Just as the number of yoga-pant-selling athleisure brands has multiplied in Hong Kong, the varieties of yoga itself have also increased seemingly exponentially. If you are looking to try stretch beyond your commmfort zone, here are five variations you may not have tried yet.
1. Paddleboard Yoga
Photo: SUP Yoga Hong Kong via Facebook
Yoga is fun, but being cooped up inside a crowded 800-square foot-room isn’t. The annoying car honk you hear right when you’re about to fall asleep during meditation definitely isn’t fun either. Imagine this: the warm summer sun on your skin, the occasional cool breeze, and being surrounded by beautiful rippling water. Paddleboard yoga is the epitome of relaxation, and your core and legs will thank/hate you after you struggle with poses that are much easier on land rather than a quivering waterborne plank of fibreglass.
Where to try it: SUP Yoga Hong Kong
Location: Stanley and Sai Kung
Cost: HKD500 for a group lesson, HKD450 for a private group lesson (5 to 16 people)
Contact: supyogahongkong@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page for more details
2. Anti-gravity Yoga
Photo: Aerial Arts Academy via Facebook
This type of yoga will get your blood flowing in directions your body’s not used to. Anti-gravity yogis utilise a soft and stretchy nylon hammock to perform a variety of poses while being suspended in the air. Don’t worry though, you won’t break the hammock: they can support over 2,000 pounds. Anti-gravity yoga does wonders for your flexibility, as you’ll be able to move more freely with less effort, while relieving tension in your muscles and joints.
Where to try it: Aerial Arts Academy
Location:
16/F Parkview Commercial Building, 9-11 Shelter Street, Causeway Bay (Google Maps)
Barre2Barre Studios 4/F Cheung Hing Commercial Building, 37 Cochrane Street, Central (Google Maps)
YogaBamBam G/F 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan (Google Maps)
G/F Capri Building, 130 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Google Maps)
Contact: 2375 8088 or check out their website for more details
Cost: HKD1000 for a 4 week course
3. Wall Rope Yoga
Photo: Yogasala via Facebook
Being tethered with ropes to a concrete wall may sound more “50 Shades” than down dog, but wall rope yoga is actually beneficial in more ways than you can imagine. People with back problems will benefit immensely because they’ll be able to stretch those hard-to-reach areas of their spine, since the ropes provide support and security. For the same reasons, this form of yoga is also perfect for those who don’t feel comfortable trying certain more advanced poses on their own.
Where to try it: Yogasala
Location: Flat A, 6/F, Lok’s Industrial Building, 204 Tsat Tsz Mui Road, North Point (Google Maps)
Contact: info@yogasalahk.com or 9071 0230 or check out their website for more details
Cost: Starting from HKD140 per class
4. Doga (Dog Yoga)
Photo: Desert Mermaids Studio via Facebook
Yoga is a non-judgemental practice, or so your teacher has told you countless times. All sizes, shapes and levels of fitness are welcome – and in this case, all species, too! Though you may struggle to find dog-friendly parks or restaurants in Hong Kong, your pooch can do the downward-facing dog for real and join you at a doga session. Not only will your body thank you, but your pup too will benefit from the increased circulation. Doga practitioners also claim that it’s a great way for you and your furry friend to get in harmony and build a stronger bond.
Where to try it: Doga classes are often held by Suzette Ackerman
Cost: Prices starting from HKD200 per pair
5. Laughter Yoga
Photo: Hong Kong Laughter Yoga Academy via Facebook
Laughter yoga is not, in fact, the realisation of your worst nightmares where people guffaw at you as you contort your uncooperative, sweaty body into different poses. This unusual practice actually consists of groups coming together to laugh voluntarily, all while chanting and making eye contact to create a playful ambiance. Proponents believe that your body is not able to differentiate between natural and forced laughter, so regardless of which, you will benefit from it, as laughter is known to decrease stress hormones and trigger endorphins. You may be wincing at the seemingly contrived nature of it, but that gives you all the more reason to go give laughter yoga a try – any awkwardness you encounter will inevitably crack you up anyways!
Where to try it: Hong Kong Laughter Yoga Academy
Location: Events in various locations
Contact: Check out the academy’s Facebook page for more details or go to the HK Laughter Yoga Facebook page for updates on different events
