08 Jul How to make this summer your fittest
With restrictions being lifted just in time for the summer, why not seize the chance to make it your fittest one yet? We ask Flex Studio’s instructors for tips on how to make that happen.
What advantages does summer bring when it comes to fitness?
Cherrie: Summer is such a mood booster, we need to make the most of it by adjusting our routines. We can’t be expected to work out as hard in the outdoors, it’s unrealistic with such hot weather. So it’s a great time to trial new indoor classes and enjoy the outdoors in more relaxing ways, and of course eating fresh foods that are lighter will balance out the fact that we just need to move a little slower in this heat! — Cherrie Leung
Cherrie Leung teaches Aerial Yoga on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at One Island South. She also teaches Aerial Silk classes for groups aged 8-11 and 11 and up. View her bio and schedule here.
For a lean, toned look for the summer, what would you suggest as an ideal month-long routine?
Anthi: I believe you need a healthy combination of well thought out, tasty and rewarding meals along with exercise like Yoga, Pilates and Xtend Barre classes. Personally, I run home because I go to Robuchon and eat my body weight in foie gras, but I would also recommend getting some some hilly walks in to get vitamin D to boost the mood! — Anthi Vu, Pilates Instructor
Anthi Vu teaches Pilates Level 1 Trios for beginners thrice a week, beginners are welcome to try her new class on Fridays at 4pm in One Island South. Commit to get your body in shape by getting Flex’s Move in May package, which includes 3 Trios + 3 Privates for only HK$4,200. Get individual attention from our staff to make sure your technique is on point. More details at flexhk.com/promotions
How important is it to log what we do and how we progress?
Dilip: I’m not a huge fan of digital trackers, calorie counting or heart rate monitors. I think society has gotten too crazed on monitoring and counting everything. Exercise has long lasting effects, not just what’s achieved in class.
For me it boils down to how one feels, not just how one looks. You could weigh less, but feel stiff and lethargic. It’s important to find a mind-body practice or exercise regime that makes you feel focused yet energized, and good about yourself. After a yoga class I feel taller, my aches and stiffness are relieved, and I can approach the day with fresh motivation and a good spirit. In turn my body reacts to this, I crave healthy foods and I don’t overeat, because I’m tapping into my mental and physical side when I exercise.
Dilip Pilai is now teaching two Energising Flow Yoga classes at Flex One Island South: Tuesdays at 10:30am and Wednesdays at 1:00pm. From June 22, he will teach Yoga for Hip and Hamstrings every Wednesday at 6:45pm. View his full bio and schedule here.
Heading indoors for studio classes is ideal during summer. Are there any advantages other than the temperature and humidity level to taking your workout indoors?
Tryphena: Working out indoors is great, because in a group class like Xtend Barre you are influenced to keep up and not stop, the music and the instructor’s enthusiasm will make the time fly and the fat burn away! Yoga can be as vigorous and strengthening or as restorative and relaxing as you need, and when combined with pranayama (breathing exercises) the mind-body philosophy has a beautiful ability to mentally and emotionally soothe.
Tryphena Chia teaches Hatha, Power Flow and Restorative Yoga at One Island South at 8:30am Tuesday & Wednesday, and 12nn on Thursdays. For her full bio and schedule, click here.
Do you have any tips for people who still want to run/hike/swim outside during our hottest months?
Louis: I think exercising in this heat is best done early in the morning. Or alternatively, meet a friend after work when the sun has gone down and take a hike to peak or to a place where you will end up for a casual dinner. I find that making my exercise a social thing really helps. You forget how steep the hills are because you’re talking and hopefully having a good conversation or laugh! Keeping hydrated, and wearing good breathable workout gear is a must too.
Louis Won teaches Classical Pilates Trio and group classes at both Central and One Island South. View his full bio and schedule here.