The fitness landscape is changing, and it’s changing fast. Gone are the days of massive, corporate gyms. Fitness freaks today want more than a treadmill and a few group classes, they want the best of the best. Boutique studios offer just that: super focused workouts, top instructors, high-quality equipment and a social atmosphere-–an allure that’s hard to resist.
Hong Kong has fully embraced this trend, with dozens of small and independent studios popping up all over the SAR. From speciality Pilates and yoga studios to mixed martial arts and everything in between, there’s something for everyone here, but sometimes the options are overwhelming. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite boutique fitness studios in Hong Kong to help you find your perfect workout.
Flex Studio
Hong Kong’s largest Pilates studio delivers the intimacy of a boutique with the variety of a larger gym. They have programmes to suit students of all ages and fitness levels, so there’s no need to sweat over a babysitter before rushing to aerial yoga class–just pop the kids in their own class. Top quality instructors, great equipment and intimate class sizes mean you get a great workout and unparalleled attention. They also hold regular workshops on a wide variety of topics, from homoeopathy to runner-specific stretches, for those looking to fully embrace a fit lifestyle. Don’t miss out on Xtend Barre, a rigorous barre workout that will tone up your legs and core in no time. Plus, their Central studio has extended into an entirely new floor, adding a flexible studio space and outdoor terrace for sunset yoga or post-workout cool downs.
XYZ
Give spin a spin at XYZ. Hong Kong’s favourite spin centre is a new breed of studio: it’s fitness-meets-clubbing-meets-therapy. Founded by Belinda Koo, who moonlights as the managing director of UBS, this ‘covert cave’ is a haven for Hong Kongers who need to escape to for an hour of pure ‘me time’ and heart-pumping cardio. Get locked into a stationary bike and sweat your way to a healthier you as the flashing lights and pumping music keep you motivated. A session here hits all the major muscle groups, and you’ll walk away feeling stronger, more positive and re-invigorated. They have ample classes throughout the day, including early morning sessions so you can always find one to fit your schedule.
Bouncelimit
Asia’s first trampoline studio does not disappoint. The massive 3,000 square foot space is home to over 20 customized rebounders and a wide variety of classes to tone, sculpt, repair and more. Rebounding is great for those recovering from injuries, as the trampoline reportedly absorbs up to 85% of the impact, giving compromised joints a chance to slowly rebuilt. Classes here are high energy and engaging, and they can help improve endurance, lymphatic circulation, coordination, and even your metabolism. Each month Bouncelimit teams up with a partner brand to put on fitness-related workshops, ranging from posture correction to healthy eating, and even athletic fashion— and they’re free for members.
Aerial Arts Academy
Spice up your workout with a saucy class from Aerial Arts Academy. Internationally recognised aerial arts trainers Viva Vee and Ania Przeplasko founded the studio in 2010, and since then they’ve been pushing students to achieve the three pillars of their philosophy: Aspire, Achieve and Accomplish (AAA). Their selection of almost 20 classes are refreshingly different from other studios around the city, like their challenging Pole Dancing class–great for toning and cardio–and the Sexy Strip Class, a reimagined version of a striptease designed to inspire and empower women. Walk in excited, walk out a little bit sexier, a little bit more confident and a whole lot more exhausted.
H-Kore
H-Kore is Pilates taken to a whole new level. The spacious studio has an edgy vibe, and a family feel, you’ll always see people hanging out before and after classes. They specialise in Lagree Fitness, a full-body workout that uses controlled movements and constant tension to target over 600 muscles at a time. A favourite with Hollywood stars and fitness elites, it’s an efficient workout that really delivers. Class sizes are capped at 10 students only, so you’ll get unparalleled attention from their amazing trainers. Private and semi-private classes are also available, and are a great option for those recovering from an injury.
LIGHTS//OUT
The boutique boxing club is a new concept studio which combines high-intensity workouts with nightclub-inspired lights and music. Set in a new purpose-built soundproof studio in Warrior Studio Causeway Bay, each 45-minute session features strength and toning exercises along with relentless boxing drills. If you need the music blasting before you get pumped up, LIGHTS//OUT is the perfect place.
Sitpinyo
Small but fierce, Sitpinyo is a boutique Muy Thai and Boxing gym that really packs a punch. Run by three competitive trainers, this gym caters to clients of all abilities, and they really go out of their way to make sure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable. Somewhere between all the push-ups, sit-ups and squats, you’ll learn some serious self-defence, tone up and improve your overall stamina. A great workout for men and women alike at very competitive prices, they also have special lunchtime classes that are perfect for getting out that mid-day rage.
Hit45
Only 45 minutes for a full body workout? Sounds too good be true, but it’s not! Hit45 is an intense indoor boot camp that combines cardio, weights and callisthenics to get you maximum results in minimum time. These HIIT classes are fast and furious, so you’ll never get bored. One minute you’re on a kettlebell, the next you’re pushing through a sprint on one of their Green Jog treadmills and before you know it you’re showering and off to work. Classes are rigorous but easily adaptable to suit different abilities.
Pherform
This women-only studio, founded by Bikini Fit founder Alex De Fina, is committed to helping ladies shape up. With nine different classes designed specifically to suit the female body – BlastHer and IgnitHer for metabolic conditioning, ShredHer and SculptHer for hypertrophy, PowHer and LiftHer for strength and power building, and FastHer, BoxHer and SpinHer for HIIT cardio fat blasting – Pherform helps women achieve their wellness goals across the board, with the know-how to give lasting results.
Flaunt
You don’t get much further from the traditional mass-gym workout than Flaunt’s pole dancing fitness concept. The Sheung Wan studio caters to office workers with lunch and late night classes, and welcomes all-levels with a variety of workouts from beginner to advanced stretching for splits. If you’re looking for a killer core and the opportunity to raise a few eyebrows, this is the workout for you.
