Jaunt Through July: Enjoy Jolly Hong Kong Activities for All this Month

July 2nd 2014 The unavoidable summer seesaw between rain and heat is in full swing here in Hong Kong, and love it or hate it, we all know we’re in weather limbo now until November. Diaries and planning go out the window as Mother Narure refuses to make up her mind, but there’s no need to let her dithering ruin your summer. We therefore present you with the ultimate list of Health & Wellness, Fun & Frolics, and Culture & Learning activities for July, giving you plenty of options this month, come rain or shine! Health & Wellness Summer is always a good motivator for those wanting to keep in shape, stay healthy and ultimately look their best for the junk and pool party season. Build your core and upper body strength with aerial arts at Pole Paradise Studio's strength and flexibility training workshop on July 5th in Sheung Wan. You’ll get a rockin’ bod and even be able to show off your newfound talent to your friends… once you find a pole! For the more experienced pole dancers, sign up for Spin Pole classes, recently re-introduced to the Pole Paradise Studio line up. Twirl on over to their Localiiz page for more info. Keep the aerial fitness antics going with Inspire Fitness’ flyogaTM programme. Performed in a fabric hammock, these moves will increase your flexibility, relieve spinal tension and develop your core and body strength - but strictly no napping! If balance and coordination just isn’t your forte, not to worry; try Inspire Fitness’ TRX programme instead. Based around bodyweight exercises, the class will see you build strength, balance and core stability, ridding you of your clumsy ways forever. To sign up, email via their Localiiz page or call (+852) 3188-4442. Getting healthy isn’t just about exercise; you’ve got to eat well too. The Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) is hosting a free talk on the Revolutionary Paleo Diet on July 3rd, led by Dr Adam Friedman, a licensed naturopathic physician. Find out everything you need to know about the ‘caveman’ diet and learn about the benefits of going back to basics. Claim your free spot here. Overdone it on summer BBQs and junk boat junk food? Rid your body of all those party toxins with IMI’s 10-Day Detox Group Programme with Tej BG, starting July 16th. The programme costs HK$3,980, with a HK$100 discount if you register and pay by July 9th. Kickstart that healthy lifestyle by clicking here. Healthy Family Bonding With the kids home for the summer holidays, it’s time to get in as much precious parent-child bonding as possible. And what better path to a happy and healthy family than some joint exercises and activities? Work out your frustrations together at Inspire Fitness’ kids and adult Thai boxing classes. You’ll improve your strength, endurance and self-defence techniques (a great thing to teach your daughters), and get a fun filled all-round workout. Who knows, your kids might be the ones kicking your ass after a few classes! For more information, visit their Localiiz page or call (+852) 3188-4442. The family that trains together, stays together. Opt for Elite Personal Training’s 12-week FIRE Group Personal Training programme to make that family unit even stronger. Utilising teamwork to build healthy, lean bodies, this scheme will bring you all closer and have Mum and Dad looking younger in the process. Prices vary from HK$800 to HK$1,500 per week, depending on the number of days you choose to attend. For more information, click here. Have you got a teen who’s been struggling with their health? Luckily for you, IMI has two programmes on offer this month that could lend a helping hand. For advice on relieving allergies, reducing stress and improving sleep, focus and memory, check out their BodyTalk Access for Teens workshop on July 12th. The talk costs HK$700, with a HK$100 discount if you bring along a friend. Turn that moody teenage frown upside down and secure a spot here. Is your teen full to the brim with potential but a little unsure on how to utilise it? Take them to IMI’s MindScape for Teens free introduction talk on July 11th in Central, or July 24th in Discovery Bay and help unlock their creative minds. This seminar serves as a precursor to the Mindscape for Teens workshop in August. Get them tuned in, focused and full of confidence by registering here. Fun & Frolics 18-year-olds and up, this section is for you! Get on your dancing shoes and head over to our favourite party stars Boujis to celebrate none other than the HK SAR. On July 3rd, celebrate and commemorate our independence from the British. Be sure to wear an ‘I Love HK’ t-shirt to bag yourself a free shot! Continuing on that patriotic streak, celebrate American Independence Day at Boujis on - you guessed it - July 4th. Spinning hits on the decks will be the amazing DJ Shortee Blitz, back for some classic US-style debauchery. For table bookings, make contact via their Localiiz page. Keep the drinks flowing with Americraft Imports on July 26th, when they’ll be co-hosting a beach party at Mavericks in Lantau. Details haven’t been released yet, but it’s sure to be a boozy blast in the sand! Stay tuned to their Localiiz page for details. Prefer to keep a (slightly) more level head? No problem. The wine lovers in the city can cast a classy glance towards etc wine shops and taste the fine offerings of Maison Louis Jadot on July 3rd. If Italian wines are your preferred tipple however, swing past the Bellavista Italian Sparkling Wine tasting on July 4th and get yourself in a bubbly mood on American Independence Day. Both events cost HK$190 for Inner Cellar members and HK$250 for non-members. Spaces for non-members are on a first come, first served basis, quite literally! To RSVP, email [email protected]. Culture & Learning Avoid a brain meltdown during these hot summer months and keep those mental cogs a’ ticking with the classes at General Assembly. Improve the digital presence of your firm by cranking up your visuals in a snazzy Email Newsletter Design workshop on July 5th. Tickets for the workshop cost HK$390 and can be purchased here. Who says programming is just for the boys? Are you a woman looking to break into the deep and beautiful world of coding? Head to a panel on Why We Need More Women in Technology, presented by General Assembly and the Women’s Foundation, where outstanding females in the industry will share their views and visions. The discussion will take place on on July 9th, with entry costing just HK$50. Register here. For more of an intense learning experience, sign up for GA’s 10-week Front End Web Development course, where you’ll learn everything about the ins and outs of websites. The programme starts on July 29th and costs HK$25,000. Want to get a glimpse into the course before you commit? Attend the info session on July 4th or July 16th and get a full overview of its content and objectives. When you’re ready to get clicking, sign up for the course here. Why not learn a little about your favourite subject? Etc wine shop’s Wine School is back this summer. Explore several different wineries this month, ranging from Morey St Denis on July 9th, Chambolle Musigny on July 16th, Vosne Romanee on July 23rd and Nuits St Georges on July 30th. Bring out your inner sommelier and RSVP to [email protected]. One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is rolling into town on July 4th and 5th for the finale of the Hong Kong Philharmonic’s 2013–2014 Season. This is one concert you don’t want to miss. Ticket start at HK$160 and can be purchased online at URBTIX. This event is for those aged six and above, so a great option for a cultural family outing.

Photo Credit: Michael Eisenriegler

  If you’re hungry for some food for thought, get cooking with spirit at the Kadampa Meditation Centre. Learn how to make Tormas, a special food offering promoting the attainment of spiritual realisations, on July 19th. Eat before you go however, as this food is offered to the three jewels and dharma protectors and is off limits to us mortals. Gain some enlightenment and share in the joy of giving for just HK$60. Register for a spot here.

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