Reviews

TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

WELLNESS

Gyrokinesis Workshop at Mandarin Oriental

The Buzz: Gyrokinesis is a movement-based practice, and was the precursor to the Gyrotonic method, which uses pulley-assisted machines to isolate and tone muscles. Unlike Gyrotonics, however, Gyrokinesis uses no equipment - just a mat and chair to explore all the natural movements of your spine and breath. Lisa Souissa is a guest practitioner in Gyrokinesis at the Mandarin Oriental, and we joined one of her workshops. The Class: We arrive and find four yoga mats with a chair and towel for each. Lisa takes us through some easy stretches before diving in, literally; we spend the first 15 minutes of classes doing what can best be described as seated dive-bombs, in order to learn more about our posture and elongate our spines. We pay a lot of attention to body parts like the scapula, sternum, and shoulders, which altogether contribute to the poor posture that many office workers and perpetual smartphone scrollers (guilty, as charged) are prone to. We move into some balance and core twist movements, said to stimulate the nervous system and clear our energy pathways, before finishing up with some group work movements. Verdict: This workshop takes mindful movement to the next level! While we felt comfortable with our knowledge of breath and movement, thanks to several years of yogic practice, Gyrokinesis is a whole different ball game when it comes to proper alignment. Perfect for anyone looking to get deeper into their body’s natural rhythms, or walk a little bit taller after class. Cost: $1,000 per person for 60 minutes.

mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoria-harbour TREATMENT

Sports Massage at Thrive

The Buzz: Although we’re no massage novice, we’re usually indulging in a bit of hot stone or aromatherapy. Sports massage, on the other hand, is uncharted territory. This form of massage is designed to help athletes of all levels, targeting muscle systems to promote blood flow, prevent injury, and, in the case of strain, aid healing. Concerned about a possible injury that we’ve incurred from training, we head to Thrive Health, an integrative musculoskeletal clinic in Wong Chuk Hang, to see how they can help. The Treatment: Upon arrival, we’re sure we’ve died and gone to heaven; we’re ushered into a room with a top-of-the-line massage chair for us to wait in! After some automated prodding and pummelling, we meet our sports massage therapist, Ron. We tell him about a small back pain that we’re concerned might be a herniated disc, but he puts our fears to rest with a series of mobility tests that indicate it’s unlikely. Ron gets to work on our back, quickly identifying the root of the problem: an enormous knot right next to our spine. He gets deep into the tissue with strong, sometimes uncomfortable pressure, and provides clear guidelines throughout on how to communicate our pain threshold to him. The Verdict: No oils, no candles, no Enya playing in the background...and yet, this was one of the best massage experiences we’ve ever had! Our range of motion was much improved at the end of our onehour session, and the mid-back discomfort we’d been struggling with was reduced significantly. Absolutely worth the moments of pain for the blissful release that came afterwards, and a happy return back into our fitness-filled lifestyle. Cost: $950 for 60 minutes

2106, Global Trade Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2522-6972, thrivehealthhk.com

SO YOU FOUND OUT THAT YOU'RE EXPECTING? Congrats! Welcome to the most glorious and hectic 9 months of your life.

Luckily, technology rushes to your aid. The Pregnancy Tracker app, a much loved digital pregnancy helper and guide, is incredibly handy. Sleek and intuitive, Pregnancy Tracker has a bunch of cool and useful features.

Calendar to set all your appointments, tasks, and reminders for medicine and supplements. Assistant to check if a particular food or activity is recommended, log in your weight and belly growth and see how your baby size compares to different fruits.

Money saving Market to find the best discounts and offers.

No need to look further. Pregnancy Tracker is an all-in-one app you don't want to miss out on during your pregnancy.

your CHRISTMAS, sorted

Stumped for gifting inspiration? Support local businesses and get organised for the festive season with our favourite products from our partners.

hashtag BLESSED

Make it personal this Christmas, with an engravable necklace from minimalist jewellery line Kookii B. Their Blessed Crystal Pendant Drop Necklace can be personalised with a name, mantra, or milestone date, with complimentary engraving. $980 from Kookii B, IG: @kookiib, kookiib.com

heal THYSELF

Get your fill of bioactive collagen to help improve the health of your skin, hair, nails and gut. Just add a scoop to your smoothie! This version by Nutra Organics consistently gets rave reviews online. $220 from detox-me.asia

heavenSCENT

Upgrade your mask game with the innovative FLO DiffuserTM . This lightweight oil diffuser attaches to your face mask or clothes with a strong magnet. Simply add a few drops of your favourite oil for a refreshing aroma all day long. Gift set with oil and engraving available to make it extra special! From $280 for diffuser only. From $400 for gift set with oil. flojewellery.com, IG: @flojewelleryofficial

mask UP

Time to upgrade your mask! Soft, breathable, sustainable and anti-microbial, these 100% bamboo masks from Bamboa come in a rainbow of cheerful colours. If you’re still using disposable masks, it’s time to make the switch. $130 (adults) or $110 (kids) from bamboahome.com

snooze CONTROL Transform you or your loved one’s bedroom into a 5-star staycation. Silky, soft, and sustainably made, Hush Home’s Egyptian cotton sheets give the gift of amazing sleep night after night.Sets start from $730. hushhome.com

hollyJOLLY Stand out at your holiday party with this show-stopping ruby and yellow diamond ring green-plated ring, which reminds us of a sprig of festive holly. Price upon application from Austy Lee Art Jewellery.

home SPIRIT

This loving-crafted and award-winning gin uses the bauhinia flower, Hong Kong’s emblem, as one of eleven botanicals to create a fitting tribute to the city that inspired it. Pick up a limited edition Christmas gift box, complete with stainless steel tumblers and premium tonics to enjoy over the festive period. $580 from winemoments.com

sun SALUTATION

Share the good vibes with this beautiful Aventurine Soleil Ring. Representing strength and vitality, Aventurine carries the energy of good luck and abundance, while the sun symbolizes life and cosmic power. Onyx and garnet gemstones also available. $480. karmalinksjewellery.com, IG:@karmalinksjewellery

happy HAMPERS

How adorable are these hampers from Naked Lab? The bamboo bedding brand is partnering with local businesses such as BeCandle, Petit Tippi and ZeroYet100 to launch Prices start at $680 from nakedlab.me

fit and you KNOW IT

Functional and flattering, this chic activewear set will upgrade your workout. The black leggings feature asymmetric stripes to elongate your legs, while the backless bra comes with a breathable mesh and adjustable hooks to give you extra support. $720 (leggings) and $490 (bra) from byoactive.com, IG: @byoactive