FAMILY MATTERS

Pure Yoga instructor MARGARET CHUNG, aka @yogachung on Instagram, is an inspiration in class and on the internet; she tells STEPHANIE IP how social media was literally a lifesaver for her family

How did you get into yoga? Has it changed you as a person?

I'd practiced a few hatha classes here and there in 2001, but it wasn't until I met

Almen [Wong] in 2002 when it really shifted. We were shooting a travel show in Australia, where she told me all about it and introduced me to Pure Yoga studios and hot yoga. I practiced hot diligently for the first few years, then slowly expanded my practice to ashtanga.

It has changed me immensely, both physically and emotionally. There's a philosophical side to yoga that really guides you – not just in your practice, but in life. Just one example of something that yoga has taught me is to be sincere and try your best in things that are important to you or have meaning in your life. Your best may not always mean success, but at the end of the day, you know that you gave it your all.

Are there other workouts that you love?

I've tried many other workouts like spinning, dancing and pilates – but nothing really connects with me more than yoga.

Do you believe in cheat days?

It may work for a lot of people, but for me I simply haven't tried that diet regimen. I eat consciously and indulge when I really crave it.

What do you love most about your job and what’s the toughest thing?

What I love most about teaching yoga is connecting with a broad spectrum of students, especially working with and teaching the special-needs community in Hong Kong, which has enlightened me so much. I'm not too sure what the toughest thing is about my job…