Hong Kong-based entrepreneur’s wellness ventures expand with the new FAMILY FORM in Shanghai’s The Middle House.
12 years ago, Lindsay Jang moved from New York to Hong Kong and together with her now ex-husband Matt Abergel, grew a F&B empire comprising Yardbird HK, izakaya-style Ronin (closed in 2024), Sunday’s Grocery and the newly opened yakitori joint, Always Joy. The 44-year-old had found her passion in the culinary industry after working at New York’s famed Nobu restaurant.
In 2022, the stylish and savvy entrepreneur ventured into the fitness industry with FAMILY FORM, which she co-founded with her friend Helen Kim. The 55-minute mat-based, full-body sculpting sessions conducted in infrared-heated studios first opened at The Upper House and later in Manilla, partnering with Vida Yoga. On 31 May this year, FAMILY FORM at The Middle House’s Mi Xun Spa.
Jang shares that her F&B experiences has a large influence on shaping FAMILY FORM’s philosophy beyond physical exercise. “Hospitality has taught me that genuine care, authenticity and emotional connection are foundational to any successful experience, whether in a restaurant or a fitness studio. Creating spaces where people feel genuinely valued, welcomed and inspired is integral.”
Jang walks the talk, as FAMILY FORM is her personal wellness journey over the past 10 to 15 years. “Initially, wellness for me was primarily about appearance, physical performance and pushing limits,” she states. Now, she views wellness from a more holistic angle to emphasise longevity, emotional health, recovery and mindfulness.
Jang’s multiple roles as a mother of two, starting and managing multiple businesses and “navigating life’s inevitable shifts” contribute to shaping these new perceptions. They mirror similar struggles of many working professionals, which have led to the astronomically growing wellness trend. Research¹ revealed by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) in November 2024 showed that the wellness market grew from $4.6 trillion in a record $6.3 trillion in 2023, largely fuelled by an ageing population, chronic disease, widespread mental unwellness and an uncertain world. It predicts that the industry will reach nearly $9 trillion in 2028.
Jang believes that FAMILY FORM is an accessible and well-shaped solution to buckle the trend and meet the needs of global wellness-seekers. She explains, “FAMILY FORM aligns naturally with today’s evolving wellness landscape, reflecting a collective shift toward holistic, integrated and sustainable approached to health. Our method is designed around the concept of incorporating intentional movement into daily life without rigidity. The key is to approach wellness with joy and sustainability rather than an obligation; as an essential, meaningful part of your routine.”
The simplest actions are the most crucial to a successful long-term shift toward a healthier lifestyle. “Prioritising sleep, recovery and nutrition, and focusing on these habits make you feel rather than purely aesthetic outcomes, is essential. Wellness should always nurture both your physical and emotional self,” Jang advises.
She and Kim devised the 55-minute exercise as for the time-strapped executive, traveller-in-a-hurry (with the studios being located in city hotels) or typical multitasking urban dweller. The soothing pastel-toned studios, thoughtful playlists and use of infrared heat all help to maximise results within a realistic, accessible timeframe.
“Infrared heat boosts metabolic efficiency and enhances muscle recovery while controlled humidity helps muscles remain flexible and responsive, reducing injury risk. Each studio is thoughtfully minimalist and inviting, designed specifically to optimise physical performance and mental immersion,” explains Jang.
The movements combine precise core work, dynamic plank variations, bridges, controlled arm and shoulder movements, and targeted mobility and stretching. They are conceived and sequenced by her and Kim based on feedback from clients, their team and their own experiences. “Every movement compounds intentionally – shifting planes of motion, challenging balance and integrating deep stretching,” says Jang.
The workout has foundational movements in yoga and mat Pilates but differ in “atmosphere, sequencing and intensity.” Those up for a challenge can add on hand and ankle weights to intensify resistance, activate deeper muscle fibres, enhance strength and sculpt faster results.
For Jang, years of working out with FAMILY FORM has not only shaped a better body, but also influenced her own relationship with her physical strength, relationship with movement and energy. “It continually grounds me, building resistance and clarity,” she remarks.
Client feedback is encouraging – noticeable physical sculpting, improved posture, enhanced sleep and sustained energy throughout their day. The best result, however, is mental. They have commented how FAMILY FORM has positively impacted their emotional well-being, confidence and relationship with their bodies. “It’s rewarding evidence that FAMILY FORM is achieving exactly what we intended,” says the satisfied Jang.
Beyond physical exercise, FAMILY FORM has, like its namesake, created a supportive, inclusive and nurturing community environment. It is truly unique in Asia, Jang highlights. “There’s really nothing like it here. We’ve thoughtfully combined elements from boutique fitness and personal training into a dynamic, immersive experience.”
The success of the venture is a large part due to mutual respect and her strong friendship between her and Kim, which started over a decade ago. “We first connected when she was living and working in Shanghai,” shares Jang. “Over the years, we often talked about building a brand anchored in the core value of ‘family’, rooted in shared experiences, warmth and genuine care. The idea truly came to life during Covid, when I was already working closely with The Upper House on health and wellness programming.”
FAMILY FORM is the perfection addition to the wellness component of the hotel industry that has grown from being a side provision to the main attractions for many luxury properties. It is one of the attractions for guests to choose The Upper House as an accommodation – and now, The Middle House as well.
Opening FAMILY FORM in Shanghai realises a new high point for the brand. “The Middle House shares our vales around thoughtfully curated guest experiences, making this partnership especially meaningful,” says Jang. There are ambitions for FAMILY FORM to further expand into other cities worldwide, but in targeted locations that align with the founders’ ethos and vision.
Concludes Jang, “Ultimately, our goal is to empower as many people as possible to live healthier, happier lives through accessible, transformative wellness experiences.”
