GBA Lifestyle News
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, gyms and fitness studios across Hong Kong have temporarily shut and as yet, we don’t really know when they’ll open again. But, that’s no excuse not to work up a sweat. Many studios have gone virtual, hosting online classes through Instagram and Zoom. And, of course, there are a plethora of apps that you can download to do workouts at home. Here are our pick of the top online studio classes and workout apps in Hong Kong.
Kita usually hosts small-group yoga classes at its boutique studio just above Bridges Street. Now though, they’ve gone online. Use Mindbody or Classplass to sign up for virtual yoga classes presented through Zoom – Kita instructors are running the classes from their homes across the world, including Hong Kong, Cape Town and Washington DC. Plus, they host free 20-minute meditation sessions on Instagram Live at 9am on weekdays!
Miss having a personal trainer push you to do better at the gym? You may not be able to attend face-to-face sessions these days, but you can still get live trainer-led sessions with Gixo. Whether you want to do a running, walking, HITT or strength session, you’ll find it all here. Just log in 30 minutes ahead of time, and get ready to push through a 15, 25, or 40-minute session.
Are you a barre devotee who’s missing your ballet-like workouts? Never fear. Popular Hong Kong studio Barre 2 Barre has gone online to make sure you can still get your fix in a socially-responsible manner! The studio runs livestream classes through Zoom – just book ahead on the MindBody app and you’ll get instructions on how to join the session.
If you like a little variety in your workouts, this exercise streaming app is just the thing. All you have to do is decide whether you’re in the mood for pilates, barre, HITT, or anything else…then just hit play and get through your workout with easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, you can even throw in a social aspect to your exercise by syncing your friends to the same routine!
Another victim of the government-mandated gym shutdown, this female-focused gym has taken its training online with a range of virtual live classes through Zoom and recorded sessions you can watch at your own time. These workouts are all about boosting your strength with body-weight work and get your heart-rate up with cardio.
You’re (hopefully) spending a lot of time at home, and with so many apps and online classes these days, you really have no excuse not to work out. But, if you still find a way to insist that you’re too busy to get your sweat on, this app will shoot that excuse in the foot. In just seven minutes, this app will get your heart-rate up with a series of strengthening and conditioning exercises such as lunges, wall sits, and squats.
Flex is going virtual with a range of group and private class offerings, all hosted through Zoom. Whether you’re after at-home pilates, yoga, barre, or general fitness classes, you’ll find it all here. There are even pre- and post-natal sessions available.
We all need a little calm these days, and Glo specializes in classes that’ll help you get there. There are over 4,000 classes on the app that includes yoga, pilates, and meditation. Whether you’re a total newbie or expert practitioner, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and reach a state of Zen faster than you expect.
Looking for more in-depth stories about Hong Kong? Check out our city living section.
