Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Saturday, 11 April 2026

Belinda Koo of XYZ: 12 Years on


Belinda Koo, is a prominent Hong Kong multi-hyphenate so let me list what I know most about her; entrepreneur, reiki healer, mother of three, and Managing Director at UBS Wealth Management. She founded XYZ (The Art of XYZ) around 2013 as a boutique indoor cycling studio that revolutionised fitness in the city. The fastest way to loose weight--and in a fun, chic environs--head to xyz as a handful of my celebrity and celebrated friends do. 

Inspired by personal loss—her father’s early death and her own cardio-related collapse—Koo created a high-energy spinning experience blending intense cardio, motivational music, immersive visuals, and community vibes to build not just physical strength but mental and emotional resilience. 

“We are all born to move,” is her mantra, emphasising how daily 50-minute sessions sharpen focus, stamina, and overall wellbeing. 

XYZ quickly gained a fan-following, inspiring many to embrace cardio and genuinely enjoy it. The music, the instructors and elegant interiors - its a vibe. It has earned several spots on “best boutique gyms” lists in media, and positioned Koo as a wellness visionary alongside her youth empowerment initiative One Ten Foundation and travel brand Sojournal. 

The studio evolved from pure spinning into a holistic sanctuary offering mind-body movement, meditation, yoga, and balanced “yin-yang” flows—adding softer, feminine energy to complement its dynamic roots. Certified as a B Corporation, it reflects Koo’s commitment to positive impact.

Recently, XYZ entered an exciting new chapter with a major relocation and expansion in Central. The studio reopened in a spacious ~9,439 sq ft facility at China Building, in Queen’s Road Central, introducing broader holistic offerings like yoga, dance, body toning, and mobility alongside signature spin classes. This move has modernised the space while preserving its heart-centered philosophy of regrouping, restoring, and re-energizing amid Hong Kong’s hustle. 

I first interview Belinda Koo a decade ago for Lifestyle magazine, now in 2026, the brand continues promoting HIIT-cardio balance for fat loss and performance, with a focus on self-care and recovery.  Looking ahead, XYZ is actively growing its community as the 12th anniversary celebrations have been the talk of the town, reinforcing its role as a lifestyle brand. 

Expect continued emphasis on inclusive, transformative experiences—possibly deeper integration of mindfulness and longevity elements—aligned with global wellness trends. Koo’s vision keeps XYZ evolving as more than a gym: a space for wholeness in a fast-paced world that's... going for a spin. 

Thursday, 7 December 2023

The Gym Buddy: Hong Kong's Celebrity Personal Trainer James Wong on keeping fit

Full look, Calvin Klein

 

In our continuing saga of conversations with some severely healthy people who always seem junk-boat ready, we posit questions to those who’ve perfected the summer body beautiful. Last week, we spoke to Lenka Oshry as she advocated on behalf of Krav Maga and its core-strength-building abilities. This week, we chat with actor James Wong, who hits the gym like a demon possessed, with results to show.

As a working actor, Wong has to fit into the mould of whatever role is thrown his way, be it cop or criminal. In an industry that kowtows to physiognomy above all, looking good is as important as running lines. Wong was that skinny kid in school who buffed up with consistent training, credible goals and a can-do spirit that has served him well. He often trains others and works out with friends – if you follow his social-media accounts, there are updates, easy tips and leading by example. And it’s all done with a sense of purpose and a sense of humour. So we had to ask…

Read the full feature at PrestigeOnline

Words: P.Ramakrishnan
All original photography: Olivier Yoan

Sunday, 22 August 2021

The Wellness Industry: Fitness Influencer Keith Lee of 2 Percent Fitness

The multi-hyphenate Keith Lee is a lawyer by day, co-owner of 2 Percent Fitness gym by night and a fitness KOL (as we go to publication, a respectable 85k followers stalk his every post on Insta') in perpetuity on Instagram.

With a baby less than a year old, a demanding job, opening a gym during the thick of the pandemic while the government imposed debilitating restrictions on the industry, how Keith stayed calm during the financial maelstrom needed to be noted.

Read up on my chat with Keith here at The New Moon.

All original portraits by Edwin Datoc.





 

Monday, 1 March 2021

Gym fit: Hong Kong KOL James Wong partners with health and fitness instructors to set up his own gym. During the pandemic


Out in South China Morning Post, main feature of Health Post last week. 

James Wong and co set up Two Percent Fitness in the heart of Central. 

Slick gym, very stylish and Insta' friendly - but for those seriously into fitness and reshaping their bodies to an ideal. 

Have found my feature on various sites and platforms. 

Hm..

Ok then.

Follow the official account at https://www.instagram.com/twopercentfitness/








 

Monday, 22 February 2021

Health Post: Two Percent Fitness, gym that specialises in personal training, opens in Hong Kong

Two Percent Fitness, a gym that specialises in personal training, opens in Hong Kong after much delay caused by the pandemic lockdown. The co-founders, including celebrity James Wong, breathe a sigh of relief as the first members come in for a quick workout. 

Read the entire feature at SCMP.com here. 

Plus its out in print tomorrow morning! 
 











 

Thursday, 17 September 2020

TBT: Timothy Skinner by Dino Busch: Looks Calvin Klein












Top Calvin Klein: Shorts model's own


Outtakes from a shoot. For a feature in SCMP; Health Post. Fitness column. 

Looks from Zalora.com } but mostly Calvin Klein. 














































Briefs and top: Calvin Klein
Outtakes here.
Feature and portrait published in South China Morning Post











































Photography: Dino Busch
Model: Timothy Skinner

Below: Outtakes!