Reviews
TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
TREATMENT
Comfort Zone Pro-Sleep Ritual at The Strand The Buzz: Stressed? Can’t sleep? Totally overwhelmed
but not quite ready for therapy? Join the club. With stress levels in Hong Kong running high, The Strand spa and salon recognised a need for a body treatment that focuses on rest and relaxation. It’s also perfect for jet lag and insomnia sufferers. The treatment: Designed by Comfort Zone, an all-natural Italian skincare brand, the “Time For Me” tranquility ritual targets your sense of touch, smell and hearing to slow down your brainwaves and create a sense of deep relaxation. The oil blend contains orange blossom, vetiver, sandalwood and geranium to calm the mind and boost your mood; the music piped through the speakers was designed by Comfort Zone to bring your brainwaves into a pre-sleep state, and the silky, fine-bristled brushes used during the treatment activate your parasympathetic nervous system and leave your skin tingling. Verdict: Anyone with trouble falling asleep will love this
treatment - it really works, and the gorgeous scent, relaxing sounds and gentle touch will have anyone who tries it nodding off. The Strand stops short of calling it a massage as the strokes are so light. For those who prefer stronger pressure it’s an exercise in conscious relaxation as you force yourself to submit to the therapist’s gentle touch. There is however some stronger pressure on tension spots such as the neck and shoulders. We even succumbed to an afternoon snooze - something we never do - a couple of hours after the treatment, and had a brilliant night’s sleep that evening. $1,180 for 60 minutes. 18 Cochrane St., Central, 2850-7686, thestrandhk.com. 14
WORKOUT
Tumbling at Trybe The Buzz: Launched just four months ago, Trybe is Hong Kong’s only private studio dedicated to adult gymnastics classes. Within the 3,000-square-foot space, Trybe’s professional instructors offer a range of disciplines designed to challenge novice and seasoned gymnasts alike. We tried out their popular tumbling class for beginners. The Classes: John, our instructor told us the
beginners’ class is usually for total gymnastics newbies, but that night we had two seasoned tumblers and three longtime students. But despite the relatively advanced level we progressed quickly. We kicked off with some dynamic stretches and simple gymnastic movements, before moving into some basic “run and jumps” along a bouncy track with a crash mat at the end. We then moved onto a front somersault followed by roundoffs (a kind of modified cartwheel) - some of the class even practiced a backwards tuck somersault off a raised soft block with support from John. The Verdict: We loved it! The class was challenging and scary at times (for beginners the first time you do a backflip is terrifying, even when fully aided by an instructor) but we couldn’t believe how far everyone had progressed in just one hour. It was a super encouraging atmosphere; you’d receive high-fives and cheers from everyone, no matter your level. If you’re looking for a way to relive your youth, while also toning and strengthening, this class is a great place to start. We even bought a package! The Cost: Unlimited class packages are available ($2,950 per month) but most people opt for Trybe’s credit system. Mobility, flexibility, dance, acro-flow classes are three credits ($150) while gymnastics, circus and strength classes are five credits ($250). A five-day unlimited class for newbies is currently available for $550 so you can see what it’s all about. One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd, Wong Chuk Hang, 3427-9017, www.trybehk.com.