All the must-have items for a summer workout in Hong Kong

Don't let the heat and humidity get in the way of your exercise regime— here's our pick of the best gear to keep you working out all through summer

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All the must-have items for a summer workout in Hong Kong

Published: 11:15pm, 29 Jul 2015Updated: 10:37am, 30 Jul 2015

The popularity of running in Hong Kong has mushroomed in the last 15 years. Back in 1999, just 1,500 runners took part in the annual Standard Chartered Marathon. In January 70,000 people filled the streets for the 42km run. There are even four ultramarathons in Hong Kong, each of them over 100km. However, doing any kind of athletic exercise at this time of the year - whether it's running, hiking or cycling - in Hong Kong is not easy.

There is, of course, one easy way of coping with heat and humidity - avoid it. "If conditions are too adverse, like running in that heat and humidity lately, I recommend running indoors on a treadmill, or start outdoors and finish indoors, or vice versa," says Olivier Baillet, top Hong Kong triathlete and triathlon coach (beyondthelinecoaching.com).

If the "dreadmill" isn't for you, here is some guidance, gear and gadgets to help you through the heat.

Basic gear

Forget your last weekend stroll around the shops; running is a serious business that demands specialist equipment. "Basic running gear is a running shirt and shorts made of quick-dry fabric," says Derek Kwik, ultramarathoner. "A digital music player, sunglasses, a running cap, a hydration bladder or bottle, compression calf sleeves and a GPS watch are also standard fare," he says, though he stresses the importance of proper running footwear. You can find Advanced Multisport Optics (AMO) Gale Trail running sunglasses at gonerunning.hk while 2XU do compression calf sleeves (HK$420, 2xu.com.hk).

Keeping cool

Picking the coolest time of day to run is common sense, but humidity is the thing that needs to be addressed. "For clothing, people tend to fall in two camps - loose or tight," says Bailett, who supports the latter. "Though tight clothing may feel warmer in the beginning, once it's wet with sweat, it gives a feeling of freshness that loose clothing does not."

There's another reason: loose clothing, when wet, tends to cause chafing, while tight clothes don't, so keep things close with the 2XU Project X Tri Shorts (HK$1,162, racingtheplanet.com) and Compressport ON/OFF Multisport Shirt (HK$790, escapade.com.hk.

Hydration

Run slower, run shorter; that's the best advice for heat and humidity, though you'll still need to stay hydrated. Here, it's a choice between a hydration backpack or running belt that can store a water bottle. Let distance decide. "Backpacks are more bulky than hydration belts or hand bottles and they change your running position," says Baillet, who doesn't recommend them for triathletes. "For triathlon training, we stay in the city so I recommend a maximum of 500ml-750ml. Refuel regularly, either by hiding a bottle or two somewhere you know you'll come back to, or stop at a 7-Eleven or equivalent."

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