Celebrity Life

When products alone are unable to fix our beauty concerns, non-invasive procedures, such as those offered by King Qualia, come into their own. We explore several popular treatments at the beauty centre.

There are times for real in-the-flesh therapists, such as when you need a lymphatic drainage massage to remove toxic build-up and improve circulation. And then there are the times when nothing but state-of-the-art beauty machines can do the trick. In search of an almost immediate transformation, we head to King Qualia in the heart of Central to discover what its treatments are all about.

“Everyone will notice but no one will know” is the motto of the beauty centre, which prides itself on its tailor-made treatments and specialised one-on-one services for an unparalleled skincare experience.

One of the centre’s beauty therapists is assigned to you on your first visit, who then looks after you on every subsequent appointment, no matter which treatment you’re looking for. Safety, comfort, privacy and reliability are key at King Qualia, with all machines and equipment used thoroughly researched, US FDA- approved and brought in by the owners themselves.

King Qualia offers a comprehensive range of treatments and non-invasive procedures that help decelerate the effects of ageing, and treat skin concerns the include wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sagging jawlines. Treatments such as Picoway, Ultherapy, EMsculpt, Fotona 4D Pro, Thermage, Stellar M22, Exilis 360 help tighten and lift the skin, reduce lines and cellulite on the face and body, and increase collagen to retain a youthful look, and all are approved by the US FDA.

Fotona is a four-step procedure that’s great for mature skin, or for those looking for a quick “facelift” without the use of fillers. A synergistic, non-invasive laser treatment, Fotona 4D targets both the exterior facial and interior oral cavity, tightening the skin from inside out in just four steps.

The first step, SmoothLiftin begins inside the mouth, where laser energy is used to kick start the tightening process around the jawline and perioral region by reducing expression lines. The second step, FRAC3, targets deeper imperfections and pigments to restore a more uniform complexion. The third step, PIANO, is a brushing technique that applies heating rapidly to firm and tighten the skin. And the final step, SupErficial, is a light laser peel that addresses surface-level imperfections. The full session is quick, relatively painless and can be completed in around 60 minutes. The lifting effect is immediate, giving you an all-over glow the next day, with lasting effects that will continue to improve over a two to three-month period.

With the ability to reduce visible signs of ageing in a matter of minutes, Thermage FLX is another popular treatment at King Qualia that uses radio-frequency technology to deliver heat safely and uniformly into the skin layers and renew collagen. The heat separates water molecules from the collagen to result in an instant contracting and tightening effect on the skin and results in an immediately more well-defined contour on the face.

There are three major advances in using Thermage FLX. The heat is delivered into the collagen-rich layer of the skin to a depth of precisely 4.3mm, reducing treatment time by at least 25 percent compared to other therapies. The energy-pulse AccuREP technology can be adjusted and auto-tuned to deliver a customised pulse to the skin for a more personalised treatment. The machine also comes with multiple functions and can be used to target different areas of the face and body to increase comfort and effectiveness. Like most of the treatments available at King Qualia, Thermage claims to deliver lasting results with little to no downtime.

King Qualia is now offering Prestige readers a chance to experience their treatments. The first 10 readers to get in touch with them via the QR code below will get a free Fotona SmoothEye® treatment, while the next 10 readers will enjoy a trial offer for Fotona laser treatment (Steps 2 and 3) at HK$980. Learn more about King Qualia and to get in touch with their specialists to start your beauty journey below.

King Qualia, 22/F, International Medical Centre, One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central

The post Beauty Centre King Qualia Gives You a Helping Hand appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Lisa Chan grew up with a condition that made her self-conscious about her outward appearance but made her aware of the importance of inner beauty. She opens up about how two doctors inspired her to join their profession and dedicate her life to helping others feel beautiful inside and out.

Everyone gets asked this question at some point in their childhood: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For Lisa Chan, there was no question about it: she wanted to become a doctor. Chan was diagnosed with Graves’ disease as a young girl, an immune-system disorder that causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones. It affects the body in a wide range of ways, most noticeably a swollen neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland, bulging eyes and weight loss.

Puberty is already a difficult time for any teenage girl, but Chan endured painful years at school being the odd one out and recalls hiding in the school library during breaks, safe among books, and ridicule from a clueless teacher who, unaware of her condition, compared her to a goldfish in front of her classmates.

Chan recalls all of this with barely a hint of trauma. She grew up shy and lonely but was very much loved by her family, who instilled in her the value of beauty in all its forms – not just in outward appearances.

“I used to be really self-conscious about my appearance, and I guess that’s partly why I was drawn to things like art and music,” she says. “Even sad experiences can have a beauty to them if it’s made you grow. You relate better to the world around you, and you become more resilient.”

Her saviours were Gary Wong and Wai Fan Chan, the two doctors who ultimately cured her and became her lifetime mentors. Kind and considerate, they’re credited by Chan for instilling in her the belief that there’s good in everyone, for inspiring her to pursue a career dedicated to serving humanity and helping others, and for bringing confidence and normalcy back into her life.

Chan remains stoic while recounting her tough childhood, but when talking about her two mentors she chokes back tears of emotion.

“I owe everything I do to them. They really showed me that a doctor’s office doesn’t have to be a scary place, and they did everything they could to look after me, to look after my parents, and give us hope that everything would be OK one day.”

While recovering from the illness, Chan made many trips to the hospital for treatments and blood tests, but ultimately surgery was inevitable. When she was just 16, Chan tells me, the gland in front of her throat had grown so large that it made breathing difficult. Dr Chan Wai Fan, her surgeon at the time, was with her every step of the way.

“He told me he’d hide the scar between my collarbones, so it wouldn’t be too visible when I grew older,” she tells me, while subconsciously patting the base of her neck. “He kept his promise; the scar is barely there anymore.”

Today, Chan is a general practitioner and the co-founder of EverKeen Medical Centre with her husband, Alvin Lee, also a doctor. Perhaps due to her own experiences and her upbringing, she also has an avid interest in aesthetic medicine.

Chan graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and has a Master’s in Practical Dermatology with Distinction from Cardiff University; as well as Diplomas in Dermatology from Cardiff University and Queen Mary University of London. She also obtained a Diploma in Advances of Medicine at CUHK and a Diploma in Child Health at the University of Sydney. Since 2018, she’s obtained a second master’s at Queen Mary University of London with a research interest in anatomy, dermal fillers and threading, and has received further overseas training in aesthetic gynaecology.

I ask how she’s managed to do all this while running two clinics and, laughing, she replies, “My father-in-law is also a doctor and, along with my husband, we study a lot together. It’s a family bonding time for us and it also almost makes studying easier, as we can share notes and work on assignments together.”

For most people, a doctor’s office is an intimidating place, where the smell of antiseptic is strong and the lights are stark and cold. But Chan’s Tin Hau clinic is an entirely new world. I tell her it feels as if I’ve inadvertently walked into a spa or even a girl’s fantasy bedroom. She smiles, her eyes crinkling with warmth, and says, “I’ve put a lot of thought into creating this space, so people can feel relaxed and comfortable, just like how my own doctors made me feel safe and comfortable in their clinics.”

In a way, Chan’s clinic is an outward representation of who she is. All her hopes, dreams and convictions are on full display in every corner of her newly renovated office. A large mirror printed with the Hippocratic oath sits at the entrance to her office.

“I walk past it every morning and see my own reflection in it,” she says. “It’s a daily reminder of the oath I’ve taken – the part in the Hippocratic oath where it says: ‘May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.’ That really resonates with me.”

Even tissue boxes are printed with inspiring quotes, such as: “You were born an original work of art.” Art she’s painted herself, of white horses and cats and blue skies, and beautiful Chinese calligraphy by her own hand are placed sporadically around her office.

One particular piece, a singular Chinese character that says “Dream”, sits on her desk, next to a photo of herself and her mother.

“My mother introduced me to the world of art when I was small,” she says. “She brought me and my brother to classical music concerts and bought us a lot of beautifully illustrated storybooks. She loved classic movies and often talked about the actresses who inspired her – Audrey Hepburn and Julia Roberts were two of her favourites. She always emphasised their inner beauty, their kind souls, their authenticity and generosity, and not just their outer elegance.”

Chan’s own role models include Helen Keller, Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie and Emily Jane Brontë, influential women who also helped shape her own concept of beauty.

“They lived the lives they dreamt of and never let themselves be limited by any of the supposed restraints on women at the time or even physical disabilities,” she explains. “They made me realise that beauty is also about giving back and leaving a lasting legacy for the better.”

Today, her patients come to her for any number of problems, ranging from dermatological issues to aesthetic procedures. To Chan, medical aesthetics aren’t about guaranteeing or even encouraging perfection. But what she hopes she can do is to give her clients a small boost of confidence and to restore their self-worth.

“True beauty will radiate from the soul,” she says. “I particularly love this quote from Audrey Hepburn: For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

The post Lisa Chan: Beauty Inside and Out appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

When it comes to the people we love, we won't settle for anything less than the very best — and that means the latest novelties from the esteemed watchmaking Maison, Audemars Piguet.

In this photoshoot, take a closer look at the novelties from Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Code 11.59 collections.

Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm in Black Ceramic

When Audemars Piguet made frosted gold for the ladies, the men clamoured for it. Audemars Piguet heard and answered. Likewise, black ceramic was only used on larger case-sized watches until this month, when the brand used the beloved lightweight and scratch-resistant material on the Royal Oak 34mm line, complete with rose gold accents even on the octagonal screws in the bezel. What's more, this is the only time-only black ceramic Royal Oak at the moment, making it a timepiece well sought after not just by the ladies, but by the gents as well.

Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm

Slowly but surely, Audemars Piguet is expanding its offerings in the 34mm sized Royal Oaks, which have found a comfortable following in both men and women who prefer smaller case sizes. This novelty in white gold, with its frosted gold treatment, looks completely iced-out even without diamonds and is beautifully complemented by an icy blue tapisserie dial.

Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm

The latest version of the Royal Oak Chronograph with the flyback chronograph movement also receives the frosted gold treatment. The 41mm white gold timepiece, limited to only 200 pieces, comes with a new dark silver dial with the Grande Tapisserie pattern and snailed sub-counters.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43mm

Audemars Piguet has given the Royal Oak Offshore a complete overhaul with a new design that features a more ergonomic case in 43mm, interchangeable straps and the brand's integrated self-winding flyback chronograph movement, the calibre 4401. This piece in stainless steel comes with a taupe-coloured dial with the Méga Tapisserie pattern and a redesigned logo that says only AP for a more polished look.

Royal Oak Offshore Diver 42mm

The new Royal Oak Offshore Divers are also refreshed with a new movement, the Calibre 4308, and quick-change interchangeable straps — minute improvements that make all the difference. In new colourways that give the timepiece highly contemporary and sporty aesthetics, this blue-dialled beauty with a matching rubber strap is our pick.

Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm in White Gold and Ceramic

The Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet only gets better — this year, the new collection sees the addition of a new octagonal middle case honed from black ceramic. The bi-colour aesthetics gives the watch another layer of interest and highlights the unusual case construction. A future classic? Only time will tell.

Photography Kauzrambler
Styling Michael Cheung
Hair and Make-up Gloomy Kwok
Photo Assistant Allison Fong
Styling Assistant Cissy Chan
Location Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Models Jeremy W and Ksenia I @ Primo

The post Is the COVID-19 Pandemic Fostering Unhealthy Obsessions with Exercise? appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Unless you own a Peloton bike, genuinely enjoy pounding the pavement in your neighbourhood, or have access to a friend's elliptical or treadmill, cardio work can be tough to fit into a studio-free fitness routine. And that makes it particularly easy to put on the back burner.

But with a dozen or so simple moves, you can get in a heart-pumping, sweat-dripping workout without having to invest in bulky equipment or leave the comforts of your own home gym (aka the living room). Here, certified trainers reveal the best cardio exercises to add to your regimen, along with the health benefits of cardio that will convince you to do them in the first place.

The Key Benefits of Cardio Exercises

Cardiorespiratory (aka cardio) training involves exercises that help stimulate and strengthen the heart and lungs, explains Melissa Kendter, an ACE-certified trainer, functional training specialist, and Tone & Sculpt coach. "They put a demand on your energy systems, elevate your heart rate, get your blood pumping, and help your circulatory system — your lungs and heart — work more effectively to deliver oxygen to the muscles," she says. "That, in turn, will make you more physically fit and do more without getting winded or tired." And this perk applies inside and outside the gym, says Kendter. By regularly incorporating cardio training into your fitness regimen, you won't need such a long breather in the middle of a pick-up game of basketball, after a climb on the stair stepper, or while walking to and from your car to bring groceries into your home, she says.

There's also a mental benefit to performing cardio, thanks to that rush of endorphins you get after completing it (think: the "runner's high" you feel after a 5K), adds Danyele Wilson, a NASM-certified trainer, HIIT master trainer, and Tone & Sculpt coach. "You're accomplishing something that's not easy and you don't necessarily want to do, so there's this feeling of accomplishment that gives you that natural high and energy," she explains.

How Often Should You Do Cardio Exercises?

To score all the health perks cardio has to offer, both the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend performing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combo of both each week. A simple, yet effective way to measure your workout's intensity is the talk test, says Kendter. "During moderate-intensity cardio, you'll be able to talk, but you're not going to be able to sing a song," she says. "Your heart rate and breathing are enhanced, but not so much so that you're completely out of breath. During that vigorous state, you'll only be able to speak a few words at a time, if at all."

FTR, you don't have to force yourself to push through a HIIT workout that leaves you breathless if that's not your jam. "It's about finding what you like and what you can adhere to and how you can fit it in on your schedule throughout the week," explains Kendter. If you'd rather go for brisk walks, swim in a pool, jog around the block, or take hikes than perform cardio exercises in your home gym, that's NBD, agree Kendter and Wilson.

The Best Cardio Exercises to Do at Home

To get your daily dose of cardio in at home, build a 20- to 30- minute circuit with some of the below moves, which Kendter and Wilson recommend as the best cardio exercises. The list includes both bodyweight exercises and moves that require some light equipment, such as a jump rope, kettlebell, and set of dumbbells.

It may not initially feel like you're getting your lungs pumping and cardiovascular system working during the strength-focused best cardio exercises, but, "Any time you're moving resistance quickly, I would say your heart rate is going to go up more," says Wilson. Of course, form is also important, so don't mindlessly fling kettlebells in the air for the sake of speed. Instead, keep your rest periods short to keep the intensity high, she says.

Though these moves are considered the best cardio exercises, some challenge much more than your lungs and heart. For example, "speed skaters lend themselves to other benefits aside from just getting your heart rate up," says Wilson. "They increase your lower-body power, lateral strength, and lateral power, while mountain climbers help you get core work in, as well." Likewise, skipping a jump rope forces you to work on coordination, and kettlebell swings are a low-impact move that builds horizontal power, she adds.

How it works: There are a few ways you can select as many of the best cardio exercises below as you wish, then perform each of the 15 cardio exercises below for 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of rest. (If you're not able to give your all during the work period, try 20 seconds of work followed by 40 seconds of rest instead.) Cycle through them again for a 30-minute workout.

You'll need: A jump rope, a kettlebell, and a light to medium set of dumbbells, depending on the best cardio exercises you choose to include in your circuit.

Jump Squats

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped in front of chest, and lower into a squat position.

B. Explosively push upward, jumping as high as you can. Make sure to drive through heels and not toes. Upon landing, immediately squat down. Repeat.

(Love jump squats? Add box jumps to your workout routine to up the ante.)

Mountain Climbers

A. Start in a high plank position with shoulders over wrists, fingers spread apart, feet hip-width apart, and weight resting on balls of feet. The body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles.

B. Maintaining a flat back and gazing between hands, brace core, lift one foot off the floor, and quickly drive knee to chest.

C. Return foot to start and repeat with the other leg. Quickly alternate driving knees in toward chest as if running.

Speed Skaters

A. Begin standing on the left foot. In one fluid motion, leap to right and shift body weight to the right foot.

B. While shifting body weight, send hips back and reach left arm toward floor and right leg back behind left. Continue alternating sides.

Wall Sprints

A. Stand facing a wall with feet hip-width apart. Place hands on the surface at shoulder height in a push-up position. Lean in until body is at a 45-degree angle.

B. Bring one knee up to the chest in a starter position, then quickly alternate legs as if trying to run through the wall.

Jump Rope Skips

A. Hop continuously at a steady pace. Keep shoulder blades down and back, chest lifted, and land softly. Swing the rope with wrists, not arms.

(If you're breaking a sweat in a tight space, swap your standard rope for a cordless one to keep you from breaking sh*t.)

Kettlebell or Dumbbell Swings

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a kettlebell or a single dumbbell on the floor about a foot in front of toes. Hinging at hips and keeping a neutral spine (no rounding of your back), bend down and grab the kettlebell handle or one side of the dumbbell with both hands.

B. To initiate the swing, inhale and hike the weight back and up between legs. (Your legs will slightly straighten in this position.)

C. Powering through hips, exhale and quickly stand up and swing the weight forward up to eye level. At the top of the movement, the core and glutes should visibly contract.

D. Drive the weight back down and up underneath you. Repeat.

Thrusters

A. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand next to thighs, palms facing in.

B. Brace midline, then hinge hips back, lowering dumbbells to mid-thigh. Next, simultaneously straighten legs and pull dumbbells vertically up, rotating elbows underneath to catch the dumbbells at shoulder height in a quarter squat. Stand. This is the start position.

C. Keeping core tight, elbows high, and chest forward, sit glutes back toward the ground.

D. At the bottom of the squat, press heels into the ground to straighten legs while pressing dumbbells overhead. The rep is complete when legs are straight and dumbbells are directly over shoulders, biceps pressed against ears.

E. Lower dumbbells back to shoulders while descending into a squat to start the next rep.

(BTW, you can also do the best cardio exercise with a barbell, kettlebells, or a medicine ball.)

Single-Arm Press

A. Stand with feet wide and knees soft. Hold a dumbbell in right hand, with right arm in a goal post position (elbows open to sides at shoulder level). Keep left arm at side.

B. Brace core and extend right arm straight overhead.

C. Slowly lower elbow to return to start. Finish set and repeat for the left side.

Toe Taps

A. Stand facing a stair, box, or kettlebell. Sprint in place, tapping right toes, then left toes, on top of the object. Repeat, alternating feet.

Burpees

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weight in heels, and arms at sides.

B. Push hips back, bend knees, and lower body into a squat.

C. Place hands on the floor directly in front of, and just inside, feet. Shift weight onto hands.

D. Jump feet back to softly land on the balls of feet in a plank position. The body should form a straight line from head to heels. Be careful not to let back sag or butt stick up in the air.

E: (Optional) Lower into a push-up or lower body all the way onto the floor, keeping core engaged. Push up to lift the body off the floor and return to the plank position.

F: Jump feet forward so they land just outside of hands.

G: Reach arms overhead and explosively jump up into the air.

H: Land. Immediately lower back into a squat for the next rep.

High Knees

A. Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms at sides. Keeping shoulder blades down and back, chest lifted, and core tight, lift one foot off the floor and quickly drive knee to chest.

B. Return foot to start and repeat with the other leg. Quickly alternate driving knees in toward chest as if running.

Froggers

A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weight in heels, and arms at sides.

B. Push hips back, bend knees, and lower body into a squat.

C. Place hands on the floor directly in front of, and just inside, feet. Shift weight onto hands.

D. Jump feet back to softly land on the balls of feet in a plank position. The body should form a straight line from head to heels. Be careful not to let back sag or butt stick up in the air.

E: Jump feet forward so they land just outside of hands, and hold the low squat position. Repeat.

Lateral Shuffles

A. Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees bent, and weight shifted into hips. Engage core.

B. Keeping chest in line with knees, push off from left foot and shuffle toward the right. Continue pushing off from left foot for five steps. Stop and repeat on opposite side.

Jumping Jacks

A. Stand with feet together and arms at sides.

B. Jump into air, separating legs and raising arms overhead. Land with feet hip-width apart, then jump feet back together and lower arms to sides. That's one rep.

Jumping Lunges

A. Start in a lunge position with right leg in front and both knees bent at 90-degree angles, making sure right knee doesn't go past ankle.

B. Lower down 1 to 2 inches to gain momentum, push off the floor, and explosively jump up, switching legs midair. Land softly in a lunge position with the left leg in front. That's one rep.

C. Quickly repeat, switching legs each time.

This story first appeared on www.shape.com

(Main and Feature Image Credit: Cavan Images/Getty)

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The post The Best Cardio Exercises to Mix Into Your Home Workout — Besides Running appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Mother, yogi, private studio owner and Lululemon ambassador Siena Tsang reminds us that the path of yoga is not always an easy one. Perfection reflected in beautiful pictures and poses don’t reveal how we must constantly overcome fears and weakness in the movement towards better balance. This has meant that Tsang, having specialised in hatha, pre-natal and Pilates, still sees herself as a student just as much as a teacher.

Tell us about your yoga journey and how it changed your life?

I started my yoga journey shortly after my second born in search of a remedy and distraction from the challenges of motherhood. Oblivious to what yoga was about to offer to me, I thought it would be a fun and easy form of exercise to get me moving again. Little did I know what I was getting myself into, my entire life was about to change. Yoga enlightened me in the way I handle my emotions. I was at a stage in life where motherhood required me to give endlessly, to give all the love and patience I could possibly offer and though it was extremely rewarding and precious, I was emotionally drained, to the last drop. Through yoga, I discovered new found appreciation for myself. Rather than constantly searching for approval and gratitude from others, I found a love for myself that grew from self compassion and abundance, something I feel like I lacked for the most of my life. Physically I became stronger, emotionally I was empowered, mentally I found purpose.

Tell us more about your favourite pose (this should be the one in their pic) and what does it do for you?

There are so many poses in yoga and every single pose entails its own story. A story of where, when and how I learned it. There is never a perfected pose; Asanas are the tools that are offered by yoga to practice everything on the inside. But if I were to really choose, I'd say my journey into splits was quite a memorable one. And now splits have become my go-to pose.

Where are your favourite places to practice ?

You'll often find me stealing time to sneak out and adventure off into nature. Though I'm away from the studio and mat, you'll still catch me doing yoga outdoors. One of the biggest things I love about being a freelance teacher and studio owner is that flexibility of scheduling. Though coming back from time off means a lot of catching up, it is a balance that I need to keep myself from burning out. Nature heals.

Yoga is both mental and physical, how does mindful movement benefit us?

Meditation is often mistaken as sitting still, closing the eyes and learning to "let go". That is one of many ways to meditate and there are many forms of meditation that dont require the practitioner to stay still with eyes closed. Mindful movement or any form of preferred activity where the practitioner is conscious of their present state of mind and emotions, along with their physical movement, is already a form of meditation. Mindful focus, most of the time, has a therapeutic effect. But sometimes, it has a confrontational effect where we begin to acknowledge neglected feelings. That, is when healing begins.

How has the HK yoga scene changed in the last three years and what developments have you seen?

The Hong Kong yoga scene has changed quite drastically through the past few years mostly because of the pandemic. Zoom or live streamed classes were not common a few years back unless perhaps a corporate event or conference where there were attendees from abroad.

Also because large group classes have been restricted and also avoided by many for safety precautions, larger studios can no longer run on full capacity. Smaller private studios that can host private class or group privates have become a trend as clients are finding that the learning experience along with the social distancing is a win win situation.

Tell us about the style you practice and teach.

My first 500 hours of advanced yoga training stemmed from Hatha Yoga. I then completed a full mat pilates training to focus on rehabilitation techniques and core mindfulness. But I have since completed many trainings and will continue to explore and evolve my knowledge so that I can better teach myself and students to be stronger practitioners in all facets of yoga.

What is the most important thing when you are teaching?

It is important to me that students are conscious of their learning. They say its not about perfection but rather the journey of progress that matters. Sometimes we need to take baby steps, sometimes we're jumping from mountain to mountain. The important part is when you know exactly how to go about handling every situation and to be in control of the emotions that fluctuate on the way. Yoga on the mat teaches us the mindfulness and self awareness that we need to honor ourselves. Self compassion and patience is all part of the learning experience. When the practice becomes stagnant or injuries hold us back, we learn to be forgiving and accepting.

The post Siena Tsang on How Yoga Changed Her Life and Motherhood appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

A quick scroll through Jennie Cheung’s social media reveals countless photos and clips of her mesmerizing practice, as she steadily moves through the various inversions in an elegant dance. Cheung, who’s also a professional hand balancer, primarily teaches inversions at Pure Yoga, where her advanced classes are highly sought-after.

Tell us about the style you practice and teach.

I love handstands and every variation thereof. Who doesn’t like hopping up and landing with their world turned upside down? Three years ago I met my handstand coach and since then I’ve transitioned into my current path where I now consider myself as a full-time handstand practitioner and teacher. This path has led me to an ongoing exploration of the field of hand balancing. As a dedicated hand balancer, I now share what I’ve learned in my classes on a regular basis.

The handstand is my favourite pose for sure, partly because it looks pretty cool doing a handstand in the middle of the room! Handstands aren’t easy – consistency and persistence are non-negotiable. It requires lots
of core strength and endurance training, not to mention the benefits of increased circulation and lymph flow. You engage your whole body while using your shoulders, arms, core, and back.

What’s the most important thing when you’re teaching the practice?

Whether I’m practicing or teaching, the most important thing is to listen to your body and pay attention to your own intuition. To tune inward and get sensitive to yourself. That feeling in your body is where you’ll find your intuition and your capacity to act. As you practice more, your body sends you messages – core, gut feelings – all the time. You don’t need to reason them, logic them or intellectualize them. You just need to act on them. Also, everyone has their own practice, so never compare or let your own ego guide you. Just do what you can do.

Where are your favourite places to do yoga?

When I travel, I do handstands anywhere in a city, on a bridge, or on a mountain. A few of my favourite places to handstand are the Great Wall of China, Ginza in Tokyo, and Sausalito in California.

Tell us about your yoga journey and how it changed your life.

I took my first Bikram yoga class at university in Toronto. I got my teacher qualification 15 years ago and have been teaching hot yoga at Pure Yoga ever since. I developed the basis of my experience through time on the mat. The most important thing I can do as a teacher is practice, committing to a dedicated daily self-practice and sticking with it – this is the foundation of teaching. To sift my mindset from “teaching postures” to “teaching people” – for example, how to relax into change and never quit, especially in hot yoga. And the most effective way to do that is to learn to do it myself, to model it as a teacher. One of the greatest tools of yoga teaches me to listen: listening is a powerful skill that allows me to guide students – and my own life – with wisdom and compassion.

Yoga is both mental and physical, how does mindful movement benefit us?

Yoga is like a shield against many diseases and health disorders. It gives your body the power to protect itself from immunity-related diseases like cold and cough, viral fever, etc. I have never taken a sick leave in the past 15 years of teaching! Yoga also cures backaches, neck aches, arthritis, etc. The regular practice of yoga provides vitality to inner organs and improves their functions. In addition, yoga opens up the doors of imagination, creativity, and concentration.

Yoga promotes the overall fitness of your body and improves flexibility. Yoga incorporates many stretching movements that tone your body muscles and makes them stronger. The fitness of the body depends on the fitness of your mind. Yoga is not only a physical exercise, it is a mind and body connection. Our hectic HK lifestyles have led our generation to health disorders and emotional distress.

It can help you in innumerable ways, as it empowers your body, mind, and soul to fight the stress and everyday problems of life. Practicing the right kind of yoga religiously will help cleanse your body, mind, and soul. It is also a way of developing your mental ability and concentration levels.

How has the Hong Kong yoga scene changed in the last three years and what developments have you seen?

Last year was a tumultuous time for the fitness and yoga industry and no one could have predicted we would be working out from home. The online fitness and yoga industry will become even bigger in 2021 as virtual yoga and fitness classes are here to stay. One of the greatest areas of growth in 2020, which is set to continue into 2021, is the use of yoga and fitness apps which have been greatly realised and embraced worldwide.

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A former fashion PR professional, Victor Chau is the creator of Empowered Flow, teaching a vinyasa style of yoga focused on inversions and conditioning bodies and minds to improve focus, confidence and conquer inner fear.

Chau also co-founded Mentorships Workshop to help and prepare newer teachers for a fulfilling career - many of his 150+ graduates are now teaching at major yoga studios like Pure Yoga and Fivelements Habitat, as well as being brand ambassadors for Lululemon and Nike. Currently, Chau teaches in Sheung Wan’s Yoga Room and Fivelements Habitat in Causeway Bay.

Tell us about your yoga journey and how it changed your life?

I started my first yoga class nearly 20 years ago but it wasn’t love at first sight - I wasn’t very fit and attended that class after a spin class, thinking that yoga was just a stretch. I couldn’t be more wrong. I hated every second of it. But I decided to give yoga a second chance and little did I know that it was yoga that gave me a second chance in life. I started to practice more and my body awareness started to increase. My mind became clearer and my body became more lean and stronger.

After moving to Beijing with my PR work, I started to practice yoga a bit more, which led me to my journey to India, where I did my teacher training in Sivananda Yoga Kutir, nestled right by the holy river Ganges. There I learned that happiness could be quite simple. Upon returning home in 2010, I started teaching and found sense of purpose. Six months later, I quit my job and became a yoga teacher and never looked back since. To this date, I still don’t doubt my decision… a yoga teacher to help hundreds of people improve their lives.

Tell us about the style you practice and teach.

Like many yoga practitioners, I started trying many different styles of yoga, until I settled a little bit more with Vinyasa Yoga - a style of yoga that has students flow fluidly from pose to pose. 4 years ago, I also created Empowered Flow, which encompasses inversions, core conditioning, some handstands, flexibility and above all, empowering people to be a better version of themselves.

This is what I practice and teach mostly now. It is a challenging practice but also accessible for new yogis. As you can guess, handstand and inversions are my favourite - as they really challenge me to be physically strong and mentally focused. Most importantly, it helps me and my students conquer their deepest fears.

What is the most important thing when you are teaching the practice?

Setting an intention - which can then help people find a purpose and truly transform into a better version of themselves.

Tell us more about your favourite pose and what it does for you?

Handstand. It is one that got my attention. I remember at my teacher training, I tried numerous times but to no avail. It took me many years of regular practice and falling down before I started to come up to a handstand.

Handstand (and any inversions for that matter), has taught me to be humble. Nothing will come easy and repeated hard work a prerequisite on a handstand journey. Although it’s the handstand shape that I am aiming for, at the end of the day, it is really about the technique, the mentality and also the patience behind the practice that really counts.

I am able to be detached from the handstand itself - one day I can do it, some day I can’t. And it’s okay. Just like anything in life, it comes and goes. The ability to let go is the source of true happiness, not handstand itself. And I’m honoured enough to have taught hundreds of people handstand, watching them get stronger.

How has the HK yoga scene changed in the last three years and what developments have you seen?

Hong Kong people have definitely become more interested in yoga and their awareness for physical and mental physical has grown exponentially in the last few years. You can tell from the increase in the number of sports supplies/apparel shops, and the number of gyms and studios has also slowly climbed up. People are also more receptive of alternative, non-mainstream ways of practices that could promote mental health, such as gong bath, sound and crystal healing, and reiki.

If there is a silver lining from Covid-19, it has taught us that health is the most important thing in life, a nine-to-five schedule is not the only way to work. Online classes might have been a hit big earlier but it’s already in decline because it lacks one of the most important parts of a live yoga class - real human connection.

One of the most noticeable changes in the last few years is that people started to realise that going to the big gyms with big classes (30 to 40 plus students in one class) might not be the best way to learn, especially keeping in mind social distancing…This gave rise to the emergence of smaller yoga studios that ensure a higher teacher to students ratio (usually 1:10 or less) and they usually boast a personality that reflects that owner, usually a yoga teacher who is younger, adventurous and is more ready to take risks.

Where are your favourite places to practice?

With a hectic schedule, I practice whenever and wherever I can. My favourite places would be my home, Yoga Room and my favourite place to film my yoga videos is Fivelements Habitats. But whenever the sun is shining, you will see me practice in the big lawn of Victoria Park or on any beach. When we are allowed to travel again, I would love to go back to India and practice along the Ganges, I did that every day at my yoga teacher training.

How can yoga help with the main pain points in our hectic HK lifestyles?

First and foremost, yoga can help correct bad posture (slouching, shoulders round, core not engaged when standing or sitting). It can remind us how to stand and sit properly: upright, shoulders relaxed and chin parallel to the floor. This alone can already relieve most of the aches and chronic pain caused by our sedentary lifestyle.

A lot of the poses in yoga emphasise core strength (headstand, handstand, downward facing dog), shoulders opening (bridge pose, wheel pose), spinal rotation (supine twist) and lateral stretches (triangle pose, side angle pose) - all these can help improve our posture, ease the pain caused by bad postures. These can also improve our breathing because our breath is bound by the shape of our chests. When we breathe better, our health will improve too.

Yoga is both mental and physical, how does mindful movement benefit us?

Mindful movement is a loose term to describe the movement, and non-movement of oneself done in a meaningful, purposeful and awaken way. This means that every step we take, every time we raise our hands, every speech we make have an intention behind them. This makes a huge difference in our life in that we have been told to act, behave in a certain way: get a degree, get married, have children, buy a house, go on a holiday (or staycation), buy designer clothes or bag - all these things we think will make us happy. We almost never question why we do the things that we do. We are then merely existing, not living.

On the contrary, being mindful in every thing we do means we set an intention before we do them. For example, in a yoga class, you can set an intention for that particular practice: what is it that you are trying to achieve? What pose you are trying to learn? Or simply a state of mind you would like to be? Or simply learn how to relax more? Or be kinder to yourself and others? Or learning more about yourself. Then the class will become directional, there’s a compass in your practice. The practice will become mindful, not just about the poses. And if you can bring this intention and mindfulness into your daily life, this is where real yoga begins.

(Images: Courtesy of Victor Chau)

The post Victor Chau of Empowered Flow on the Evolution of the Local Yoga Scene appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

By realigning your heart, mind and body, integral coach and co-founder of Matter Inc Chee Yan Yi says you'll unleash your best self.

The post Can coaching supercharge your leadership? Integral coach Chee Yan Yi believes it can appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

By realigning your heart, mind and body, integral coach and co-founder of Matter Inc Chee Yan Yi says you'll unleash your best self.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

We talk to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, reiki healer and mother, Belinda Koo, about balancing corporate life with wellness and fitness businesses. A blend of “persistency and consistency” keeps her going as founder of XYZ and One Ten Foundation, while also being a managing director at UBS.

What are your favourite ways of getting active in Hong Kong, aside from at your XYZ indoor cycling studio?

I love going outdoors when the weather is nice. I’m learning to wakesurf and it’s so refreshing to be out in the water once or twice a week. To me, being active means trying out new things. Things that push your comfort zone a bit, not necessarily really difficult ones, but to create new neuropathways in your brain and allow yourself to move in ways you’ve never moved before. It’s challenging our brain to connect differently, because new activities require different muscle groups to work in whole new ways. It’s that adrenaline rush of the unfamiliar and uncomfortable that I also love and crave.

Why and how did you start XYZ?

The heart is the biggest and most important organ in our body. When my father passed away from a heart attack when I was five years old, it made me realise how crucial cardiovascular movement was – even if it’s just 30 minutes a day to stay active and move around. The heart keeps us pumping, keeps us alive.

What do your day-to-day work and workout outfits look like?

It depends on how I feel and my mood on that particular day. I love to mix and match workout attire with work attire. So it would be leggings and sports-bra tops underneath, with blazer jackets and flowy throws on top. We’ve tended to dress more casually and relaxed in recent years and that allows me to play mix and match with colours I’ve never worn much of before.

How was your own fitness journey? Have you always been sporty and athletic?

I’ve been active and sporty since I was very young. I started ballet when I was four and was in the track-and- field team since primary school. I feel very much alive when I move. I’d observe my breathing and love being in the alter state of being, where my movement just floats and my mind just lets go. To me, movement is meditation – dynamic meditation.

How did your upbringing affect your attitude to life and entrepreneurship?

My mom always told me that rolling stones gather no moss. I think it’s that persistency and consistency that gives me a good foundation to not give up. If I really believe in something, I’ll go for it and “just keep swimming” (like Dory, the blue fish in the Nemo cartoon). As long as the direction is right, the speed doesn’t matter. Failure is just an opportunity to learn and refine the method.

You started One Ten as a social enterprise to bring the benefits of wellness to Hong Kong’s younger generations through sports and support. Where did you see the need and how is this important in shaping young minds?

We’ve all been there, knowing how hard a young adult’s life can be, not to mention the challenges they’ve encountered in the past few years. But what would be possible if our society were composed of emotionally intelligent people? Investing in youngsters is the starting point to make our dream come true. By educating the interdependence between mind, body and emotions, even youngsters with less access to resources stand a higher chance of surviving life-changing transitions. Our unique blend of emotional learning and non-competitive sports help support them in exploring their unique pathway to emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Since Covid-19 there’s been an increased awareness of the importance of mental and physical health. How has this been manifested in your circles and with your clients?

Nurturing the mental and physical has always been at the core of what I do. Raising awareness means growing with and spreading this to those around us, to help them on their journey too. Gaining inspiration and awareness from the outside, and using it to transform on the inside. Everyone’s journey is different.

You work with Reiki too. How do healing and wellness tie in with the journey of fitness?

Most of us only attend to our physical bodies, but there are actually more layers in our bodies: energy body, astral body and causal body. I’m a total believer in the metaphysical side of things and our physical body is just a reflection of our emotional wellbeing. Our seven chakras, or energy centres, dominate our hormone systems. Therefore understanding our emotions and emotional literacy is the key to physical wellbeing. We can never separate our body from our mind. They’re one and we should nurture them like that.

What are the routines that keep you grounded personally?

At home, I’ll smudge the environment, play a mantra, lie down on a mat with both feet Grounded on the floor – kick off the shoes – and just breathe. If I’m outdoors or in nature, I take off my shoes and walk barefoot on the ground.

What does your workout routine look like?

Setting intention, observing my breathing and going into the zone. Each workout is like a genuine conversation and search of myself. And, of course, to have fun.

Who are your style icons?

I don’t actually have a style icon. I kind of live in my own imaginary world when it comes to style. Mix and match and let it flow!

You switch between corporate dressing at UBS and more casual and athletic at your fitness businesses. Do you like the transition and what does each style say about you?

I love combining the two for seamless transition. As my schedule is always here and there, I like the freedom of athleisure wear and the structure of corporate attire. It really depends on my mood that day.

You’re a busy woman professionally, as well as a mother. Tell us what’s always in your bag.

Water, headphones, two phones and a charger, La Mer lip balm and hand cream. It’s quite simple.

Where in Hong Kong do you find the most inspiration?

I can find inspiration everYwhere here. Hong Kong is such a dynamic city.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

We add resistance to training to strengthen our physical body. Difficulties in life are just opportunities to strengthen our mental mind and faith.

How do you like to wind down your day?

Spend time with my kids, my husband and my dog Snoopy. Then it’s me me time to reflect on my day, to journal and end with a breathing exercise/meditation to put full closure to the day. I believe in properly starting the day by setting the intention, and closing the day by scanning ourselves with gratitude. To let go of any entanglement and judgement we’ve made on ourselves and others, to acknowledge it, accept it with gratitude, then let it go.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to follow your footsteps?

Things change little by little. Little things add up to be big, big, big!

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