5 Hong Kong fitness communities to supercharge your wellness journey

With its diverse landscape and never-ending happenings, Hong Kong is full of opportunities to stay active. When you’re going at it alone, it can be hard to know where to begin. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution – group fitness classes provide supportive communities that help you stay motivated while having lots of fun. Here's a quick guide to getting started and where to find your tribe.

To rally behind our Hong Kong athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer, we’re encouraging you to head out into the city and get your heart pumping. With our sixth Wellness Journey Personal Challenge, which runs from 11 July to 9 August, you can work up a sweat and build strength while earning up to 400 Asia Miles. Swim 600 minutes in 30 days to earn 100 miles, cycle 100 minutes in 14 days to earn 100 miles or complete a survey and get a health insurance consultation to redeem 100 miles. If you complete all 3 challenges, you’ll receive an additional 100 miles to continue your fitness journey. 

Swimming  

The best way to work up a sweat in the summer months? Staying in Hong Kong’s cool refreshing waters. If you’re used to swimming pools and are unfamiliar with open-water conditions, stay safe by joining a group outing. Open Water Swimmers of Hong Kong (OWSHK) meet every Saturday afternoon, usually on one of the beaches in the Southern district such as Repulse Bay. They offer three groups which cater to different levels of swimmers, with one group dedicated to welcoming beginners to open water swims. During these weekly sessions, experienced leaders help participants familiarise themselves with the ocean by teaching skills such as how to navigate the waters and draft in a pack. OWSHK also holds time trials, team events and straight-out swims. Join their Facebook group to stay updated on the latest happenings. 

Cycling

While hiking may be many Hongkongers’ preferred way of connecting to nature, there are also plenty of well-maintained cycling routes around the city. If you’re a beginner and unsure of which route to embark on, check out Rapha. Home to more than 20,000 cyclists, this global riding community is made up of local chapters – and you’ll find their Hong Kong Clubhouse located at 56 Sai Street in Sheung Wan. The club holds regular group rides every week, as well as weekend escapes, exclusive summits, and open rides which non-members can also join. Regular events include a Tuesday morning ride which meets on Tai Hang Road at 6am and a Sunday morning ride which meets at Hong Kong station at 7.30am and ends with a cup of coffee at the clubhouse.

Running

Running requires overcoming a whole lot of inertia – that's where Wazup Running Club comes in. Getting together with a group of people at a set time and place each week helps you set up a routine and a sense of accountability. Plus, their runs are based out of The Station in Sheung Wan – and post-run smoothies are always a welcome treat. Their weekly runs start with a warmup and include “Urban Wednesday”, a 4-to-7-kilometre-long run that meets at 7.30pm, and “Breakfast Saturday”, a 5-to-10-kilometre-long run that meets at 7.30am. “Explore Saturday” occurs once a month, with unique events ranging from GPS-drawing runs to trail runs. 

Outdoor adventures

Driven by a desire to show off the lesser-known natural surroundings of Hong Kong and make adventure accessible, HKOutsider is a community of outdoor enthusiasts. The group organises a range of activities including off-trail hikes, coasteering, stream trekking, canyoning and rock climbing – ideal for thrill-seekers or those who want to extend their comfort zones. First-timers are asked to start with an entry-level activity, such as a scrambling hike or stream hike, so leaders can get a better sense of skill and fitness levels before assessing suitability for future events.  

Functional training 

There’s no easier way to make exercise part of your everyday routine than with F45 Training . The global fitness community has eight studios across Hong Kong, making it convenient to squeeze in a workout around work. These 45-minute sessions pack a punch, combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training and functional training to help improve strength and cardiovascular health. The F45 community is filled with fitness enthusiasts, and this judgment-free team mentality will push you to grow. You can purchase class passes for greater flexibility, or opt for membership options that include unlimited training, a monthly InBody scan and consultation, and access to nutrition advice and customised meal plans.