Hong Kong’s Rush Culture Influences Physical Exercises
Mind HK and lululemon Announce New Partnership and Events Programme to Encourage Mindful Movement
(For Immediate Release, October 7, 2026) – HONG KONG – A joint study by local mental health charity Mind HK and athletic apparel brand lululemon reveals a gap between physical movement and its mental benefits under the influence of the city’s rush culture.
The findings from a survey of 506 Hong Kong residents aged 25-64, commissioned by local mental health charity Mind HK in partnership with lululemon, discovered that while 63% of respondents value the benefits of physical activity, fewer than half (48%) generally enjoy it. However, 29% of respondents report that exercising feels like just another task to complete. The findings suggest that for many Hong Kong residents, exercise might increasingly be approached as another item on a to-do list rather than an opportunity for recovery, enjoyment or mental restoration.
Building on these insights, lululemon today announced a new partnership with Mind HK as its Wellbeing and Movement Partner, supported through lululemon Gives, a global initiative dedicated to advancing solutions for mental health and wellbeing through movement and mindfulness. Together, the organisations will support mental wellbeing through community experiences, movement-based programming and public education initiatives, enhancing the mental health benefits from physical movement.
“Always-on” mode activated, Hongkongers may move without mental rest
Over 45% of respondents check messages while exercising, and one in four (25%) struggle to disconnect from their phones. In an environment where almost half of respondents feel constantly “on the go” (46%), nearly a third (30%) of respondents feel mentally occupied during workouts. While 59% of respondents view regular workouts as important, 30% report feeling physically active yet mentally exhausted. Furthermore, around 1 in 4 respondents admit feeling like a failure (24%) if they go for a period without exercising, highlighting a potential gap between physical activity and mental wellbeing.
Moving together for a mindful connection
Despite the distractions and pressure brought by the city’s rush culture, 59% of respondents enjoy physical activity more when they do it with others. Yet, nearly half of the respondents (48%) usually exercise alone. In a city where efficiency is often prioritised, it is crucial to address this gap between social motivation and physical movement. By creating communities focused on presence, joy, and shared experiences, movement becomes a source of recovery and enrichment rather than an added obligation.
Full survey findings, methodology, and infographic are available at www.mind.org.hk/resources/publications/.
The experience of movement matters
“Movement is at its best when it comes from a place of joy rather than guilt. Let movement be driven by self-care, not social pressure—focus on the present moment and the feeling of shared connection. This is what transforms physical activity from another obligation into a genuinely rejuvenating experience,” said Dr Candice Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Mind HK and Clinical Psychologist.
Based on the findings, Ms Opal Li, Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Advisor of Mind HK, shares practical recommendations to help people ease daily pressure and rediscover enjoyment in physical activity.
- Turn a full-workout into “bite-sized movement”: Even a 3 to 5-minute mindful stretching help ease mental fatigue and give the nervous system a needed pause.
- Build low-friction movement habits: Link movement to your daily routine to make building habits easier—such as doing squats when brushing your teeth, or doing a gentle bed stretch at night to unwind.
- Focus on using exercise for mental recovery: Stay present and focus on recovering from the daily hustle. Try leaving your phone in your locker or switching it to ‘Do Not Disturb’ while exercising, turning workout time into screen-free time to decompress and recharge.
A more intentional approach to movement
The findings align closely with lululemon’s Mindful Movement philosophy, which encourages people to approach movement with intention and awareness, rather than simply focusing on outcomes or performance.
As stated by Brian Cupps, Vice President, Brand Marketing, APAC at lululemon, “The research reminds us that making time for exercise is only one part of the equation. Equally important is being intentional about why we’re moving and how we experience it. Through our partnership with Mind HK and initiatives like space to feel, we hope to create more opportunities for people to engage with movement in ways that support recovery, connection and overall wellbeing.”
Inez Leong, lululemon Ambassador shared, “One of the things I love most about movement is its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s a run or walk with friends, those shared experiences help us feel more connected and present. I’m excited to see more opportunities for Hong Kong people to experience movement not just as exercise, but as a way to support mental wellbeing and build community.”
“space to feel” wellness event launching this October
Inspired by the findings of the wellbeing study, lululemon will launch its annual Space to Feel experience on 24-25 October at the Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Designed as a space for people to pause, reset and reconnect with themselves, the two-day event invites participants to return to the present moment through movement and mindfulness. The programme features a diverse lineup of experiences, including yoga sessions enhanced with aromatherapy and singing bowls, movement classes that blend art and self-expression, music-led Inside Flow practices, dance experiences inspired by Cantonese pop music, and high-energy fitness workouts.
Tickets will be available from 12:00 p.m. on 8 October. For more information, visit lululemon Hong Kong’s official Instagram account (@lululemonhk) and the registration website lululemon-spacetofeel.hk. Places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About Mind HK
Mind HK is a registered charity under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (91/16471), established in 2017. Our mission is to ensure that no one faces a mental health problem alone. Through our work, we hope to improve awareness of mental health and mental health conditions, remove the associated stigma, and provide psychological support to achieve the best mental health for all in Hong Kong.
Together with the existing collaboration and research efforts, we are here to support Hong Kong in becoming a global leader and regional model for public mental health. For more information about our work, vision, and mission, please visit our website: www.mind.org.hk/.
About lululemon
lululemon athletica inc. is a technical athletic apparel, footwear and accessories company for yoga, running, training, and most other activities, creating transformational products and experiences that build meaningful connections, unlocking greater possibility and wellbeing for all. Setting the bar in innovation of fabrics and functional designs, lululemon works with yogis and athletes in local communities around the world for continuous research and product feedback.
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HD photos and infographics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XGnI4O4MiR_plTRmGnb8KRC5K5Z5zqSV?usp=drive_link
Media Contact:
Mind HK
Ms Clara Kwok, Head of Communications, Mind HK
Ms Nancy Ng, Communications and Events Manager, Mind HK
Michelle Wong, Totoro Studio Limited
P: +852 9147 1455
