If you are looking for an opportunity to stay healthy and get fit in Hong Kong, read on for these outdoor gym alternatives and best ways to exercise in the city!
Being one of the most busiest and crowded places in the world, Hong Kong’s metropolitan lifestyle often leads people to forget about the importance of physical exercise, even leading some to believe that the city is a bad place for one to stay healthy through consistent exercise.
Hong Kong however actually provides great opportunities to workout, and many fitness spots for people to sweat, whether indoors or outdoors, day or night. With fitness no longer being regarded as just a hobby, but as a way of life, more people are now looking for different options to stay fit in Hong Kong.
If you are struggling to maintain regular physical activity or are looking for outdoor gym alternatives, read on for the diverse ways and spots to get fit in Hong Kong.
Running Routes
If you enjoy going for a run at the start of your day, or after work, Hong Kong might just be the perfect place for you. In fact, the local government strongly advises people to run to enhance physical fitness and broaden social circles by making running-mates. Here are some recommendations for running routes in the city.
Central and Western District Harbourfront
The Central and Western District Harbourfront is the best route for running both in the morning and at night for its well-paved pathway and stunning views. Catch the morning sunrise beside the water or the Kowloon skyline’s night view across the water to clear your mind as you run. The trail stretches from Wan Chai to Sheung Wan, so it is convenient for runners to adjust their route according to their fitness goals.
Bowen Road
Being one of the most popular and well-known jogging routes in Hong Kong, Bowen Road offers a fine city view from a slightly elevated position, and a flat concrete pathway for runners. Plus, the public outdoor fitness stations along the way give runners some time to rest while stretching their tight muscles.
Happy Valley Recreation Ground
The 1.3km concrete running track in the Happy Valley Recreation Ground is open every day from 5am to midnight, except on race days. The space provides a perfect place for people to jog or walk.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
If you live in Kowloon or want to try a similar route to the Central and Western District Harbourfront, you may want to try out the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. The seafront has recently been renovated and reopened, providing the best possible environment for people to run without stressing their legs too much. If you are tired of looking at Kowloon from the island side, try out the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for a change of scenery.
West Kowloon Cultural District
Here is another seaside running route in Kowloon. The West Kowloon Cultural District similarly provides a view of Victoria Harbour’s nightscape, and a serene environment. With vending machines spotted along the route, runners can stay hydrated and maintain stable blood sugar levels after they exercise. Its short distance compared to other running trails makes this spot approachable for runners of different ages and levels.
Swimming Facilities
If you prefer a cooler environment for your physical exercise in a humid climate like Hong Kong, you may want to consider swimming. While the city’s beaches are already popular spots to enjoy recreational activities, Hong Kong’s swimming pools may still be unfamiliar to many. Here are some recommendations for public swimming pools in the city to stay fit while keeping cool.
Kennedy Town Swimming Pool
The Kennedy Town Swimming Pool is well-loved by many for its cleanliness, well-managed facilities, and surrounding neighbourhood. It has two indoor heated pools, a 50m outdoor pool for intermediate swimmers, and an outdoor leisure pool for families. Designed by the Farrells, the complex futuristic design motivates swimmers to stay committed to best enhance their physical health.
Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool
Located near Wong Chuk Hang, the Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool is one of the largest public swimming facilities in Hong Kong. The enormous size of the pool makes it seem uncrowded even at peak times, leading many to visit for fitness and leisure. This complex also contains a variety of swimming pools: a training pool, diving pool, children’s pool, as well as toddlers’ pool- making it a great option for water lovers.
Kowloon Park Public Swimming Pool
The Kowloon Park Public Swimming Pool is an excellent place to spend the weekend with your family or friends for its location and surroundings. Kowloon Park itself has astonishing scenic spots for swimmers to enjoy after they exercise. The facility holds four indoor pools, mainly for training and consistent swimming, and outdoor pools for families who come to cool off in Hong Kong’s heat. It even has a sun bathing area for people to relax under the sun and tan.
Community Sports Teams
Hong Kong has long history of diversity and being a melting pot for different cultures. This allows for the presence of different types of sports, including football, basketball, cricket, and rugby. There are also plenty of recreational sports grounds for people to use to play sports and train, upon registration.
But the most appealing advantage of playing sports in Hong Kong is that there are numerous community sports teams for you to join and broaden your social circle. If you are looking for a well-organised team that plays competitively, you should consider joining one of the community sports clubs on this list provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
If you are interested in playing sports in a relaxed and more recreational atmosphere, try approaching the local community teams playing in your neighbourhood. One of the beauties of playing sports in Hong Kong neighbourhoods is that people welcome newcomers even when they come by themselves.
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