and Stretch Therapy. All trainers are NASM certified and have 8+ years of experience. Athletes like the Great Britain Dragon Boat Team and Hong Kong’s Women’s Outrigger Canoe team train here, so you’ll be in good hands.

G/F 4 Wa Lane, Sheung Wan | +852 6774 5491

Grand Jete Dance Center | BungeeWORKOUTHK

Grand Jete Dance Center brings you bungeeWORKOUT®️, the latest fitness sensation straight from Bangkok. Imagine a workout that’s both effective and incredibly fun. Their unique HIIT exercise burns calories and fat in no time, while engaging every muscle in your body. With a maximum of 7 participants per class, you’ll experience personalized attention and quality instruction from their certified bungeeWORKOUT®️ instructors. 

3/5 Wang Tai Road, Kowloon Bay | +852 9279 1231

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24/7 Fitness

Work out anytime at 24/7 Fitness, Hong Kong’s premier 24-hour gym with the most locations. Unlike other gyms with long-term contracts, 24/7 Fitness offers monthly memberships, providing flexibility for those on a budget. With automated self-service check-in and facial recognition technology, it’s convenient and hassle-free. Their eco-friendly facilities and dedicated personal trainers ensure you have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals. 

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Anytime Fitness

With round-the-clock access and a vast network of branches across the globe, your membership offers fitness anytime, anywhere. With over 20 locations across Hong Kong, Anytime Fitness offers state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training services.

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F45

Offering fun and innovative high-intensity group workouts, F45 delivers 45 minutes of sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun. Whether it’s cardio, resistance training, or hybrid classes, you’ll find the perfect workout to up your metabolism and optimize your performance. With 8 locations across Hong Kong, you’ll find a convenient studio near you.

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Fitness Academy HK

Join the CrossFit community at Fitness Academy HK. With a dedicated, experienced coaching team, they provide a fun and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages, from kids to seniors. By empowering you to get fit for life with a variety of programs, you can enjoy activities like hiking, running, swimming, and other recreational sports. 

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FITTPub

Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, FITTPub boosts over 7,000sqft of space, with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour through its floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Supported by local celebrities, their non-binding membership system and personalized training programs allow you to enjoy a range of facilities, including a bar counter for post-workout refreshments. 

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H-Kore

With a passion for sharing innovative fitness techniques from across the globe to make you Strengthen, Stretch, and Sweat, you’ll never be bored with H-Kore’s programs. Try the Megakore class on the state-of-the-art Megaformer machine, which targets over 600 muscles for a full-body transformation. Classes are limited to 10 students for personalized attention.

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House of Fitness

Founded by a team of health and wellness experts, House of Fitness caters to the modern elite who value time and seek a holistic approach to fitness. With results-driven classes including boxing and HIIT, you’ll increase endurance and build strength. Their unique darkened room, dimmed lights, powerful music and dedicated trainers will motivate you to reach the next level.

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Pherform

Pherform is Hong Kong’s premier female-only gym. Their comprehensive and dynamic program, Female Specific Training (FST), is catered to the physiological and anatomical needs of women. With classes like Spinher, Restoreher, Shredher, and Powher, they provide a supportive community where you can be free to challenge yourself.

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Pure Fitness

With 12 branches in the city, plus locations in Shanghai and Singapore, Pure Fitness offers state-of-the-art facilities and advanced training tools. From gymnastics and suspension stations to boxing rings and cutting-edge immersive fitness studios, each location is well designed and offers a wide range of classes, including HIIT, pilates, and TRX.

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Square Fitness

Combining premium gym services and extended operating hours, Square Fitness aim to transform exercise into a lifestyle. With locations across the city, you can enjoy advanced equipment, for example, they are the first designated training center in Asia featuring DRAX® premium fitness equipment.

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Waterfall Sports & Wellness

With three locations in Tsim Sha Tsui, Island East, and Olympian City, Waterfall boasts extensive facilities, from top-notch fitness equipment to swimming pools, badminton courts, golf practice areas, saunas, and even BBQ spots. Whether you’re looking to work out, relax or socialize, Waterfall provides the luxurious amenities you need.

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XYZ Studio

From spinning to mind-body movement and meditation, XYZ empowers you to engage everything you are and embrace your wellbeing. Pedal away in their UV-lit ‘cave’ while grooving to a pumping sound system and a playlist that rivals the hottest nightclub. Enjoy the convenience of pay-as-you-go options and package deals.

VIsit website

Header image credit: nd3000 via Getty Image Pro

Hong Kong Island

Attic V Climbing Gym — Wong Chuk Hang

Open since 2015, Attic V is one of the popular gyms for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Since moving to their new location, Wong Chuk Hang, they have higher and wider bouldering walls, as well as a large training area with the latest equipment. Changing their routes regularly, they ensure that no matter your age, size or ability, you have exciting and suitable challenges. In addition to their daily rates (HK$150 for adults and HK$120 for kids) and monthly packages that can be shared amongst friends, Attic V also hosts classes to help those looking to improve technique and gain confidence on the walls. You can also host parties there – for birthdays, team building or just general fun! 

Attic V Climbing Gym, Shop E, Derrick Industrial Building, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang | +852 3101 2918

Verm City — Quarry Bay

A favourite amongst kids and adults alike, Verm City is a must visit for climbing enthusiasts. Their Clip N’ Climb zone is designed to be an amusement park meets rock climbing and while it is great for kid’s birthday parties, we older folk definitely enjoy it too. The session pass is HK$250, which includes about two hours of climbing as well as the mandatory safety briefing. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, their astounding 18,000 square feet of wall-to-wall climbing is one of the biggest in Hong Kong. They offer beginner 101 classes or day passes (HK$250 for one lesson) as well as private training (HK$700 for one hour), putting safety first!

Verm City, 4/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay | +852 2560 8128

Keep Climbing — Sheung Wan

Perfect for those looking for a quick workout during lunch time or after work, Keep Climbing is conveniently located in Sheung Wan. While relatively smaller than other gyms here, it has an exceptional community feel amongst regulars. Routes are changed regularly, so you should definitely get their monthly or annual pass if you’re looking for regular workouts. They also offer all-day passes for adults starting at HK$150 and for students starting at HK$100, if you’d rather just try it out before committing.

Keep Climbing, Unit 6, 2/F, Wayson Commercial Building, 28 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan | +852 3619 7166

Kowloon

Campus Climbing — Jordan

Known as the “petite” bouldering gym, Campus Climbing is great for those looking for an intro session at a great price! First-timers need to book through their Instagram account, and can get discounted packages with a day pass and shoe rentals for just HK$150. Their walls are peppered with routes for those of all levels, and frequenters enjoy the family-like vibe, with rope climbing walls for kids and board games for those taking a climbing break! They also sell cute Campus t-shirts, so be sure to preorder yours before going climbing.

Campus Climbing, 1/F, Jade Suites Podium, 600 Canton Road, Jordan | +852 9010 7250

Project_Climb & Boulder HK — Kowloon Bay

Another conveniently located climbing gym, built with German-made Polytalon, is Project Underscore. In addition to basics for children, introduction to bouldering and private coaching, they also offer consultations for indoor climbing wall constructions/maintenance/inspection and repair. Wanting to nurture the passion and enthusiasm for climbing by providing a space for climbers to work towards their respective goals in the field, they offer both day passes (HK$200) and monthly subscriptions (HK$720). They also partner with yoga instructors to offer classes inside the gym, to help climbers tone and build their muscles for optimum use when climbing!

Project Underscore, Room 11, 2/F, Metro Centre (I), 32 Lam Hing St, Kowloon Bay | projectunderscorehk@gmail.com

The Player Climbingym — Lai Chi Kok

Located just 5 minutes away from Mei Foo MTR station, The Player Climbingym boasts over 10,000 square feet of bouldering walls with a wide range of routes for all levels and a top rope wall which is 4.5 meters high. And if you want to get your kid into climbing early, The Player has a comprehensive kid academy where they don’t just help young learners build strength and agility, but also create joy and resilience! Children as young as four can join the trial (HK$280 for an hour) or climbing course (4 classes for HK$1064). Adults can also join in on the fun with day passes starting at HK$288 or monthly passes for HK$798.

The Player Climbingym, 6B & 6B1, The Upper Ground Floor of Lai Chi Kok Bay Garden, 272 Lai King Hill Rd, Kowloon, | +852 6380 0112

GoNature Climbing Gym — Kwun Tong

In addition to bouldering, lead climbing and top rope climbing, GoNature Climbing also has abseiling which is a rope descent activity. They also offer mountaincraft courses which include learning to use mountaineering equipment such as maps and compasses and how to commune with nature. The 6,500 square meter wall has over 100 climbing and bouldering routes, with training for beginners, experienced mountaineers and even parent-child climbers! Day passes for adults start from HK$188, with monthly packages available from HK$698. Their day activities including rock climbing, abseiling or mountain craft last about 3-4 hours and can host up to 20 people. With a ton of fun, short activities, this is a definite go-to for all your party purposes!

GoNature Climbing Gym, Unit C2, G/F, Wing Hing Industrial Building, 14 Hing Yip St, Kwun Tong | +852 3563 7156

YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre — Yau Ma Tei

The highest outdoor rock climbing wall in HK, at a whopping 18 meters high, is located in the King’s Park Centenary Centre. It has 300 square meters of climbing terrain and 30 people can simultaneously climb one of their 15 routes which offer varying degrees of difficulty. It is outdoors, so maybe avoid peak summer times, but climbing enthusiasts should not miss this opportunity to experience “real” climbing, while still ensuring their safety with measures such as wearing harnesses and completing the YMCA’s Climbing Assessment first, to learn safety procedures for lead climbing and top roping. Walk-in fees start at HK$88 for adult members during non-peak hours, and up to HK$146 for non-members during peak hours. If your child is upset about not being able to climb with you, don’t worry – they have a mini indoor climbing wall designed for 3 to 5 year olds.

YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre, 22 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei | +852 2782 6682

New Territories

Hong Kong Climbing Park — Sha Tin

This new, one-of-a-kind climbing park in Hong Kong has a number of different areas to cater to people of all backgrounds. They have a 4.5 metre tall bouldering zone with over 50 routes which are changed regularly to cater to climbers needs. The training zone is perfect for those looking to build their arm, hand and finger strength before tackling the lead zone, which has glass ceilings to give the impression of being outdoors with all the comforts of the indoors! Finally, perhaps most exciting (other than their popular dining area) is the Ninja warrior gym! With 10 stages, it is the biggest in Hong Kong and will truly test your ability to be a ninja. Prices begin at HK$138 for one hour in one zone, and for an all-day access pass to all zones, you just need to shell out HK$268 on weekends! They also specialize in courses, be it introductory, certificate or regular, perfect for those wanting to take their climbing to the next level.

HK Climbing Park, Level 2, Belair Gardens Shopping Arcade Phase 2, 52 Tai Chung Kiu Road, Sha Tin | +852 3708 9075

Multiple locations

Just Climb

With multiple locations across Hong Kong, including San Po Kong, Tuen Mun and soon to reopen in Heng Fa Chuen, Just Climb has plenty of options for those looking to try professional (or beginner!) bouldering. They have a number of different courses ranging from novice bouldering class (HK$398 for kids 12 years and above), their level 1 bouldering class (HK$1780 for a four class package teaching you the basic techniques) or even personalized private training (starting from HK$544 per class). They also organize competitive climbing events for various levels, if competition is what gets you going. 

San Po Kong: Unit D, G/ F, Prince Industrial Building, No.706, Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong | +852 3561 7868

Tuen Mun: 4 Kin Fat Lane , Tuen Mun, New Territories, Shop No.1, G/F | +852 2416 3968

Heng Fa Chuen: G09, Paradise Mall West, 100 Shing Tai Rd, Pak Sha Wan, Chai Wan | +852 HK 2416 3668

FAQ about climbing

Header image credits: The Player Climbingym

Qintensity Fitness Limited (QFL), Hong Kong’s leading health and wellness consulting firm, is excited to announce their partnership with Central Venue Management Limited to launch the “Fit & Well Festival 2.0”. This year’s festival is a two-night event featuring Dance Party on 16 June (Friday), and Moonlight Yoga on 7 July (Friday), both from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. The festival aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for the community, and attendees can look forward to a range of activities designed to suit different fitness levels and interests.

Fit & Fun Night Out – Dance Party

The “Fit & Fun Night Out – Dance Party” on 16 June (Friday) offers an engaging blend of high-energy Cardio Dance and Bollywood Dance classes, providing a fun-filled fitness option for the community. The event is designed to inspire the public to embrace an active lifestyle, understand the importance of exercise for their physical and mental health, and create a platform for individuals to connect with like-minded individuals. Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of instructors that will guarantee to light up your night!

Fit & Well – Moonlight Yoga

The festival will feature the moonlight yoga event in the evening of 7 July (Friday). The event promises an unforgettable evening of Partner Yoga and Rejuvenating Yoga, allowing participants to experience the joy of connecting and supporting each other through yoga poses. The Relax & Restore Yoga class will help attendees to release tension and find inner peace as they move through gentle, restorative poses. Come solo or bring a partner and experience the beauty of yoga under the moon and stars and the skyline of Central!

Exclusive Fitness Deals All Summer for Festival Ticket Holders

In conjunction with the “Fit & Well Festival 2.0”, the “Together We Move, Towards a Healthy and Happy Hong Kong” campaign is launched all summer.  From May 16 until August 31, 2023, participating gyms and studios will be offering Fit & Well Festival ticket holders a special trial class for group classes priced at HKD120/session ONLY at their respective locations. This is a great opportunity to continue your fitness journey beyond the festival and try out different fitness programs and facilities across Hong Kong.

Tickets for the “Fit & Well Festival 2.0” are now available for purchase, and make sure to book early to secure your spots. While the “Fit & Well Festival 2.0” is free to join for the public, purchasing a ticket provides attendees with exclusive access to a range of exciting festival perks, including participating gym promotions, priority access to activities and an array of festival goodies to enhance the experience.

Join for a fun evening of dance, yoga, fitness with an active and engaging community!

Event details

Visit the websites of Fit & Fun Night Out – Dance Party and Fit & Well – Moonlight Yoga for more event details.

Head image credits: Fit & Well Festival

Learn how to do wirework somersaults and flips with safety harnesses and crash mats. The club also has a jumping platform and steel cables to replicate the experience of doing stunts on a film set. Other aspects of the course include learning how to clear obstacles and execute stunts with prop weapons.

Army veterans will also teach participants how to hold, use and shoot a gun. The course demonstrates professional grabbing skills and the correct posture to assume while holding a gun to ensure a realistic effect while shooting it. These courses are only available for those aged 18 and older.

The club also teaches martial arts, such as taekwondo, hapkido (Korean aikido) and Chinese martial arts, as well as drum, wrestling and rolling skills. Participants can also learn the intricacies of the lion dance. These classes are available for adults and children, and the club even offers parent-child classes.

The fees for the movie stunts class range from HK$500-HK$800, while other martial arts classes are priced from HK$250 onwards.

New Era Martial Club is run by martial artist and actor Andrew Pong, who is best known for his work on films like The Leakers (2018) and Sleek Rat and Royal Cat (2021). Pong has studied martial arts at dojos around the world. He is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Muay Thai Association.

Header image credits: New Era Martial Club via Instagram

Mainstage – Nama-stay with celebrity instructors 

Fitness and wellness lovers can expect yoga and fitness classes, pilates courses, hot training tips, and exciting demonstrations from leading fitness professionals and influencers, including celebrity yoga instructor Coffee Lam, pilates instructor Jumbo Tsang, and breathwork instructor Simon Yuen. Simon Yuen, master in breathwork from Australia, will teach the importance of breathwork and ways to integrate them into everyone’s daily lives. A range of yoga and fitness classes will be offered, including Yin Yang Yoga, HIIT, Piloxing and more.

HYROX – World’s largest fitness race makes a comeback

After a successful first-year run and from popular demand, the renowned German fitness race HYROX – a globally standardised series of fitness racing, is returning to the FWE! Held in 14 countries around the world, a HYROX fitness race involves a 1km run, followed by a functional fitness workout, repeated 8 times with participants running 8km in total and completing 8 different functional fitness workout stations. Blending running and functional training, HYROX is excellent for building strength, power and endurance. Participants can either race as a single in the open or pro category, or team up with a partner and race as a male double, mixed double or female double. 

A new race category, the Relay (Team of 4) will be introduced for the first time in Asia. Suitable for all abilities, thrill-seeking enthusiasts from age 16 to 70 can challenge their fitness ability. All racers will receive a Hong Kong edition HYROX Finisher patch, with top athletes of each age group in Singles, Single Pro and Doubles races to be qualified for the World Championships. Alternatively, you can be a part of the exhilarating experience by cheering for your friends! 

Spin Stage – Ride to the beat with Re:Nation

Find your rhythm on the saddle and spin to the beat of music. Get your heart pumping, improve your stamina and burn some calories at the most sought after spinning classes. Led by the city’s brightest instructors, the beloved Re:Nation spin studio will be co-hosting the first large-scale indoor spinning event at HKFWE. Each session has a capacity of 30 people. The stage will also offer a series of movement and functional workshops for individuals of all levels that will leave them feeling rejuvenated and energised to take on the year.  

Dance Stage – Dance your way around the world 

Forget Just Dance at home, now is the time to show your moves. FWE has dedicated a brand new stage for dance lovers based on popular demand. Dance enthusiasts can expect a myriad of dance-style workshops and classes, including an all-around fitness dance lesson, as well as a cultural series that features Bollywood, Latin, African dances and more. Dance is all about having fun, with burning calories as a side perk, and all classes welcome all levels of fitness. For beginners, the classes are designed to give you a unique introduction with basic moves. In partnership with Street Dance Society, a series of dedicated workshops for learning street dance moves will be available, such as breaking, wacking, hip hop and more.

Gym Village – Training tips from fitness experts

The eminent community space for health enthusiasts will be the perfect opportunity to come together and partake in immersive conversations with the best instructors from leading gyms across the city, including AQ Strong, Waterfall, Joint Dynamics and more. The village will resemble a community haven to explore the various gyms and fitness equipment or experiences available in the city and where attendees can acquire useful training tips from leading fitness professionals.  

Sports and Leisure Expo – All you need for holistic wellbeing 

Over 100 prominent health and wellness brands including Fluid X, Polar and BOC Life will gather under one roof for visitors to explore and stock up on their favourite health and fitness products. Get first-hand nutritional knowledge from local nutrition & supplement powerhouse YesNutri and other earth-friendly brands. The weekend boasts the perfect well-rounded experience for attendees to understand the importance of implementing wellness practices in their daily lives.  

Event details

Visit FWE’s website for tickets and more details.

*Please visit Nike’s member home page for the ticket redemption details.

Images and content: Hybrid Group

Choosing the right Muay Thai gym can be challenging, so we’ve put together this guide to help you out. Each gym offers a different environment and training experience, so it’s important that you pick wisely.

POW Muay Thai and Fitness — Central & Causeway Bay

With two locations situated in Lan Kwai Fong and Causeway Bay, POW Muay Thai and Fitness is an all-round combative sports and Muay Thai training centre. Its newly renovated location in Causeway Bay boasts a 3,000 sq. ft. studio with modern facilities and a well-designed environment. Known for its intensive workout classes, POW offers individual trainings as well as group sessions (6-8 persons) to suit every individual’s preferences. Group class trial is priced at HK$180.

Locations: Central and Causeway Bay

Contact: 2506 0155

KRU Muay Thai — Central

The head coach at KRU Muay Thai is Adisorn Tam, a 3-time Lumpinee Champion (the most prestigious Muay Thai title) with over 350 fights record. What’s great about KRU is that you get world-class instruction in a modern Central facility, and you can benefit from the small group structure in the Muay Thai and sparring classes. The studio caters to every level of learners, ranging from complete beginners to advanced fighters.

Location: 14/F, Siu Ying Commercial Building, 153 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Contact: 2638 8260

Sitpinyo Muay Thai and Fitness — Central

Sitpinyo is a multi-purpose Muay Thai, Boxing and Circuit training studio in Central that is fully equipped with matted floor, punch bags, and various functional training equipments. The classes are led by four experienced Muay Thai fighters and passionate trainers – Aof, Gat, Bar, and Gary. This gym might be a bit smaller than the rest on this list, however, we absolutely love the positive vibes and the friendly training atmosphere here!

Location: 1/F, 154 Des Vouex Road, Central

Contact: 9850 9825

M.Y Studio — Multiple locations

You are sure to get a well-rounded work out at M.Y studio as the space is fully fitted with top quality facilities including a spacious training area, punch bags of various weights, as well as boxing and Muay Thai equipment and safety gears. They also offer Muay Thai classes for kids aged 6-9. With a variety of memberships and flexible packages available to choose from, it is easy to find your ideal training schedule here.

Locations: Tai Kok Tsui, Ngau Tau Kok, Lai Chi Kok and Kwun Tong

Contact: 2832 6625

Warrior — Causeway Bay

Nestled between the Causeway Bay and North Point districts, Warrior Hong Kong is a popular martial arts and fitness gym with a 13,000 sq. ft. training facility specialising in Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA. They offer small group classes, 1-1 personal training, strength and conditioning, and much more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced boxer, there is something for everyone. Join them to learn the fundamentals or spar with their top trainers and fighters!

Location: 3/F, Sea View Estate Block C, 8 Watson Road, Causeway Bay

Contact: 2512 2262

United Muay Thai and Fitness Gym — Causeway Bay

United’s ethos is very much about uniting people of different nationalities, backgrounds and ages through Muay Thai training to release positive energy, enjoy and share the fun of sports, and bring about a healthier and better future. There is plenty more to like about United, such as their excellent facility with its matted floors, its full array of heavy bags to work on your knees, kicks and punches, as well as the pads and focus mitts to work on your aim.

Location: 4/F, Ying Kong Mansion, 2-6 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay

Contact: 9556 5159

Santichai Fitness — Mong Kok

At Santichai, you will find everything you need to train as a Muay Thai fighter, from pads and boxing gloves to heavy bags and skipping ropes to get you warmed up. Their group of professional Muay Thai trainers are very experienced in providing fundamental coaching to complete beginners, with a carefully structured training programme curated over the years.

Location: 9/F, Fa Yuen Commercial Building, 75-77 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok

Contact: 3540 3508

Southpaw — Central

Southpaw’s well-designed space, high-quality training facility and exercise equipment are engineered to set you up for success. The centre’s classes cater to beginners to experts alike, regardless of your age, experience, or fitness level. Their semi-private, small class structure with 4 persons or less per group class is sure to provide you with the personal attention you deserve, while experiencing the buzz and energy boost of working out in a group at the same time.

Location: 3/F, Tung Chai Building, 86-90 Wellington street, Central

Contact: 3565 5155

Hanuman — Hung Hom

Hanuman Thai Boxing and Fitness Centre is one of the largest Muay Thai gyms in Hong Kong with its 7,500 sq. ft. studio located in Hung Hom. The centre has years of experience supporting thousands of Muay Thai learners with different training goals, ranging from losing weight, building muscles, relieving stress, or training to fight professional competitions. The coaches here are all experienced Thai boxers and they welcome every level of fighter.

Location: 13A, Kaiser Estate Phase 1, 41 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom

Contact: 2362 3665

Muay Thai Station — Wan Chai

Muay Thai Station was founded in 2011 and quickly became one of the best known and most successful Muay Thai gyms in Hong Kong to provide same quality training as you would get in Thailand. Classes are lead by instructors Sam Pau, Kenneth Yeung, and Sutaep Sathong, all of whom have an impressive Muay Thai background. The gym’s flexible class schedule also allows you to freely join training sessions from noon up until the evening. Group class trial is priced at HK$180.

Location: Flat A, 1/F, Kam Sing Mansion, 151 – 161 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai

Contact: 2598 9233

^{Head image credit: Southpaw}

Yoga in Hong Kong has blossomed through the years. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a newbie who is simply trying to get your body moving, here are 10 yoga studios in Hong Kong we’ve found that would bring you amazing yoga classes from sun up to sun down.

Anahata Yoga — Central

As one of the very few yoga schools which brings India’s traditional authentic practice to Hong Kong, Anahata Yoga offers professional yoga training to beginners and advanced practitioners alike through its unique yoga lineage under the guidance of Dr. Yogananth Andiappan. Their yoga therapy series target the needs of those working in a bustling city, and the school’s dedication to spreading the benefits of yoga through a compassionate practice and its volunteer community has made it one of the most longstanding yoga schools in Hong Kong. Whether you are looking for a gentle flow with meditation to help set an intention for the day ahead or an energetic intensive practice, be prepared to be guided by experienced masters to explore the potentials of your body and the harmony of the soul.

20/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central | +852 2905 1822

Ikigai — Causeway Bay, Central

Ikigai, also known as “a reason for being” in Japanese, is a space dedicated for yogis to explore a variety of classes including Ashtanga, Yin-Yang, Meditation, Sound Healing & Therapy, and Breathwork. The team of knowledgeable instructors brings a welcoming energy and vivid presence to all students. The striking bright orange of its interior stands in stark contrast with one’s humble practice – and as one of the very few studios in Hong Kong that don’t offer mirrors in their classrooms, be prepared to focus solely on your own practice and immerse yourself with some mindful me-time.

Central: 7/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central | +852 9013 3701

Causeway Bay: 21-23/F, Art Piece Building, 3 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay | +852 9013 3701 (WhatsApp)

Serene Page Yoga & Wellness — Tsim Sha Tsui

As a relatively new yoga studio in Hong Kong, Serene Page Yoga & Wellness is a hidden homey studio in Tsim Sha Tsui which offers a quiet space for students to explore their own limits and to reconnect with their souls. With a professional and dedicated team of homegrown teachers, the studio offers a variety of classes including Hatha, Vinyasa, Active Stretching, Back Care, and Back Strengthening sessions to students of different levels. Brace yourself for a practice that is revitalising and challenging!

Room 101, Kam Hing Building, 20 Hillwood Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 9426 4115

Flowga Studio — Central

If you are looking for a dynamic and burning yoga class, Flowga is the place to go! Specialising in offering infrared hot yoga sessions, be prepared to stretch and flow with an intense session where you will be led to sweat and dance like nobody’s watching! Their slower candlelit yoga classes, encapsulated in a warm space with wood flooring, are also definitely fun and engaging classes to try.

Unit F, 1/F, Winner Building, 37 D’Aguilar St, Central | +852 9129 1366

Yoga Bagel — Sheung Wan

Locally owned and curated by Wing Yu, Yoga Bagel is a boutique studio in Sheung Wan that brings positivity and sunshine to the neighbourhood. Offering dynamic stretching classes and full body yoga flows with a cap of at most 10 students per class, the studio draws a community of different ages together and encourages all its students to create their own sunshine. Through sunshine and shade, don’t forget to pamper yourself with some good vibes at the studio!

3/F, 59 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan | +852 9298 1851

Studio La Lune — Central

As one of the first yoga studios in Hong Kong that focuses solely on women and their wellbeing, Studio La Lune creates an exclusive safe space for women to come together and to embrace their feminine energy through specialised classes such as Yoga for Menstrual Health, Strong is the New Sexy, Sisterhood circles, and Pre-natal Yoga plus Post-natal Yoga. The boutique studio also offers aerial yoga stretches, sound healing sessions, and movement classes for students of different levels to try out. Get ready to release your energy and inner stress by checking one of their classes out.

4/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St, Central | +852 9226 8464

Be Earth — Central

Located at the heart of Central, the sun-drenched space of Be Earth offers you another form of calming and uplifting experience. Co-founded by Hong Kong model Elva Ni, Be Earth’s beautiful plant-based presence with an emphasis on sustainable living is a warm haven to yogis. The studio offers a variety of classes – from breathwork and subtly gentle yoga classes to some dynamic and energetic ones – you name it, they have it. The studio also brings in Forrest Yoga, Mandala Flows, and different functional workshops from time to time, so be sure to check their latest schedule out.

2/F & 7/F, On Building, 162 Queen’s Rd Central, Central | +852 2833 5323

YogaUP — Discovery Bay

An eco-chic yoga studio with a stunning 180-degree ocean view, YogaUP has a serene space in Discovery Bay that elevates your practice to another level. Opened by Hong Kong yogi Ngai Chau-kei, the studio is a secret sanctuary of peace and wellness encouraging students to get away from all disturbances in life and to explore themselves through their practice. Offering yoga retreats, teacher training programmes, and classes like Hot 26+2 and other forms of Hatha and Vinyasa Flows, students are invited to challenge themselves through a comprehensive and relaxing practice.

Unit 7, 1/F, Block 2, North Plaza, Discovery Bay | +852 6805 4996

SUKHA Yoga & Wellness — Central

Founded by Katherine Lee in 2017, SUKHA is another yoga studio in the heart of Central which offers yoga classes to students of mixed levels. With classes aiming to help you build a stronger core and to develop flexibility with control and precision, the studio encourages a mindful and open practice for all those who would want to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. Make sure you greet Honey during your visit as well, the cute studio puppy therapist, who will surely bring joy to your practice!

Flat A, 11/F, Winning Centre, 46 & 48 Wyndham St, Central | +852 9011 4133

I’m a Yogi — Causeway Bay, Quarry Bay

With branches in Quarry Bay and Causeway Bay, I’m a Yogi is another boutique studio that offers a variety of mat yoga classes, wheel classes, and aerial yoga sessions. Bringing a team of young yogi enthusiasts together, it is a joyful studio that encourages students to find peace and calmness from within while trying to maximise their potential by realising their respective body conditions and paying respect to it. Believing that yoga is for all ages and for all sizes, the studio also offers teacher training programmes for aerial yoga and wheel yoga apart from a standard mat yoga training. Relax and unwind by trying one of their lessons out.

Quarry Bay: Room 308, Westlands Centre, Quarry Bay | +852 7075 9076

Causeway Bay: Flat A, 4/F, Po Ming Building, 2-5 Foo Ming St, Causeway Bay | +852 9389 7690

Header image credits: SUKHA Yoga & Wellness

Find Harmony, The Eco-Friendly Way

17-year-old Theo Robinson, founder of KaiJai sustainable yoga mats (kai means ‘ocean’ in Hawaiian or ‘recovery’ in Japanese, jai means ‘victory’ in Hindi), felt that the eco-friendly label on products had become a selling point rather than a commitment. He watched his yoga teacher mom buy branded clothes and yoga equipment, replacing them every few years, and realized that the exorbitant price tags on sports equipment were often associated more with brand-building than the actual quality of the products. So, the highschooler created KaiJai, mats made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified materials, which are similar quality as branded yoga mats but at a more accessible price.

Launched in 2021 from their home in Discovery Bay, the mats are printed with a unique alignment pattern designed by his yogi mom and made with a natural rubber base and a cork or PU upper (PU is PVC’s more environmentally-friendly sibling, which doesn’t release toxins when it breaks down). The cork surface gets grippier without being sticky as you move and start to sweat, unlike traditional mats; as Theo puts it, PU is one of “the most grippy, eco-friendly material[s] you can get on a yoga mat.” KaiJai mats come in two sizes – 5mm and 3.5mm – for yogis who regularly bring their practice outside and want a lighter version.

Use the discount code THEHKHUB20 and get 20% off all purchases on Kaijai.store.

Enter The Giveaway

Enter our giveaway below with your email only to be one of the three winners to receive a KaiJai mat, valued at HK$480-HK$580, and complete more actions, to ear more entries! Prizes will be shipped in Hong Kong only.

All image credits: KaiJai

Movement is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing during this Covid-19 crisis. How about adding a dance class into the mix? Twinkle Dance has created LIVE online Adult dance classes, as well as online classes for Special Needs students to encourage everyone at home to dance, groove and keep their bodies strong and mobile.

Daily Free Adult Dance Classes – Open to Everyone

The Director of Twinkle Dance, Ms. Twinkle, is passionate about sharing her love for dance, which is why she’s decided to share free daily online dance classes from Monday to Friday. The classes vary from Ballet to Contemporary, and even Barre Sculpt, keeping things fresh and vibrant. Twinkle Dance understands the limitations of space and equipment, so there’s no need for a large space, mirrors, or barres, all you need is a chair and the passion to move!

Free Online Dance Classes for Special Needs 

Giving back to the community, Twinkle Dance is also holding free online dance classes for special needs students. Creating a safe, warm and creative environment, our online dance classes will allow students to feel comfortable dancing, while encouraging artistic expression through movement.

Class Info

Time:           Monday to Friday
Length:        30-45 minutes
Schedule:    Update on every Friday
Fees:            FREE

Join a Class

Adult Live at Twinkle Dance Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/twinkledance/

Free Live Stream for SEN students: https://www.twinkledance.com/

Cook

You’re going to have to eat, there’s no doubt about that. Don’t delve into the frozen pizza or takeaway routine, now’s the time to try out some new recipes. Some of your favourite celebrity chefs have launched channels showing you how to whip up easy dishes during self-isolation.  

“Queer Eye” star Antoni Porowski brings you “Quar Eye: Cooking Lessons in Quarantine” via his Instagram page. He focuses on simple recipes using ingredients you can find in your cupboard, so even beginners can have a go at making a tasty “Keep Calm-lette”. 

Massimo Bottura, the famed Osteria Francescana chef, is also streaming cooking videos from his Instagram account. In “KitchenQurantine”, the three-Michelin-star chef hosts daily cooking lessons and shows how he prepares dinner while he’s under quarantine. The videos are entertaining and the recipes, like Japanese soup, are easy to follow. 

Fans of Jamie Oliver will be pleased to know he has a new series especially for these times called Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On, demonstrating how to cook with whatever ingredients you’ve got at home using tips, tricks and simple swaps.  

NOCHI (New Orleans Hospitality and Culinary Institute), a non-profit culinary school, is hosting “Cooking in Quarantine” lessons twice a week on Zoom. The virtual classes will help you plan healthful and flavorful meals, and are being offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. 

Running out of ingredients after tackling all these recipes? Stay safe at home and order from the many online grocery and gourmet food shops in the city.

Music

Always a comfort, music can fill the quarantine void and bring some uplifting moments alone or with others. If you don’t already have a Spotify account, get on it, as there’s millions of songs a click away for free to entertain you while you cook, clean or lounge.

There’s also some great sites bringing concerts to the home, like Global Citizen’s Together At Home virtual concert series. In partnership with WHO, it aims to help us all practice social distancing and promote global health with no-contact home concerts by artists like Chris Martin and John Legend.

The Berliner Philharmoniker has offered its Digital Concert Hall free to everyone during its closure, featuring some of the great conductors and soloists of our time. Enjoy live broadcasts, hundreds of archive concerts covering six decades, documentaries and interviews.

Also closed to the public but sharing its content free online is the Royal Opera House. Access spectacular performances in the #OurHouseToYourHouse series including shows like Peter and the Wolf.

Broadway fans will love the streaming platform BroadwayHD to get their musical and theatre fix. Hundreds of productions are available from old favourites like Cats to recent hits like Falsettos. A seven-day free trial is available to test it out, then you can pay monthly if you fancy.

Learn

No excuses, it’s time to finally learn that thing you’ve always to do but never had the time for. Is it being able to speak a foreign tongue, or properly play that guitar that’s collecting dust? You can do that and so much more without entering a classroom! 

Order your next fine French wine without embarrassment with online group or private tuition packages from Alliance Française Hong Kong. If it’s putonghua that you wish to master, My Mandarin House teaches one-one-on live Chinese courses online, with a free trial to see if it’s the right fit. 

Which instrument would you like to explore today? That’s what MusicSage wants to know. More than 100 private music tutors are available for online lessons in piano, guitar, flute, violin and even voice.

Maybe you’re tired of applying your eye makeup all wrong and really want to explore the world of makeup artistry? The Institute of Makeup Artistry in Hong Kong offers a Makeup Artistry Course online, ideal in the current climate. Study 12 comprehensive modules and 12 corresponding interactive assignments at home in your own time. 

Go beyond doodles and stick figures and learn how to draw. Really! Drawabox is made for those who don’t know where to start, with an exercise-based approach to learning the fundamentals of drawing. It’s also free, so there’s no pressure as you learn all about perspective, value, lighting and basic line work.

Read

If you’re like us, you’ve got one or two books sitting on the shelf at home with the spine uncracked. Take aside a quiet moment and escape with a good story, or read together with your family. 

For those who still like the feeling of flipping pages, there’s plenty of new releases and classic titles for purchase online. Local booksellers Swindon Books and Bookwise deliver straight to your door, Bookazine have a Whatsapp ordering/delivery service during the current crisis, and the international online bookstore Book Depository also ships to Hong Kong. 

There’s also a ton of e-books to devour, many available free through sites like Open Culture, or put down your e-reader and let someone do the reading for you. Explore an audiobook, many narrated by famous voices that you’ll get a kick out of hearing, such as Benedict Cumberbatch reading Sherlock Holmes.  Audible has a huge online library of audiobooks and it’s free for 30 days.

Create

There’s no need to go stir-crazy when you’ve got your mind and hands occupied. You’ll forget hours have passed by with a new creative project like making your own terrarium from Bonart. Order a DIY kit online and get your hands dirty with nature for an engaging and calming experience, leaving you with something pretty to have around the house after. 

Really let those creative juices flow through art. Maybe you have a boring wall at home that’s crying out for a mural or would like to try your hand at calligraphy? Molotow has the art supplies you need for your next large-scale masterpiece like paint and equipment, and an array of special calligraphy markers and sketchbooks to inspire you. 

Decorate a tired-looking ottoman or design your own outfit with the thousands of fabric options at modes4u. The options are endless at this online fabric store with 6500+ fabrics in unique patterns and materials like fleece, linen, canvas, organic cotton and much more. 

A wonderfully relaxing way to get your mind off things, and make something useful for yourself in the process, is old-fashioned knitting. Whether your skills go beyond a simple scarf or you’re holding those needles for the first time, The Knitting Room has lovely kits for all levels. Knit a comfy everyday beanie or a warm and cozy sweater, perfect for staying comfy while stuck at home.  Bonus: get free shipping in Hong Kong and 10% off your first order. 

Socialize

Time for some fun! It can be had, even within the confines of your home, thanks to apps that are bringing people together during this difficult period. Houseparty lets you join friends through group video chatting and do the things you would normally do at a friendly gathering, like charades or drinking games. 

Where would we be without Netflix during all this? There’s no need to binge-watch your favourite series alone, throw a Netflix Party instead.  Join your friends online, host long-distance movie nights and group chat to your favourite Netflix shows.

If it’s good conversation with mates that you’re missing, Discord is a fun way to communicate over voice, video and text. It can keep that book club going while social distancing, play board games, or simply hang out. 

A glass of wine (or two) will most likely be in order when partaking in the above, so stay well-stocked: local wine merchants Wine Moments can deliver their “QuaranWine Box” featuring a variety of wine (and a bottle of vodka) for the occasion. 

Fitness

Don’t let these days indoors alter your physical routine! Keep your body fit and your mental health in check with regular exercise. There’s no shortage of home workouts on YouTube to get you going, and local fitness experts are offering streaming fitness classes since you can’t go to them.

Fitness First Hong Kong  is hosting the Fitness at Home online series via their sister brands, for upper body and strength workouts. For fitness with beats, Dee Dream Life encourages you to dance it out at home with live Zumba, cardio hip-hop and Bollywood fitness online classes. 

If you desire something more chill, Vata Yoga Retreat has online Ayurveda yoga therapy and guided meditation classes. Finally, a unique way to burn calories is the Hong Kong Ballet’s HK@Home free online channel featuring interactive ballet content. This isn’t just for skilled ballerinas – enjoy ballet classes at home using only a chair with barre classes, or exercise with elegant ballet choreography at various levels. 

Find more online fitness ideas here!

Art

Don’t leave anything in the oven after entering the Google Arts and Culture online platform, as you will soon forget the time. You will easily spend hours exploring art around the world through digital tours of more than 2,500 museums and galleries. Despite travel being on hold and museums temporarily closed, you can still visit New York’s Guggenheim Museum, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and even our very own Hong Kong Heritage Museum,  Hong Kong Maritime Museum and others. 

Discover the exhibition rooms and galleries of The Louvre on a virtual tour and delight in exploring collections like Egyptian Antiquities without any crowds. Head over to Italy from the comfort of your sofa and check out some amazing 360° views of the Vatican Museums, with some stunning views of the Sistine Chapel and more.

Get advice on how to take care of your wellbeing and mental health in uncertain times. 

Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London.

The Basics

Start Point:  Mui Wo

End Point:  Pak Kung Au

Distance:  Around 6.5km

Duration:  2.5 – 3 hours (Not including travel time)

What to Take:  All of the hiking essentials: water, snacks, sunblock, octopus card etc. Stock up in Mui Wo before you begin. You will also need a warm jacket or jumper because it can be very cold at the top!

Difficulty:  3.5/5 – The hike felt a little longer but less intense than the likes of The Twins and Lantau Peak. The beginning of the hike consists of many, many stairs, however, and may be tough for inexperienced hikers.

Getting There

From Central, you need to take the ferry to Mui Wo from Pier 6.

Find the timetable here.

Then, take a taxi or a bus to the start point, which is Lantau Country Park.

There is both a bus station and taxi rank as soon as you get off the ferry in Mui Wo. Catching the bus is quick and easy and you can take the 1, 2 or 3M. Alight at the stop named Nam Shan Sam Uk Tsuen. Cross the road and you will see the big sign for the Lantau Trail straight ahead. Use the toilets here if you need to as it will be your last chance for a while.

The Hike

Now you’ve arrived at the hike start-point it’s time to set off. It’s a popular hike which is very well signposted so it’s not easy to get lost.

For the first hour or so it’s all up and is mainly stairs. Unlike its sister hike Lantau Peak, it is mainly shaded at this point so isn’t too stifling in the summertime. Keep going up and after a while the trail will open up and you will see your first great views of Lantau Island.

The second hour of hiking is more open and picturesque, allowing you to enjoy the greenery and panoramic views all around. This section is a little flatter and consists of a mixture of slopes and stairs.

After a while near the very top, you will come across several small and eerie buildings which are dotted along the path. You may speculate about their purpose as you continue to climb to the top. Depending on the day, here it can get very cold and you’ll need to put on another layer.

Just beyond the houses, the path narrows again and you will see the very top which is almost a separate peak entirely. There are two paths to choose, the first is to take the steep path to the top and the other is to miss it out and continue to walk around it instead. On a clear day you may wish to climb this steep section to reach the top but on an overcast day you may find that it’s shrouded in cloud and that it isn’t worth tackling. Either way, be sure to take in the views before continuing on to the descent.

The path to the end takes around an hour. It begins as a slope which turns eventually into stairs. It is steep and requires concentration and careful footing. Eventually you will reach an opening at the bottom where you will find benches and a toilet stop. Congratulations, this is the end of the hike!

Getting Home

Walk down to the road. Here you can either take a bus back to Mui Wo or a bus to Tung Chung where you can take the MTR. Perhaps the easiest way is to go to Tung Chung as you may end up waiting for a while in Mui Wo for a ferry back to Central.

To go to Tung Chung, take the 3M, 23 or 11 bus. To go back towards Mui Wo take the 3M.

Sunset Peak: Complete!

Tick off Hong Kong’s top 10 hikes!

Kindergarten Teacher, tea-obsessive and serial bruncher, Emily moved from the UK to Hong Kong 3 years ago. When she’s not working, you can find her planning holidays and hunting for books to read while travelling! She’s passionate about body image, wellness and ex-pat life – check out her other writing at emilymoulds.com  

For the third consecutive year, Mind Hong Kong is running its Move it for Mental Health campaign throughout the month of February to raise awareness of the benefits that exercise has on our physical and mental health. The campaign aims to encourage Hongkongers to get moving for their mental health by exercising for 30 minutes every day in February, with a dedicated website offering tips on how to get active along with a selection of local gyms and studios providing workshops and classes that are Move it themed.

Dr. Hannah Reidy, CEO of Mind HK, said: “Mental and physical health are closely linked, but more than half of us in Hong Kong do not achieve the recommended amount of daily exercise. Our Move it for Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness for how just 30 minutes a day of exercise can make a big difference to a person’s overall mental health, not just physical. Physical health plays a significant role in managing some mental health conditions, in particular depression and anxiety. While depression and anxiety can make one less willing to participate in sports activities or join a gym, exercise has been proven to decrease many of the symptoms of these disorders.”

Yvette Kong, Board Member of Mind HK and Olympic Swimmer for Hong Kong, said: “Your mind and body go hand in hand. This is important for everyone to remember – exercise can help your overall mental well-being, sleep, and mood. Taking 30 minutes out of your day for your mental health should be made a priority and I encourage you to take in this challenge.”

According to the Centre for Health Protection, approximately 55% of adults in Hong Kong do not reach the WHO recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity) per week. According to a study by the Hong Kong Playground Assocation, 21.3% of youth (age 13 to 18) and 38.8% of youth (aged 19 to 24) do not meet the MVPA60 standard (moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for ac least 60 minutes daily), a recommendation of WHO.

How to get involved in the Move it for Mental Health campaign

Mind HK’s Move it for Mental Health campaign asks Hongkongers to exercise for both their physical and mental wellbeing and to be aware of the difference it makes. Participants can simply walk, do yoga, hike, dance or do any other form of exercise for just 30 minutes every day in February. Sign up here and you will receive information on Move it themed events and resources.

To get involved, visit www.moveithk.com to find out more, follow and like Mind HK’s social media pages, and create community-wide action by sharing their Move it for Mental Health experiences and encouraging others to join the movement with the hashtags #moveitformentalhealth #moveithk.

Mind HK Facebook | Mind HK Instagram | Mind HK Twitter

The month of February is shaping up to be a strange time here in Hong Kong. With the city in turmoil over the spread of Coronavirus, many of us are spending our work and leisure time in the comfort and safety of our homes. So, before the cabin fever sets in, why not consider a new kind of exercise regimen? One that can be undertaken from the comfort of your own apartment. Below we have compiled a list of some of the best home workout options to suit even the smallest Hong Kong abodes!

YouTube

The world’s biggest video streaming site really is a great place to look when starting out on your home workout quest. There is a plethora of guided exercise videos to suit all interests and fitness levels. The following channels require minimal equipment and the best part is that they are all free!

Fitness Blender

Gimmick free and user friendly, this YouTube channel is a great one to keep in your home workout toolkit. They focus mainly on high intensity interval training (HIIT) and have workouts of all lengths to fit into any window of time. This is great for a full body work out and usually consists of a variety of sets of different exercises for less than a minute each. Really great for those of us who find that they get bored before they have even begun to feel the burn!

Yoga with Adriene

If you’re looking to stretch out and loosen up after being hunched over your computer, then some yoga might be for you. A great YouTube channel for beginners and beyond is Yoga with Adriene. Her channel guides you through all of your yoga needs, including 30-day programs as well as routines for targeted areas. Her soothing and aesthetically pleasing videos have attracted a following of over 6 million followers and all you need is a yoga mat. Why not give them a try?

POPSUGAR Fitness

Feeling cooped up? This YouTube channel is great for letting loose and having fun. After all, the best thing about working out for home is dancing like nobody’s watching, because they really aren’t! This channel offers a whole host of gym-class style workouts, most of which need no equipment at all. Their videos cover strength and cardio based exercises, one highlight being their dance section named Dance FitSugar. These videos are light-hearted and energetic, just what you may need after a day of working from home.

Paid Programmes

If you’re after more than a casual YouTube workout, perhaps buying into a fitness programme will get you moving. We all know that when we’ve invested our hard-earned pennies into something then we’re more likely to find the motivation to do it! Never fear though, the following options each offer month by month sign up fees and some offer free trials ensuring that you won’t be falling into a year-long, money wasting contract. See if any of these take your fancy:

p.volve

If you’re after low impact workouts with big results then p-volve might be for you. Their programme’s focus is on ‘toning up’ by using small movements which target specific areas of the body. These exercises are great for confined spaces and are gentle enough that you won’t have to worry about disturbing the apartment below. P.volve takes your goals into account and each day you’re provided with a guided workout that is tailored for you.

The programme does require you to invest in their specialised equipment, and access to the site and videos will set you back $25.99USD each month. They do have frequent sales, however, and it’s definitely cheaper than a gym membership!

FORTЁ

FORTЁ brings you the full gym class experience from the comfort of your own home with their raw and real workouts. This programme truly has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the world of exercise and has new videos each and every day. Their wide-ranging exercise genres and live streams provide something for everyone, for use at home or even at the gym. This site is great for those of us looking to explore the world of fitness and those who want to try something new each and every time we work out.

The sign-up fee is $39 USD per month or they’re currently offering a whole year for just $99 USD!

Fitbit Coach

Some of us are already on board with the FitBit craze. The good news is, though, that their workout app, Fitbit Coach, is full of great exercise ideas, no FitBit required (or any other equipment, for that matter)! Full of workouts for anywhere and for any length of time, the Fitbit Coach app challenges the idea that exercise needs to be strenuous and sweat-inducing to have any benefits. Instead, there is plenty of options for beginners and for people who have a five-minute window to fill. As well as lots of routines suitable for even the smallest apartment, they have many outdoor options, also.

The sign-up fee is $78 HKD/ month or $628 HKD/ year for Premium membership, but the app is free.

Let’s keep our bodies moving and thriving. Stay healthy everyone!

Kindergarten Teacher, tea-obsessive and serial bruncher, Emily moved from the UK to Hong Kong 3 years ago. When she’s not working, you can find her planning holidays and hunting for books to read while travelling! She’s passionate about body image, wellness and ex-pat life – check out her other writing at https://emilymoulds.journoportfolio.com/  

Free trials of water sports and activities

Anyone wishing to experience water sports first-hand — adults, couples, families, or children — will be welcomed by HHYC instructors to enjoy a free trial of watersports including sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboard and dragon boating for the general public on both days.

Race Village: A water-front market carnival in Sai Kung

The 24HR ‘Race Village’ will feature a dedicated Kids Zone, a market, children’s entertainment, art jamming, live bands, face painting and much more throughout the weekend. Also not to be missed is the Treasure Hunt.  Drop by each of the charity organisations participating and gather stamps to stand a chance to win valuable prizes.

Aerial Dance Performance

One of the other highlights will be a live aerial hoopla performance presented by Pole Beat Gallery.

Star War Stormtroopers

The 501st Hong Kong Garrison also known as “Vader’s First” dedicated to brightening the lives of those less fortunate by spreading the magic of Star Wars will be appearing in full Star Wars storm trooper costume on Sunday afternoon 6 October.

Event Details

When:           5 & 6 October 2019.

Water sports trials from 12pm – 6pm on 5 October and 10am – 4pm on 6 October.

Carnival race village open from 12pm til late on 5 October and 10am – 5pm on 6 October.

Where:         Hebe Haven Yacht Club, 10.5 Miles, Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung,

Tickets:        Free event, no registration required

More info:   https://www.hebehaven24hour.com/

Find more fun things to do with kids in our family-friendly what’s on guide here!