Where I work out: Mia Kang’s fitness and wellbeing go-tos in New York

By Mia Kang

February 14, 2023

The model and Muay Thai fighter tells us about how a fitness journey became all about wellness.

I documented my fitness journey and body image struggles in my book, Knockout. When I suffered from eating disorders and the pressures of the fashion industry, I only ever viewed exercise as a punishment for eating. Discovering Muay Thai changed my entire relationship not only with exercise but with my body. Exercise became an invigorating experience where I started learning an art and new skill set. I developed a newfound respect for my body and the things it could do. But, above all, I think Muay Thai and fitness helped me to become more in tune with my body.

Flow state

I don’t have a set fitness routine – I’m not a creature of habit, unfortunately. My work schedule is so unpredictable and I travel frequently, so I’m really learning to listen to and trust my intuition. I try to ask myself, “What do I need today?”, and go from there. Is it rest, movement, exertion, engagement? Growing up in Hong Kong, I never experienced anything like New York winters, so during that time I’m definitely at home more, lazier, and inclined to cuddle up on the couch and watch movies. But that’s OK and totally normal. Seasons change, our bodies fluctuate! That said, there are a few favourite things and places that help me to stay fit.

Fighting fit

Church Street Boxing on Park Place is a place I absolutely love. I’ve been coming since I first moved here. It’s in a large basement and feels like a real, old-school New York boxing gym experience – think Rocky vibes, with a giant Muhammad Ali mural and walls covered in posters of their fighters from over the years. It doesn’t get much more authentic than that. It offers boxing classes, personal training and even Muay Thai.

East Village hub

I love heading to Kollectiv, a wellness hub in the East Village. It has a café, a herbal pharmacy, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, massages, IV therapy, compression recovery and even reiki. Infrared saunas are great if you’re like me and regular saunas make you feel a little claustrophobic.

Sweat and Spa

I recently tried The Spa and Gym at Mandarin Oriental, New York near Columbus Circle in Midtown. The state-of-the-art fitness space has excellent cardio and weight equipment, plus gorgeous views of the New York skyline – there’s a lap pool overlooking the Hudson River. If I get the chance, a relaxing massage and some spa time always do wonders.

Free wheeling

Grab a Citi Bike and cycle on the West Side. It’s something I do at least once a week, starting at the lowest tip of Manhattan and cycling up the West Side and back. There’s a bike path the whole way, by the water and past all the piers, and it’s gorgeous. There are electric bikes if you want a more leisurely experience, but the regular bikes are heavy enough to give you a good little workout.

Feelgood dining

ABCV is a Jean-Georges restaurant that is entirely plant based. Although I’m not a strict vegan, I eat mostly plant based, and this restaurant is one of my favourites – it’s absolutely delicious and leaves you feeling great. Fitness is important to me, but not for the same reasons as before; wellness is more important to me now. The Covid pandemic took a toll on my mental health, and prioritising my overall wellbeing is something I’m actively trying to practise. The mind and body are most definitely connected, and I think I’ve shifted to a more holistic approach.

As a model and influencer, my appearance is always under scrutiny. I try to advise others to work on their personal relationship with their own body image. Our bodies change, and it’s a beautiful thing. A certain appearance won’t bring you happiness, but a certain mindset will. We all have insecurities and that’s OK. Get comfortable with that. It’s important to remember that you are not your body image; my appearance is the least interesting thing about me.

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About the Author

Mia Kang

Mia Kang is a British-Korean model, fitness and body positive advocate and influencer, based in New York.