Weird Yoga in Hong Kong

Learnt all your sun salutations but still stifling a yawn? Give these unconventional yoga styles a spin.

Reading Time:4 minutes

Published: 4:00pm, 24 Jul 2014Updated: 4:14pm, 19 Oct 2016

Become an Acrobat

Acro yoga is a partner-based practice that draws on the power of acrobatic techniques and involves plenty of balancing poses and stretches. Really advanced instructors and practitioners take on an almost uncanny ability to twist, flip and move in sync. But it’s not just for those with years of training. Anyone can practice Acro yoga, no matter your size, since classes usually include a spotter to help you keep your balance. It’s also a very popular practice to take outdoors; during the summer months it’s common to see Acro yogis practicing on the beach or in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

Try it: Yogabambam, 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, www.yogabambam.com, $150 for first-time trials, $200/lesson. Acroyoga Hong Kong & Beyond also provides free monthly sessions where you can socialize and stretch with other Acro yogis. www.fb.com/groups/AcroYogaHK.

A Silky Stretch

A low-impact yoga that’s perfect for beginners. Anti-gravity yoga uses a silk or fabric hammock to support most of your weight, taking the pressure off and allowing you to try acrobatic poses usually reserved for the really advanced. Classes typically end in a super-relaxing “cocoon” pose, in which you’re wrapped up in your hammock and left to sway peacefully.

Try it: Aerial Arts Academy (various locations including 2/F, Kin On Commercial Building, 49-51 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2375-8088, www.aerialartsacademy.com), $300/lesson. Bodywize Yoga (G/F, 1 Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 2838-5686, www.bodywize.com.hk), $480/lesson.

Blended to Perfection

Prefer higher-intensity exercises, but still want to feel the mind and body benefits of practicing yoga? These days, studios offer classes that blend multiple disciplines—which can build up core strength faster than just yoga on its own. Think classes with a mix of tai chi, pilates, and yoga set to music. Some studios and private instructors go even further by blending in dance and gymnastics moves, which can increase mobility in your spine and loosen up those joints.

Try it: Phillip Wain Fitness and Beauty, 11/F Miramar Tower, 1-23 Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2377-3888, www.phillip-wain.com, free one-day trial, with a yearly fee starting from $19,780. Myoga, B/F, Grand Plaza, 625 & 639 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok, 2390-7788, www.myogaonline.com, $250/lesson.

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