LANE CRAWFORD SALUTES THREE WOMEN CHANGING THE FITNESS LANDSCAPE IN HONG KONG
The changing face of fitness in Hong Kong is down to dynamic businesses and inspiring individuals. We profile three women radically revolutionising the city’s attitude to exercise, and discover their fitness philosophies.
BELINDA KOO – FOUNDER OF XYZ
As a successful private banker constantly on the go and a devoted mother of three, Belinda Koo’s life is never short of hectic. It was through exercise – particularly cardio exercise – where she discovered a renewed balance in her life. “In 2005, I realised that I was in critical danger of cardiovascular disease. I collapsed at work with crushing chest pain. I had been taking on too much at work and at home and I had lost sight of the fact that I needed to focus on my own wellness first to be at the top of my game for my career and my family,” says Koo.
“I started taking care of myself with diet and exercise, but I was never able to find a cardio workout that clicked with me. Everything I encountered at the gym was so militaristic, including the spinning classes that they offered,” added Koo. This was what inspired Koo to open XYZ – a spinning studio unlike any other: “When we first opened our doors, my mission was to give Hong Kong a style of spin instruction that was fun – and that focused not only on physical cardiovascular health but also on mental and spiritual health. The focus is on the rhythm of the music, finding the beat, and allowing that beat to drive our legs and our breathing throughout the ride.”
Fitness is beauty. When you are fully functioning, from your organs and breathing system, to heart, muscles and bones, you are happy and radiate health and confidence. That, for me is fitness, beauty and life.