Content provided by British Council
[1] Ash Ayonote left office life behind after spending years behind a desk in Hong Kong. Now, as a fitness coach, he is showing that the city’s parks make great gyms. He leads outdoor training sessions that prioritise community as much as cardio. His approach has universal appeal. He recently trained three generations of men from the same family in a public park in Sai Kung.
[2] Simon Kavanagh, 53, was the first in the family to turn to Ayonote in October 2023. “I was approaching 50, feeling unfit and looking for some structure and routine,” Kavanagh said. “Ash was able to bring the discipline, goal setting and accountability that I wanted.” As a result, Kavanagh was able to build the foundation he needed to participate in a Hyrox event in Hong Kong in July 2025, alongside a group of others trained by Ayonote.
[3] The event requires competitors to complete eight 1km runs interspersed with eight punishing fitness challenges. The most recent version in the city took place between May 8 and 10 and attracted nearly 20,000 competitors.
[4] Kavanagh said Ayonote has become a great friend through their many fitness sessions. He enjoys bringing family members and visiting friends to his classes. “I much prefer training outside to training in a gym,” said Kavanagh, adding that early morning sessions beat the heat and humidity.
[5] In October 2025, his son Conor returned from studying overseas and joined the weekly workouts. The 22-year-old said he has developed a routine that he will continue when he moves overseas for work. When Kavanagh’s father, Morrough, visited Hong Kong in February, he also took part. The 79-year-old lives in Ireland, where he has a personal trainer. He said he was delighted to train alongside his son and grandson, “both of whom are far fitter than me”.
[6] The three generations fed off each other’s energy, Ayonote said. They also impressed one another with their ability and dedication. “The older generations influenced the younger without even knowing,” he said. “The grandad is very active outdoors – he rides bikes, hikes and does lightweight training. His son sees how impressive that is and gets into it. Then, the grandson sees [them getting up at 6am] and thinks, ‘Well, I’ve got no excuses.’ They have the same goal – to stay fit for their family.”
Source: South China Morning Post, May 13
