MMA training, propelled by the rise of the UFC, becomes a hit with weekend warriors as gym-goers vary their workouts
- Forgoing treadmills and weights, Hongkongers are branching out to various disciplines for variety and education when it comes to staying fit
- The UFC has normalised MMA as a form of training and now people across the city are diving into the sport to help balance busy lives
The rise of fitness as a lifestyle has brought about a sea change in how people approach working out.
The UFC saw double digit growth on all of its social media platforms in 2020, along with increased profit and revenue as it hosted a full slate of events all over the world, during a global pandemic. Along with this has come increased exposure for training such disciplines as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kick-boxing, Muay Thai and traditional boxing, all crucial for any UFC fighter to master.
But it’s not just the professional fighters training said disciplines, as weekend warriors and average citizens alike sign up, varying their workout routines and looking to build new skills and learn new philosophies in the process.
Hong Kong is showing signs of this trend as well. The city’s traditional gyms now have competition in the form of boutique fitness outlets, which have specialised coaches who can teach various disciplines to clients. One of the outlets embracing this new style of workout is Hybrid Gym, which is located in Central.
