Fancy taking up yoga but don’t want to splurge on a pricy membership? There are tons of drop-in, donation-based, or even free classes that offer an inexpensive way to grow your practice. By Hannah Hodson
YogaPop
Having run for just over two years, YogaPop regularly holds a Sunday afternoon yoga practice that takes place in Tamar Park and is completely free for domestic helpers; pay-as-you-wish for everyone else. YogaPop is part of Soultrains, a yoga community founded by instructor May Nogoy that produces creative yoga events for the community.
www.facebook.com/soultrainspage.
Iyengar Yoga Centre
Named after world-renowned yogi, BKS Iyengar, the Iyengar Yoga Centre has a jam-packed schedule of workshops and classes for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Classes start from as low as $120, and once enrolled in a package you’re welcome to join the monthly two-hour self-practice class, which allows yogis to meet and practice together for just $50.
19/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2541-0401, iyengaryogahongkong.com.
Andiappan Yoga Community
Yogis of all ages, from little kids to grandparents, are all welcome at the Andiappan Yoga Community for absolutely no set cost. The community of volunteer yogis aims to share its practice with anyone looking to limber up and find some Zen, particularly those who have special needs or don’t have the means to afford regular classes. Sessions are run throughout the city, both indoors and outdoors, for all kinds of special groups, so check out their website to see which class best suits you. The community regularly works with local charities and studios to put together yoga programs for the disadvantaged or those recovering from serious illness.
yogacommunity.org.
My Yoga Trail
Prefer hitting the trails to hitting the mat? Yoga is an excellent complementary exercise for runners as it helps to lengthen muscles that have been shortened from running, keeping you flexible and injury-free. My Yoga Trail offers Yoga For Runners, an outdoor class at either Tamar Park or central Pier 10, depending on the weather. It takes place most monday evenings, all levels are welcome and classes are an absolute bargain at just $70.
myyogatrail.com.
Sahaja Yoga
The free sessions at Sahaja Yoga focus primarily on meditation, allowing you to line up your chakras and find balance. The session leaders will even share tips on how to meditate at home. Classes are led by devoted volunteers in Central, Jordan, Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, so you’re never far from finding some inner peace. For Islanders, there’s a practice every Monday evening at City Hall from 7:30pm (excluding public holidays).
sahajayoga.org.hk.
Yoga Union
Fancy pushing your flexibility, strength, and balance to the limit? Then join the Yoga Union for a whole host of challenging yoga classes. Set up by renowned Hong Kong yogi Adam Weirwick, the intimate classes have two instructors on hand with yogis of all levels given special attention throughout the practice. Classes are pay-as-you-wish and take place in the heart of central on Arbuthnot Road, and they’ve even got showers for you to freshen up after – no excuse to miss out!
facebook.com/yogaunion852.
David Ho Yoga
Despite being new on the block this year, David Ho Yoga has already gathered quite a following for his hatha, vinyasa and acro yoga classes. Open to beginners and experienced yogis alike, the sessions run on a pay-as-you-wish basis (recommended $100-$150) in a variety of different outdoor locations on the island, including Tamar Park. While there isn’t a set schedule, classes pop up regularly, so keep up to date on the Facebook page.
facebook.com/DavidHoYoga.
Tree pose
Running since February, the pay-as-you-wish classes by Grass Roots Yoga take place in Victoria Park at a variety of different times, so keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook site to find the best time for you.
tiny.cc/grassrootsyogahk.
Ben & Jenny
Whether it’s vinyasa or ashtanga, this dynamic duo has got your back. Ideal for those looking for a more energetic practice, Ben and Jenny offer a number of evening classes held at government sports centres Sheung Wan, Wan Chai and Sai Ying Pun through the week, with a few outdoor classes at Sun Yat-sen Park thrown in. Believing that yoga is for everyone, the duo have been hosting pay-as-you-wish classes for all levels ever since completing their teacher training back in March. Hang back for a 30-minute Q&A session after class to brush up on your technique and yoga knowledge. Subscribe to their event feed to find out where the next classes are taking place.
facebook.com/benandjennyyoga.
