Cover Today, the concept of “wellness” extends far beyond physical training (photo: Lava Hot Yoga Saigon)
Today, the concept of “wellness” extends far beyond physical training (photo: Lava Hot Yoga Saigon)
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Today, the concept of “wellness” extends far beyond physical training. It has evolved into a holistic way of life, introducing new practices that nurture the body, mind and spirit.
The year 2025 signals a striking shift in the global wellness industry. Exercise is no longer pursued solely for physical improvement, but also as an expression of personal lifestyle and aesthetic sensibility. As a result, conventional gym or yoga sessions are increasingly giving way to approaches rooted in the idea of wellness as a way of living. In Vietnam, the movement is steadily gaining momentum, with more people leading an elevated lifestyle now seeking disciplines that care for body, mind and spirit in equal measure. Here are three practices, still relatively new to Vietnam’s fitness and wellness landscape, that promise to bring a fresh perspective to contemporary self-care.
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Hyrox – The endurance and fitness race
First launched in 2017, Hyrox, also known as Hybrid Functional Endurance, quickly swept across Europe and the United States. More than just a competitive event, it embodies the rising hybrid training movement, which blends aerobic exercises with strength-building routines. In Vietnam, a number of premium gyms have recently begun introducing the format.
Unlike HIIT, CrossFit or traditional running, Hyrox offers a complete training method that fuses strength, speed and endurance through a series of globally standardised challenges from rowing and push-ups to burpee broad jumps and interval runs. The programme is adaptable for all ages and fitness levels, with progress measured and evaluated according to individual capability.
Above Hyrox offers a complete training method that fuses strength, speed and endurance through a series of globally standardised challenges (photo: Centr)
Hyrox offers a complete training method that fuses strength, speed and endurance through a series of globally standardised challenges (photo: Centr)
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With its well-structured format, Hyrox presents a clear, accessible path to full-body conditioning. Participants rotate through eight functional exercises interspersed with eight running stations, each performed with standardised intensity and technique. This approach builds strength, stamina and speed, while enabling tangible progress tracking after each session. Its practicality and precision have attracted a wide mix of enthusiasts from seasoned athletes to those embarking on their first serious fitness routine.
At California Fitness & Yoga, Hyrox sessions currently run twice weekly. The group environment is dynamic yet relaxed, encouraging members to master new techniques, maintain their drive and gradually discover their own boundaries on the path to consistent training.
Reformer Pilates – Body shaping
Although introduced to Vietnam in 2017, it was not until 2025 that Reformer Pilates truly surged in popularity, with a wave of professional studios opening in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hoi An. This is a complete training method that uses specialised machines equipped with resistance springs and traction ropes to target deep muscle groups, improving posture, firming the core, inner thighs and glutes without demanding overly strenuous movement. Slow, deliberate motions paired with breathing techniques make it a discipline suitable for a broad range of participants.
Reformer Pilates also draws devotees through its emphasis on the mind/body connection, easing stress, sharpening focus and inducing a sense of deep relaxation. In this way, it serves not only as a form of physical exercise but as a form of mental therapy, catering to the modern desire for wellbeing in both body and mind.
Above Reformer Pilates also draws devotees through its emphasis on the mind/body connection, easing stress, sharpening focus and inducing a sense of deep relaxation (photo: Pilates Reformers)
Reformer Pilates also draws devotees through its emphasis on the mind/body connection, easing stress, sharpening focus and inducing a sense of deep relaxation (photo: Pilates Reformers)
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For those seeking a truly professional Reformer Pilates setting, Elite Pilates is an excellent choice. Here, small group classes are led by a team of international experts, with every movement carefully tailored to individual physical conditions, ensuring visible benefits for both body and mind.
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Hot yoga and the healing journey of Hinoki wood
Hot yoga has taken on a fresh dimension when paired with Hinoki cedarwood, a prized timber from Japan, traditionally used in palaces, temples and the homes of the elite. Beyond its beauty, Hinoki is renowned for its antibacterial qualities, ability to purify the air and delicate fragrance, which calms and soothes from the very first pose.
When laid as flooring in a yoga studio, Hinoki creates a pristine, restorative setting. Under the gentle heat, its subtle aroma lingers, inviting relaxation while aiding detoxification, enhancing blood flow and regulating the breath. In turn, the body feels cleansed, and the mind gradually finds equilibrium.
The combination of hot yoga with Hinoki wood remains novel in Vietnam. Woodstone Studio, an exclusive feature at LAVA Fitness, is among the first to offer it, with a highly trained team following dedicated standards to deliver this distinctive experience to yoga enthusiasts.
Above The combination of hot yoga with Hinoki wood remains novel in Vietnam
The combination of hot yoga with Hinoki wood remains novel in Vietnam
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Whether unwinding through Hinoki hot yoga, revitalising with breathwork, or finding calm in meditation, the unifying theme across these approaches is the inward journey towards wellness. Each one offers a much-needed pause to tune into the body, refresh the mind and nurture a deeper sense of inner peace.
