Flex Studio is one of the most prominent yoga studios in Hong Kong. With their loyal following, more than 15 years in the business, and two well-designed branches, it’d be hard for us to disagree.

But of course, at the heart of all that is what Flex Studio offers — intelligent and professional fitness for clients of different demographics. 

In addition, we admire the adaptive nature of Flex by teaching beginners to experts and young to adult clients.

Aside from that, Flex Studio is also adaptive in terms of offering different types of exercises and subspecialties. For yoga alone, Flex offers back care yoga, Hatha Yoga, power sculpt yoga, yoga infused with Pilates, and more.

Out of all those yoga classes, we are particularly fond of their stretch and release sessions. The poses are held longer in this class to allow deeper stretches and tension release, which we find perfect for stress relief after a hard day’s work.

And due to its gentler techniques, the stretch and release yoga class is also a good gateway into yoga for beginners. 

We appreciate how this is supported by the studio’s small class sizes so that their fitness professionals can focus on those who might need corrections or modifications.

However, all these advantages might also have their own flaws. For example, the small class sizes and numerous class types Flex Studio offers make less popular classes not be held as frequently.

And because classes are targeted to be fit for all difficulty levels, some clients may find themselves looking for a more tailor-fit class instead.

Flowga stands out from our list since it likes to marry traditional yoga practices with innovations. If the chic and modern studio doesn’t say it enough for you, then one look at the yoga classes they offer should do it! 

And the innovation at the centre of their brand is their infrared heating panels. These state-of-the-art heating panels give yoga a modern twist, making each class a little more challenging by turning the room up to 40°C.

While some may not be entirely sold on this modern twist, we consider it a welcome surprise. Yes, it does up the ante of yoga, but at the same time, it gives way to benefits like more detoxification.

From the five yoga classes they offer, we have taken a liking to their signature Sweat n’ Flow class. Because of the studio’s 16 infrared heating panels, the traditional vinyasa yoga that Sweat n’ Flow teaches becomes more dynamic.

We also appreciate the added benefits of infrared heat. The Sweat n’ Flow class builds strength and flexibility because of the heat from candles and infrared panels. 

Furthermore, the heat gives students better circulation, more detoxification, and reduced tension and stress.

We must mention this class is open to clients of all levels. However, considering there are no mirrors to aid in the poses in these revamped hour-long yoga classes, beginners may feel the need for a more level-specific class.

Named after the Japanese concept of “a reason for being,” Ikigai aims to help students find just that through comprehensive wellness experiences. And judging by the variety of classes they offer, we think they’re well on their way to doing that.

Impressively, Ikigai offers 40 classes for yoga alone, not taking into account their meditation and movement classes. 

However, what impressed us more is that their classes are offered in Cantonese and English, depending on the instructor.

Another thing we like about Ikigai is that their yoga classes are appropriately grouped according to their difficulty. In contrast, other studios simply lump students of different levels into one class. 

We think it’s always nice to have the option of choosing advanced, gentle, moderate, or special classes.

One class that we and many others loved is the studio’s moderate-level Energising Flow class. 

This specific class teaches an energising sequence of vinyasa meant to ground you, bend your back, and open your heart. Hence the consensus is that it’s perfect for starting your day. 

Of course, it also helps that Ikigai only allows a maximum of 14 students per class, matching the relaxing and refreshing nature of Energising Flow.

Honestly, finding a fault within the classes Ikigai offers is challenging. If anything, the variety of classes can be a double-edged sword for the studio.

Because of the sheer amount of classes they offer, not all types of classes will be as available as others. It’d be a good idea to consult their website or their staff for schedules on classes you wish to take.

For some people, yoga can be so life-changing. This is the case for the founder of Kita Yoga, Nikita Ramchandani, who left behind her finance career in exchange for teaching yoga.

That same transformative experience of yoga is what Nikita wishes to impart to their students at Kita Yoga. And we appreciate how this manifests in their studio and classes.

Forgoing large classes, Kita Yoga limits the number of class participants to a maximum of 12 students. We like that this limited accommodation leads to a more individualised session as the yogis can be more hands-on with the students.

Because of the small class size, it is also easier to concentrate and introspect. We like how this goes perfectly with the studio’s yoga classes, especially their signature one — Kita Flow.

Kita Flow incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and vinyasa-based dynamic sequences. Like most yoga classes, it will leave students feeling refreshed, with clear thoughts, free movements, and strengthened bodies.

But what we liked most about Kita Flow is its focus on revelation and self-inquiry. 

While some studios prioritise yoga’s physical aspect, Kita Yoga does not leave the mental and spiritual aspects behind. This aspect, in turn, encourages students to weave together body, breath, and mind.

However, the studio only offers online classes at the moment. Regrettably, we do not know when the physical classes will return.

This limitation is a huge drawback considering the benefits Kita Yoga’s studio offers its students. We also find it hard to enjoy through a screen the small-community vibe that Kita Yoga takes pride in.

The more popular yoga became over the years, the more hybrid and modern variations of it came to be. And while SambalaBhu Yoga understands this, they still want to teach yoga authentically and traditionally.

That core value is one of SambalaBhu Yoga’s strongest suits. And we can’t help but admire how the studio commits to it.

For starters, their team comprises yogis with the proper academic background and teaching experience for yoga. Some of them — Masters Kamal and Mariappan — have been even practising yoga since the age of five.

This impressive expertise allows SambalaBhu Yoga to offer a variety of classes they have — from authentic and traditional classes to modern and modified ones.

But out of their 26 classes, we think what stood out the most was their Yin Yang Yoga class.

Instead of only one yoga practice, this class uses two: Yin Yoga and Yang Yoga. In the session, we found it challenging and refreshing because of the flow between the relaxing (Yin) poses and strengthening (Yang) ones.

More importantly, we appreciate the instruction that comes with the class. Because of the expert yogis in this studio, you won’t just be doing poses, but you will also learn the concepts and reasoning behind them.

However, as we pointed out before, studios that offer many types of classes won’t be able to conduct all of them as frequently as possible. Of course, it also doesn’t help that the studio only has one branch.

Although we suppose trying out different types of yoga could be something other students like.