10 exercise & cardio classes for people who hate running

If you’re a fan of trampoline parks, you’ll like BounceLimit. This high-intensity rebounding training studio has 22 individual mini-trampolines and 11 different classes for you to choose from. AirBounce is an intense cardio workout that is the equivalent to a 40-minute uphill-run, guaranteed to cause a sweat.

Bouncelimit, 13/F, The Pemberton, 22–26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2441 0021

How much: $320 per class with packages available

A short walk away from HKU station, Goji Elite, formerly named Warrior, offers fitness and martial arts classes. Their lift workouts focus on heavy compound lifts followed by high-intensity metabolic conditioning circuits. All the trainers are encouraging and attentive, teaching you the right technique and form for weight lifting.

Goji Elite, 1/F, Hong Kong Plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2838 3878

How much: First class is free; $300 per class with membership packages available

With eight branch locations scattered around Hong Kong island and one opening in Kwun Tong, it’s likely you’ve seen or heard about F45. Specialising in high-intensity, circuit and functional training, F45 rotates between 36 different workouts. Our favourites, however, are the interval circuit classes, where you’ll find 27 exercise stations, each one testing your strength, core and cardiovascular endurance.

F45, locations across Hong Kong

How much: Free one-week trial for newcomers; $330 per class with membership packages available

Looking for sculpted legs, a leaner body, and better posture? Try barre, a form of exercise that combines ballet, yoga, pilates, and strength training. WeBarre offers one of the best barre classes in Hong Kong thanks to its attentive staff and passionate instructors. Don’t underestimate this fundamentals class—while it moves at a slower pace, a controlled level of endurance, balance, and core work is still required to complete the entire class.

WeBarre, 13F, Hilltop Plaza, 49–51 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2310 0008

How much: $280 per class; $398 for a seven-day trial with packages available

Opened last year, Lights Out has already grown out of their shared location with Warrior Hong Kong and has opened a brand-new branch in Sheung Wan this past August. Expect a dark room, loud music, and encouraging instructors to lead you through boxing workouts and circuit exercises. The class is everything but boring.

Lights//Out, 11/F, The Pemberton, 22–26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2392 1428

How much: $300 for two classes (one-time purchase); $300 per class with packages available

If you find it hard to touch your toes, there’s no doubt you’ll find the Bendy and Flexy course at Aerial Arts Academy challenging. Suitable for all levels, this class provides guided tutoring that focuses on improving flexibility and strengthening the hips, shoulders, and legs to prepare you for more difficult poses. After you overcome your tight joints and muscles and improve your body’s alignment, you could even take on the beginner pole and aerial hoop classes at the Academy!

Aerial Arts Academy, locations across Hong Kong

How much: $300 for six credits for newcomers with credit packages available

Rope skipping isn’t only for kids. Learn how to skip like a pro and pick up cool tricks and skills at the Hong Kong Institute of Rope Skipping. Don’t worry if you have two left feet; the foundation class is suited for beginners and you’ll tackle coordination and muscle activation with the instructors. After you get the hang of things, you could try the more advanced courses such as Cardio Jump Routine, Functional Training, Skill Enhancement, and HIIT.

Hong Kong Institute of Rope Skipping, Unit 05, 3/F, Kinglet Industrial Building, 21–23 Shing Wan Road, Tai Wai | (+852) 6652 0722

How much: Contact Hong Kong Institute of Rope Skipping for more information

Got no musical bone in your body? Anyone can become a drummer at XP Fitness Hub’s Pound Rockout Workout class—a cardio, conditioning, and muscle class that incorporates weighted drumsticks into the full-body workout. You’ll be dancing, stepping, and drumming along the beat, burning up to 900 calories per session. The energetic workout encourages students to unleash their pressures through drumming and shouts—a perfect way to feel refreshed after a stressful workweek.

XP Fitness Hub, 4/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central | (+852) 2951 9178

How much: $150 for a trial class; $350 per class with packages available

Climb like a monkey at Verm City, where they offer both adult and kids climbing classes. Visitors will first learn how to jump down from the wall safely since bouldering does not include any ropes or harnesses. If you’re feeling less adventurous, Verm City also has a Clip N’ Climb area where the space is decked out in fun climbing games.

Verm City, 4/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay | (+852) 2569 8128

How much: $250 per class; $1,200 for one hour of personal training

Inspired by all forms of movement, parkour coach Eric Roberts offers all-levels parkour classes as a playful way to get fit and encourage you to become the ninja that you’ve always wanted to be. Designed with complete beginners in mind, classes are offered in Quarry Bay and Discovery Bay and participants will learn how using their surrounding environment to balance, crawl, vault, and climb with skill.

The Hong Kong Parkour Association, led by Roberts, also hosts weekly parkour sessions at various locations across Hong Kong for parkour practitioners of all levels to come and train together, though you should already be familiar with the basics of parkour before joining these. Check their Facebook page for upcoming sessions and locations.

How much: Free trial class; weekly training sessions are free