If you’re slightly disappointed with your gym attendance last year, you’re not alone. Be it to lose a few pounds from all the holiday overindulgence, or if you’re committed to a more long term fitness game, you’ll need to start somewhere. We’ve exercised our way through the city to test out the types of training in hopes of finding something that will stick. So here it is, our top ten picks of the best places. From boutique gyms to multi-branch fitness centres — are you ready to get your sweat on?
Fivelements
Best for: All-in-one Wellness
Opening its doors in July last year, Fivelements has gained huge popularity in just 6 short months. And why wouldn’t they? Set across 15,000 sq. ft. of space on top of Times Square, you can take part in any of the twenty classes they offer including anti-gravity yoga, tai chi, pilates, mandala movement, and our personal favourite, gong relaxation. They also have an elixir bar for plant-based pre and post workout bites and treatment rooms for massages and steams, too.
Fivelements, 13A, Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street; +852 6803 5081
WeBarre
Best for: Low impact, high intensity
A combination of ballet moves, yoga and pilates, barre focuses on isometric strength training. Focusing on a set of muscles at a time, the high rep, small range exercises may look like a walk in the park, but don’t underestimate the dance-like movement, mini exercise ball and 1kg weights. The continuous 60-minute workout (yep, there are no breaks from start to finish) builds, strengthens and sculpts arms, legs, abs, bum and more.
WeBarre, 13/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central; +852 2310 0008
F45
Best for: Dynamic Workouts
Developed in Australia, F45 is one of the most dynamic and effective training styles to date; they’re also the fastest growing franchise (even Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg purchased a minority stake in the business). The training system is so successful, that it has over 2,000 studios in 45 countries — 8 of which are located in Hong Kong. Perfect for those who suffer from a short attention span, F45 keeps you on your toes (literally) as the exercises are different everyday, its rotational format keeps it fresh, and each station focuses on different muscle groups. There are always at least two trainers on duty each session, ensuring that you’re constantly motivated and your form is correct.
F45, various locations; we tried the Wong Chuk Hang and Causeway Bay studios.
XYZ
Best for: Party-style Workouts
This is the place for a ride and vibes — it’s home to indoor cycling on steroids; it’s your usual spinning class but on professional cleats, dumbbells for upper body training, and zero breaks. Music is a core driver at XYZ, so prior to booking your bike, you can check out your instructor’s playlist on their website and see if you’re feeling those vibes. But don’t be fooled by its playful style, it is a tough workout so be prepared for wobbly legs when stepping off the bike. It’s also good to note that some classes are “buddy rides” meaning that you can bring a friend along to pedal together with you.
XYZ, 2/F, New World Tower 2, 18 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2865 0999
LIGHTS/OUT
Best for: High-energy Workouts
Just by its name, you can assume the style of this studio. The immersive boxing group class comprises of flashing lights in a dark room, beast mode playlist, and a mix of boxing combos and weight/resistance workout. Though the classes are the same, the style of training varies quite a bit depending on the trainer you’ve signed up with. Model Angie Ng is all about positive vibes and non-stop encouragement, while trainer Burger is the hard-hitting coach that will definitely light a fire under your ass — both equally effective, so aside from your schedule, do consider the trainers.
Lights/Out, 11/F, The Pemberton, 22 – 26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan; +852 2392 1428
BounceLimit
Best for: Fun and games
Bounce limit classes all make use of their special rebounder workouts. What’s a rebounder you ask? Essentially, a mini personal trampoline. Unlike the trampoline however, instead of jumping to new heights, the intention is to jump down to reduce the shock and pressure on joints – devoid of any foreseeable injures in the knees. Their LED game nights uses fun exercises and a little competition to get your heart rate up and sweat on.
BounceLimit, 13/F, The Pemberton, 22 – 26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan; +852 2441 0021
FLEX
Best for: Beginners
There’s a lot going on at FLEX — they offer pilates, (anti-gravity) yoga, barre, and HIIT. The classes are relatively small, the instructors are attentive, and the level of intensity is rather low, making it a really great place to start if you’re new to fitness. It’s also ideal for newbies with their range of offering, so you can try out the classes and find out what exactly you prefer and works best for you. An added bonus is the spacious environment, which makes for a great Instagram backdrop.
Flex, 3/F & 4/F Man Cheung Building, 15 – 17 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2813 2399 / Shops 308 – 310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong; +852 2813 2212
H-KORE
Best for: Full-body Workouts
Training at H-KORE integrates strengthening, stretching and sweating in one go. Using their Megaformer (an amped up version of a Pilates reformer) machines, the sessions combine high intensity training with low impact moves to reduce the risk of any injuries. By using the special apparatus, the moves will train muscles you didn’t know you had (400+ to be exact). And as the name suggests, it is hardcore, so if you don’t exercise daily, you will be experiencing somewhat severe muscle soreness the days following your visit.
H-KORE, 3/F, Emperor Commercial Centre, 39 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2441 9000 / 1201, Dorset House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong; +852 3107 1144
Anahata Yoga
Best for: Yoga Range
This is the place for yoga — you know it’s legit when yoga instructors themselves train here. The studio offers class suggestions that are designed to guide you to the right sessions depending on your current activity level and goals, to help you select the right type of practice, whether that’s hatha, vinyasa, asana pranayama, andiappan, or everything else they have on offer. All instructors are masters of their art, so you know you’re learning from the best in Hong Kong.
Anahata Yoga, 18/F, One Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2905 1822
Ozone Fitness
Best for: Customised Workouts
Hidden away in the corner of the Star Street precinct is Ozone Fitness, a boutique fitness centre that’s tastefully designed and thoughtfully equipped. Here, you can sign up for small group classes, personal training, or free-style gym. And while those are all great, they are best at their mid-term programs. Their most popular being the 12-week Reboot Program that is fully customised by your very own dedicated trainer to achieve the goals you set yourself. Want to do an unassisted chin up? Or perhaps you want to know what it’s like to have abs? Their body composition assessment and tailored program will get you there. Bonus: they have a solarium to give you a tan to go along with your new bod.
Ozone Fitness, UG/F, Hang Tak Building, 1 Electric Street, Wan Chai
TOPFIT
Best for: Personal Training
The spaciousness, sleek interiors, and top notch equipment make this boutique gym worth exploring. Upon arrival, you’ll notice that it’s strangely quiet, and that’s because all training on their main floor are PT sessions. The trainers usually focus on one-to-one sessions giving you 100% attention and devise programs towards achieving your goals, or those who like to train with others, small private group classes are also available — depending on the trainers themselves. On the floor below, there are also some smaller function rooms that are used for group classes — TRX, yoga, abs focus, etc., but the best workouts are probably with a dedicated trainer that can monitor your weekly/monthly progress.
TOPFIT, 3/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2776 7298
Pure
Best for: Convenience
If you know anything about gyms in Hong Kong, you’ll have definitely already heard of Pure. Chances are you already know someone who works out here. Whether you need guidance (group classes), or know what your doing (freestyle open gym), or even specialised in only focusing on yoga (Pure Yoga), this is your one-stop-shop fitness centre. It’s perfect for those who work around the CBD area too, as there are tons of locations and they even provide workout gear. So there’s not really any excuse to skip on your training. Plus, it’s a great place to socialise after your session as there is a crowd that hang out at Nood Food (their nutritional arm of the gym), where you can get a balanced meal to complement your sweat sesh.
Pure Fitness, various locations
