Electric studio started off as an indoor cycling boutique founded by Filipina sisters Chris,…read moreMarissa and Kristina Sy. They have since expanded over the course of a decade and have multiple locations within Metro Manila. How did I get here you ask? Well, I was walking through BGC and kind of stopped myself when I saw this place. On a whim I walked in and got curious. I later signed up online for their Core Reformer class because it's something I've wanted to do for a while. I've done traditional Pilates but not this type and was glad they offered it here. The Core Reformer is 50 minutes of a controlled full body workout. For those unfamiliar to it I pulled this from Healthline.com to explain what this is. "A Pilates reformer is a resistance apparatus with a padded platform called a carriage that moves back and forth on rails. Springs can be adjusted to change the level of resistance." The equipment looks intimidating, but you'll get used to the setup and the exercises in a matter of minutes. When in doubt follow your neighbor. Tiff, our instructor for the day, did an amazing job going over the basics of using the platform, springs, straps and gondola pole. She was engaging, funny and most of all assisted myself and another newbie to the class with proper form. It looks easy at first until you actually start doing the work. Disclaimer if you're new: You will feel fatigue and burn set in at least halfway through class. My core/limbs were shaking especially during pose holds and short bursts. Having to do that, and add to it the repetitive sets, guarantees you will experience muscle fatigue. I had to purchase special grip socks for this class and unless you have a pair of your own, you can purchase them on site for 650 PHP. In addition to Reformer Pilates, Electric Studio also offers Rhythm Boxing and Indoor Cycling classes. They hold classes daily and hours are posted on their website.

I love to run for exercise, but I get bored running on treadmills (also too cheap to have a gym…read moremembership) and it doesn't make sense to me to have to travel somewhere (like to UP Diliman, which would be a nice, proper example) to go running. I suppose I've been blessed to be living in a greener, less dense part of the city, which is why I love to just put on running shoes and go all over New Manila every chance I get. I know it's a little strange to be making a review on a general area, but I love New Manila because it's really easy to run in. It's almost a grid so it's easy to navigate, the only traffic is during rush hour on the major roads going from Aurora to E. Rod, and most of those are one-way--cars may be going a little faster than they should on a residential area, but at least you know they'll only be coming from one direction (unless some a-hole decides to go otherwise). I see people sometimes running in the Makati CBD or in the Fort, which I find a little sad since they're running in a dreary concrete jungle. New Manila has a lot of trees to take shade in and a lot of pretty houses and places to look at, like the Mt. Carmel Church. Sometimes you even get to visit places you wouldn't think twice about, like Art Camp Bezalel along Hemady or Connie's Kitchen Deli along Broadway. You might be sweaty and winded coming in, but at least you're there.

Founded in the UK, Fitness First is the largest privately owned health club in the world. Here in…read morethe Philippines, they have 14 branches. The Fitness First Platinums (like the ones in RCBC and SM Aura) have the best facilities. They have a pool and the newest exercise machines. The one I go to is Fitness First Greenhills which will also become a Fitness First Platinum when they move to The Viridian. The best thing I like about Fitness First are the Group Exercise Classes. I am very much addicted to Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Pump and Retropop. I don't really like doing weights and running for hours on end on the treadmill. I really like the challenge of having to memorize steps and improving my coordination. A great way to lose weight is to do Body Attack and Body Combat back to back three times a week to start. You'll FOR SURE lost weight and sleep like a baby at night.

My brother is a fitness monster. He has been working on his fitness routines ever since he was…read morefourteen years old. Today, he's one of the fittest people I know who works out a couple of hours a day and practices Jiu Jitsu. He competes locally, wins medals, and has more plans of competing abroad. We're all very proud of him and many people admire his discipline. I'm not one who religiously goes to the gym because I like to change up my workouts and try different things. Whenever I would train at the gym, I would always try to find new workouts and try to improve my conditioning and strength. When my brother challenged me to try his gym work outs, I met his strength and conditioning coach Jay and I took on his program. In just a matter of a few months, I switched to clean eating and training with him. The results were amazing and I found myself sleeping better, up early in the morning and looking forward to the new challenge Coach Jay had for me. My body became stronger and my old injuries that were limiting my physical activities went away. I know many people find it hard and challenging to try a new routine because I was one of those people. However, I believe its a matter of finding the right coach or program that will target your specific needs and help you reach your goals. RX is one of the simplest yet most effective places you can commit to and I strongly advise those looking for any form of programs such as the following that RX offers: Clinical and corrective exercise, Athletic Performance Enhancement/Strength And Conditioning, Body Conposition Training (Fat Loss/Weight Gain), Martial Arts Strength and Conditioning, Fitness for Older Adults, Youth Strength and Conditioning. All their workouts and programs are custom designed and prescribed to your own limitations and what you want to achieve. This I think is the best way to help your body find the right balance and improve your overall condition!

Popped into 360 Fitness Club last week after a long break from working out, and man, it felt good…read moreto be back! Signed up for the circuit training session and loved how it keeps everything moving--no time to get bored with those quick 30-second switches between stations. The variety is insane: one minute you're doing kettlebell swings, next it's TRX rows, then some bodyweight stuff that actually challenges you. The trainers were super encouraging without being pushy, and the vibe in the group classes is so motivating--everyone's just there grinding together. Finished with a quick Body Balance class to stretch and cool down, and I left feeling energized instead of wiped out. This place really makes fitness fun again. 5 stars, no question--I'll be back regularly now!

I never liked working out just because I find being at the gym and lifting weights so repetitive…read moreand boring. I was first introduced to 360 Fitness Club about four years ago when I decided I wanted to lose weight. The journey to slimmer me wasn't easy but being at 360 made it seem less like work because the workout were actually fun. Their circuits change every quarter so I don't get bored doing the same things over and over again. Plus, group classes like suspension training, kettle bell, Body Jam, yoga, and even Zumba make going to the gym a lot less taxing. And who doesn't love options when it comes to their workouts? If you're like me, and want to take your workout a notch higher, I suggest you avail of their personal training service. Depending on your fitness goal (weight loss, toning, etc.), they have a fine number of men and women to help you out. I have my trainer to thank because these days I can lift weights I never thought I could and even climb mountains!

Been going here for a while now. So sometimes I go here twice a day. Monday to Thursday anytime…read morepast 4pm gets pretty crowded. So stick to mornings lunch or late nights. I saw some reviews which seemed like people just wanted to hate so here's an honest review: - I've been here when it's packed and I smell nothing I always see people cleaning and wiping when I visit. - I've been here at 4am and there were two employees there so I felt safe enough. - as for gym bag I always carry it with me. I wouldn't trust leaving it on an open rack. For the Philippines working out anytime you want is quite difficult but not anymore! - this is one of the first main stream 24/7 gyms in the Philippines There equipment is top notch. They have : - bosu balls - boxing bags - trx - foam rollers - elliptical - stair master - bikes - yoga room - classes - bench press - free weights And much more What's cool about this gym is that if you sign up for this gym you're allowed to go to any anytime fitness gym around the world. Which is perfect for me because I travel a lot Some gyms can get pricey especially in BGC also not many gyms are open 24/7 especially for the price so this is really the best option for me

I am not athletic per se, but it isn't for lack of trying…read more When i can, i make it a point to hit the gym. But being in advertising makes that a bit more difficult given the long and late hours I spend at work. I try to wake up early to sneak-in a workout session (I can already hear Yoda saying - -"Do or do not. There is no try.") but my nightly overtime keeps on shooting that horse in the face. It's gotten so bad that sometimes the only workout I get in a week is hopping around the conference room on a pogo stick during brainstorming (which is actually fun, but I digress...) I've been a member of two gyms already in my 15-year quest for abs and I usually encounter the same problem - -I don't get to maximize my gym membership because of operating hours. But that's about to change thanks to Anytime Fitness High Street - -one of 2,900 Anytime Fitness gyms around the world that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - -in short my kind of gym. With my previous gym membership expired, I was on a lookout for a new gym that operated until later hours. While searching online I found out that Anytime Fitness BGC High Street branch was already open. Excited, I rushed to visit on the same day, just to inquire initially but I found myself walking out a member. Signing up was so easy, and the staff was very accommodating and friendly. If you plan to pay for your monthly dues via credit card you're initial cash out on the spot would only be P3, 500 - -P1, 000 for the joining fee and P2, 500 for your very own Key FOB - -which gives you 24-hour access to the gym (and if you've been a member for a month, 24-hour access to all other Anytime Fitness branches worldwide). The gym is clean, it has all the equipment you need to get in shape and is even set up in a way that allows you to do HIIT workouts and even circuit training if that's what you fancy. And if you're very particular about bathrooms/locker rooms the gym offers you private bathrooms each made for individual use --complete with shower and toilet (yay privacy!) Now I get to work out anytime I can. So while everyone is out at midnight or at home asleep, you'd probably find me at Anytime Fitness Hight Street running on the treadmill, swinging some kettle balls, or doing a few burpees. Now that's fitness in your own time.

For those who are living in the Guadalupe area looking for a fitness facility that is cheap but…read moreprovides quality service, you might want to check out Gymbassy. Located near the barangay hall of Guadalupe Nuevo, Gymbassy caters mostly to residents of nearby barangays who are looking for a quick and cheap workout session. Though the venue is relatively small, the gym is pretty well equipped with basic things any gym rat would need. Though they don't have any treadmill for cardio workouts, you can use their stationary bike to start off your session and break a sweat. The gym is not air conditioned since most of their members prefer an open-air workout place. Probably not the best place to do your work-outs during the summer season (INSANE HEAT!!!) but at night, the cool air breeze is enough to set a more comfortable room temperature. What's fascinating about Gymbassy is that they offer one-on-one TRX sessions. If you're interested, make sure to book an appointment at least a day before your workout. As early as 6 in the morning, clients schedule their TRX sessions with coach Mark Banta who will only need around 30-45 minutes to do one full session of TRX workout. You can check with him directly regarding the rates of the one-on-one TRX sessions. Coach Mark is actually a good friend of mine and I've seen his work. He's gotten a bit popular in the workout world, having a couple of local celebs choosing him to oversee their workouts. I have yet to try to have a session with him but I'll probably jump at the chance when I'm not so lazy anymore. Haha. Anyway! TRX sessions are advisable for people who don't have much time to spare to workout due to their busy schedules. Some clients schedule their TRX classes before going to work, which according to coach Mark, is better since you still have enough energy to condition your mind to workout rather that doing it after work. You can workout at Gymbassy at a very cheap rate of 45 pesos per session (TRX not included). Gymbassy also sells bananas and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for your pre-workout food. You can also purchase thirst quenchers like Gatorade, although the gym does offer free distilled water.

I have never tried yoga before, and my hesitation to sign up for classes comes from sheer…read moreintimidation. I have always coursed through life with minimal exercise, and I have never found any flexibility or strength in myself. I guess I just didn't need it as much. I have always lived a pretty sedentary lifestyle, and most of the things that I loved doing didn't really require a lot of strength or endurance. However, I have heard of the many benefits of yoga, though I have always let the intimidation get ahead of actually trying it out. Also, the price tag of yoga classes was another barrier to entry, and that has stopped me from signing up for classes, no matter how much my friends urged me to try it out (it will help you calm down, it's good exercise, etc.). It wasn't until my friend Dustin gave me a pass for their Share Your Yoga promo at the Ayala Branch. Naturally, I felt really awkward and shy because I didn't know what to expect, but the instructor (Lasse) during their Global Mala Day Session was a soothing presence during the class. He walked us through the basics of pranayama and back bends, and from then on, I was instantly hooked. I didn't find the lessons that challenging (everyone else in the class was groaning and struggling) and I actually didn't struggle with most of the poses, unlike what I expected. What surprised me is that my forgotten upper body strength from my gym-workout years was still there, and I could do the planks and chaturangas with relative ease. It was like being unraveled and exposed, but in a good way. I now know how people say its a very relaxing experience. I fell in love with Urban Ashram's branch in 6780, not only because of the welcoming staff, but the cool interiors. I love the zen minimalist interiors of the place. Everything was spotless and squeaky clean, and I just love how everything was conducive and evocative of calm and serenity. I will be back.

Wonderful, spacious, clean and definitely puts you into "yoga" mood! Do not get intimidated by the…read moreoffice-look of the building located right on Ayala Avenue. Urban Ashram is a new venue with basic classes for everyone. I have been practicing yoga for a few years and I love how these classes walk me through all the basic positions step by step to perfect my movements. They often partner up with different people to organize yoga retreats or meditation weekends and host guest teachers... Namaste!