Let’s face it: not all of us are cut out for intensive gym sessions multiple times a week. Finding the perfect gym can be expensive and intimidating, and it’s probably the last place you want to be after a full day of work. If you’re looking to switch up your routine, we’ve got the perfect alternative workouts: from boot camps to stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing and outdoor cycling excursions.
PRIMAL FIT, which is new to the Hong Kong workout scene, ensures that all exercises are modified depending on individual ability so class-goers can achieve their goals. Allowing for an all-over body workout, bodyweight exercises are used to burn calories, build muscle and raise metabolism during the 60-minute sessions. These group-based classes are the perfect way to get you out of your comfort zone whilst improving flexibility, balance and core stability. Each class is different, which helps to keep things fresh. Classes take place in Tamar Park, Sun Yat Sen Park and on Lamma Island.
Take full advantage of Hong Kong’s cycling trails and go on a real adventure with Wild Hong Kong. Perfect to be enjoyed year around with a group of friends, riders start in Tei Mei Tuk and cycle around the picturesque Plover Cove region before hiking up the hills on foot in search of lush forest, landscapes and hidden waterfalls. Cyclists can customize tours to make them more difficult. Cycling trails in other areas are also available. Thrill seekers can go on tours all over Hong Kong and take part in hikes, kayaking tours, canyoning tours and overseas excursions.
6087-1439, www.wildhongkong.com
New Territories Bootcamp prides itself on bringing the best group workout experience in the New Territories and Kowloon. Committed to catering to all levels of fitness, NT Bootcamp ensures that everyone will be pushed to their limits, whatever they may be (yay?). Classes take place in Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui and Sha Tin five times a week at various hours of the day. Classes are extremely affordable, with package deals up for grabs.
www.peakperformance.com.hk/nt-bootcamp.
Stand-up paddle boarding is the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the ocean, all while working up a sweat. Blue Sky Sports Club in Sai Kung offers up beautiful scenery and stand-up paddle boarding sessions. This low-impact activity appeals to all and is easy for beginners to pick up. The sport strengthens your core, improves balance and works almost every muscle in the body. SUPpers can paddle to Sharp Island and snorkel over beautiful coral.
G/F, No 60 Sun On Tsuen, Sai Kung, bluesky-sc.com.
Release your inner monkey at Just Climb Bouldering Gym in San Po Kong. Rock climbing tests strength, agility, endurance and balance and is an exciting workout for both the body and mind. Just Climb has different levels of difficulty for all, with one-on-one sessions, on-sight boulder courses and package deals. Owned by rock climbers, this indoor gym is great for a workout amongst professionals and novices alike.
Room D, G/F, Prince Industrial Building, 106 King Fuk Street, San Po Kong, www.justclimb.hk.
Let loose at Hong Kong’s favorite trampoline park, Ryze. Covering over 7,000 square feet, the trampoline park includes 40 trampolines, dodgeball, basketball, foam pits and jumping boards. The RyzeFit fitness class promises to burn up to 1,000 calories an hour and strengthen the core. Special party nights are also held here, including Clyb RYZE every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm to midnight where the lights are turned off and you can bounce along to 80s music, dubstep and hip hop.
3/F Kodak Building, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, www.ryzehongkong.com.
Circuit25 is an outdoor workout program, focusing on different workouts that change from day to day, all in 25 minutes. Centered around HIIT and Tabata interval training, Circuit 25 burns fat quickly and effectively. Classes are designed for smaller groups to ensure all attendees get the attention they deserve. If you’re looking for a fitness program to whip you into shape quickly, Circuit 25 is the way to go. Classes take place all over the city, including Bowen Road, Victoria Park, Happy Valley Sports Ground and ICC Union Square in Kowloon.