We handpicked 10 fitness studios around Hong Kong to get you moving – especially with the feasting season just around the corner! Read on to find out what makes each studio special, and don’t forget to go check them out!
Prema Embracing Station 身心靈充電站
Who is/are your founders?
Amy (Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Therapist, Kids Yoga Teacher, Laughter Yoga Teacher, Counseling Psychologist, Reiki Therapist) and Natalie (Yoga Teacher, Laughter Yoga Master, Social Worker, Reiki Master, Sound Therapist)
When was your studio founded?
Spring 2014
What makes your studio special?
Our studio is a space full of blessings and love. When people walk into the door of our studio, they commonly experience a sense of peace and comfort, and usually turn into friends with one and other. We believe connection is important to wellness. We learn and grow with each other (and with our lovely plants too). It’s not just about a class. It is humanity which differentiate us. Actually, most of the furniture in our studio are denoted by our friends. While they have completed their mission at our friends’ house, they carry on their life in our studio and represent our friends’ kindness. We also share books about yoga, psychology, art and health in our studio.
What is your favourite Asana?
Dancer pose (Natarajasana). It is an elegant balancing standing pose with one hand catching the lifted back foot. While it can be done individually for stretching shoulders, chest and thighs, it can also be practiced with a partner or in a group, to form beautiful patterns and connect with each other.
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
OM. It is the basic, and always represents the sound of the universe. Smoothing and focusing.
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
I love food indeed! Well, usually light, delicate and healthy.
Pre-practice: Fresh Juice
Post-practice: Vegetables, hot soup and sometimes dessert!
Find Prema Embracing Station at:
Unit A, 4/F, Sing Kui Commercial Building, 27 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, H.K.
https://www.facebook.com/gotoPES/
Monkey Business
Who is/are your founders?
Czon Wong
When was your studio founded?
October 2016
What makes your studio special?
– A private studio located just 2 minutes away from Sheung Wan MTR station
– Signature classes are taught by adidas Yoga Teacher and celebrity trainer Czon Wong
– Small class environment to enrich each student’s experience
– Stretching, Pilates, Movement and female only circuit classes are also available
What is your favourite Asana?
Titibhasana
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Shanti Mantra
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Pre-practice: Organic juice
Post practice: Vegetarian dish with tofu
Find Monkey Business at:
22/F, The Strand, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/monkeybusinesshk
Warrior Academy
Who is/are your founders?
Billy Tam, Ricky Cheuk and Tricia Yap
When was your studio founded?
August 2016
What makes your studio special?
We are more than just a gym. We bridge martial arts, strength & conditioning, and nutrition to provide you with a complete health and fitness experience in a tight-knit supportive community that welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender or ability level.
What is your favourite exercise?
If so, it would be deadlift because it works to strengthen the posterior chain and lower back. It is a functional exercise because it translates to daily life. Every time you go to pick up your luggage or a pen you dropped off the floor, that is a deadlift. In martial arts and other sports, a strong posterior chain and lower back would translate to being able to run faster, throw further, punch with more power, etc.
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
That any change you make to your health and fitness, whether that is to do with training, nutrition or lifestyle, is one that you can do consistently over a long period of time because sustainable change brings about long term results.
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Around training times, we would recommend having a protein and low GI carbohydrate meal.
Our favourite from our cafe, The Elephas, would be our home made tuna poke bowls served on a bed of spiced quinoa.
Find Warrior Academy at:
1/F, HK Plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/WarriorAcademyHK/
Aerial Arts Academy
Who is/are your founders?
Ania Przeplasko and Vee Lea
When was your studio founded?
2009
What makes your studio special?
Aerial Arts Academy understands the demands of our client’s lives and aims to provide an impressive range of services and locations that can suit the busiest schedules. Our instructors are passionate about their practice and teaching. Our team reflect the personalities of our clients, unique and diverse – we embrace everybody who has interest to learn by holding regular monthly open days and 1-week unlimited class passes for new clients.
What is your favourite Asana?
Aerial Arts Academy’s favourite Asana is from our popular range of Aerial Yoga classes called ‘Flyoga’. We love to practice the Inverted Baddha konasana which translated from Sankrit means Inverted Cobbler.
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Even the greatest was once a beginner, so do not be afraid, have fun, try, fail and try again!
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Aerial Arts Academy recommends taking some lighter foods higher in carbohydrates such as fruits or a smoothie before practice.
After practice it is important to feed your body protein, we recommend lean meats, fish and pulses.
Find Aerial Arts Academy at:
Causeway Bay studio: 16/F, Parkview Building, 9-11 Shelter Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Central studio: 3/F, 55 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Tsim Sha Tsui studio: G/F, Capri Building, 130 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
http://www.facebook.com/aerialartsacademy/
Your Life. Your Playground.
Who is/are your founders?
Steffi is the founder of Your life Your playground. YLYP started as a small business of Life Coaching in Amsterdam in 2010, with the mission of supporting and guiding individuals living a healthier snd more fulfilling life. By 2012 yoga, meditation and mindfulness methods were added. Through Your Life Your playground my mission is to offer a “wholistic approach to wellbeing” and I use yoga classes, talks, yoga privates, life coaching and workshops & healthy yoga retreats
When was your studio founded?
My studio, rooftop yoga was founded in May 2015
What makes your studio special?
Practicing yoga at my studio is an experience. You are outdoors. You can practice yoga in the heights with fresh air overseeing the whole city and harbour. Classes are intimate up to 11 students. So, my students get personalised attention, with hands on adjustments. It’s a home away from home, my students feel comfortable and safe while learning about yoga and themselves knowing I care. A wonderful opportunity for those wanting a bit of personal touch, warmth while escaping the mass classes and the stressful pace of Central Hong Kong.
What is your favourite Asana?
Hanumanan; as it requires the strength to surrender, trust
Handstand; it feels great to be upside down for a while.. mediation upside down 🙂
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Where there is a will, there is a way… Just start walking and enjoy the journey 🙂
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Pre-practice: vegetable smoothie or a wheat grass shot
Post-practice: coconut water in large amounts and a shot of ginger-turmeric-cayenne-lemon-honey
Find Your Life. Your Playground at:
36B Scholastic Garden 48 Lyttelton Road, Central, Hong Kong
http://www.facebook.com/YourlifeYourplayground/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Rooftop.yoga.with.Steffi/
ODINSON
What makes your studio special?
Odinson is a premium boutique fitness studio dedicated to mind and body wellness offering both personal training and yoga under one roof. Located at The Pemberton, the studio’s open yet minimalist space is the perfect setting for their expert staff to provide a balanced offering of personal training, yoga and nutrition counselling for optimal health. With a community of results-focused teachers, trainers and clients, Odinson is a pioneer in private and small group fitness classes. Class sizes are kept small to offer clients an exclusive and personalized experience.
What is your favourite Asana?
Yoganidrasana – Yogic Sleep Pose
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Inhale ‘Let’, Exhale ‘Go’.
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Pre-practice food: time the practice about 1-2 hours after you had a normal meal
Post-practice food: after training, protein shake or smoothie / after yoga, usually, one does not get too hungry but we recommend to drink some warm water. If one is hungry, then a protein shake or smoothie will be a nice and light way to curb hunger after yoga.
Find Odinson at:
11th Floor, The Pemberton, 22 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/odinsonhk/
Yoga Central HK (YCHK)
Who is/are your founders?
Robin Tassie, British lady who studied Yoga in her university years ( I took over in 2006 when Robin left HK for good)
When was your studio founded?
1999 as the first custom-built yoga studio in HK (in Wyndham Street Central before 2013)
What makes your studio special?
No membership required, Small classes, Personalized attention, Optimize each student’s strength & flexibility, Encourage mobility to work with tight muscles and minor ailments, Generate energy and vigor for the mind in addition to the body, Scientific instructions, Safe adjustments with props or alternatives to enable full participation of body and mind in class, endorsed by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar as one of the 3 Iyengar Yoga studios in Hong Kong.
What is your favourite Asana?
No favourite but always feel great in Ustrasana & Salamba Sirsasana (Camel & Headstand)
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Om
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Pre-practice: No food
Post-practice: Banana or Milk-tea
Find Yoga Central HK – Iyengar Central at:
2C Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central (next to Graham Street Market), Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/iyengarcentral/
Alive Wellness HK
Who is/are your founders?
Alice Yuen ( Physiotherapist/Acupuncturist/Holistic healer/Spiritual Mentor)
What makes your studio special?
We have a sacredly energized space right in the heart of central that is bright, airy, welcoming and filled with like-minded people that want to live and let live life to the fullest with Love, Joy, Prosperity and Abundance!
Alive Wellness is Holistic hub wherein our belief that each individual is unique. We design tailor-made therapy programs for each of our clients and accompany them in the discovery of who they really are and who they can become. Unlike conventional therapies, we use a holistic approach, we regard physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being as states as an integrated whole.
Our regular health classes and wellness workshops are designed to empower you with knowledge and skills you can use in your everyday life to take care of your well-being and unleash your highest potential. Our team of practitioners share their professional knowledge and experiences in their respective disciplines varying from pain management, exercises, yoga therapy, philosophy, meditation, emotional freedom, parenting, entrepreneurship and more. We are also a community space for health and wellness enthusiasts and other like-minded individuals to and find mutual support on your wellness journey.
What is your favourite Asana?
“Breathing” (Pranayam)
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
“Live Life to the Fullest, Love what you do”
Our Favorite Daily Mantra is: “Today is the BEST DAY EVER”!
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Chia Seed Pudding With Coconut Yogurt, Figs and Caramelized Walnuts!
Find Alive Wellness at:
602 Yu Yuet Lai Bldg, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/Alivewellnesshk/
Barre2Barre
Who is/are your founders?
Karen Lim, Founder – Hong Kong & Singapore
Karen was a former finance professional and like many others working in a high-stress environment, she suffered from lower back and shoulder issues. It was then that she experienced the amazing physical and mental benefits of Barre and Pilates. At first, she took the teacher training courses for her own benefit – to deepen her knowledge and improve her practice. During this time, she discovered her love for teaching and has not stopped since. She loves working with her students and showing them how their bodies can benefit from proper alignment. She is happy when she sees positive change, not just in their bodies but also in their outlook, as they get stronger and more flexible with each class.
Mylène Mackay, Founder – Hong Kong & Singapore
Mylene discovered Pilates during college in Boston and was introduced to barre at the Lotte Berk Studio while working in London. She has always been a student of movement and after many years working internationally specialising in sales and marketing for luxury hotels, her healthy hobby soon developed into a passion for mind-body wellness and eventually her second career. BarreAmped is her favourite work out and way of sharing a healthy practice with the community. Apart from barre, she also practices martial arts and is happiest on a sunny beach in the Philippines with her husband, family and friends.
When was your studio founded?
July 2012
What makes your studio special?
At Barre 2 Barre, we feature the BarreAmped method and offer a unique fitness experience. We are a studio that makes a difference, dedicated to more than just exercise. Barre 2 Barre empowers people of all ages to use their bodies as they are meant to work. Whether you are beginning an exercise program, a high-level athlete, or just want to tone up, we have a program for you.
Mindful movement is our motto and the common thread that runs through our philosophy and approach to living a healthy, happy life. We keep our class sizes small, so you get individual attention at each session. Our studios in Hong Kong and Singapore are conveniently located in the Central Business District, and we serve customers throughout both cities.
Friendship, wellness, progress, and lots of fun…these are the roots of Barre 2 Barre that we hope to share with you through our work.
What is your favourite Asana?
My favourite Asana is definitely a barre move, Seated Chair
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
Find the shake – don’t fear or shy away from it. It’s a good thing!
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
My favourite pre-practice food hands done has got to be one of our instructor’s, Chloé’s, home-made energy bars. They are amazing.
My favourite secret food would definitely be Baked Eggplant Salad w/ Sweet Miso, from Supafood.
It is actually a vegetarian and gluten-free meal, but so delicious, and good for you as well!
Find Barre2Barre at:
4/F Cheung Hing Commercial Bldg., 37 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.facebook.com/barre2barre/
Epic MMA & Epic Yoga
When was your studio founded?
Epic MMA & Fitness Flagship opened in 2012 March, Epic Yoga opened in 2015 May.
What makes your studio special?
Epic MMA & Fitness is Asia’s premier health and fitness club which offers a wide variety of programs including Muay Thai/Boxing, Strength & Conditioning, CrossFit, Yoga and AntiGravity® Fitness, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kids’ programs. With the aim of helping our members attain a fitter and healthier lifestyle, our team is comprised of highly experienced martial arts, fitness, and yoga instructors, in-house integrative nutritionist, Chiropractor and health experts.
Epic’s yoga studios are located in different corners of Hong Kong, including the Central city centre, serene Stanley village, and the friendly Tung Chung community. Members can also explore yoga in a 3-dimensional space with AntiGravity® Fitness and Aerial Yoga, taking their strength, stability, and flexibility to another level.
What is your favourite Asana?
The favourite Asana will be Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana). Downward facing dog pose is one of my all-time favourite pose, when practice with right alignment it’s boosts energy, stretch and strengthens whole spine, eliminates back pain, helps improve blood circulation and calms mind. It stretches the hamstring and calf muscles, improve hip flexibility and etc.
Tell us a mantra you would recommend to a beginner
The Mantra for beginners will be ‘OM’ (AUM). OM (AUM) is universal Mantra or vibration,
When chanting correctly, it creates positive vibrations, calms the mind and improves concentration. Regulates breathing and helps to focus on the practice.
What’s your favourite pre-practice or post-practice secret food?
Pre-practice (half an hour before): Plain yogurt during summer or warm water with honey during winter.
Post-practice: Fruits or fruit juice.
Find Epic MMA and Epic Yoga at:
Epic Central flagship: 1/F China Building, 29 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Epic Yoga Central: 3/F Man Hing Building, 79-83 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Epic Performance Centre: 3/F On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central (Personal Training Gym), Hong Kong
Epic Tung Chung: Seaview Crescent G/F, shop F, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, Tung Chung
Epic Stanley: Shop B, 80 Stanley Main Street, Stanley
Yoga and AntiGravity fitness classes are available in Central, Tung Chung, and Stanley.
www.facebook.com/epicmmaclub/
Enjoy food as much as you enjoy yoga? Check out our food & yoga pairings to know which Asana goes with which yoga pose!