The Annual Evolution Yoga Conference covers the philosophical and physical elements of yoga
Three yoga enthusiasts attending an annual conference in the city tellRachel Jacqueline how the practice has improved their lives
Although practised by 30 million people worldwide, yoga still has the power to divide a crowd. Practitioners rave about it, while others roll their eyes and yawn.
But with more than 3,000 local and overseas enthusiasts set to attend the Annual Evolution Asia Yoga Conference in the city this week, it is clear that yoga has taken hold in Hong Kong.
The four-day event, which starts on Thursday, aims to educate and demonstrate the physical and philosophical practices of yoga in five languages across hundreds of sessions.
Free community classes, exhibitions and stalls will be on offer, alongside the best of the world's yoga teachings. Three Hongkongers who will take part in activities this weekend describe how a practice that used to be a bore became a daily benefit and transformed their lives.
For years, Andy Willner thought yoga was "like watching grass grow". Once a competitive martial artist, personal trainer and banker, the self-confessed "Type A" personality was never interested in yoga. But after experiencing a class on holiday, and finding it tough, his curiosity was piqued.
When he relocated to Hong Kong five years ago, Willner progressively incorporated yoga into his life. Last year, he made the commitment to become a yoga teacher; now he teaches six classes per week. It has become his life's focus, even though he also manages an international executive search business.