More than five years ago I used to come here about twice a week. I love the group classes and the…read moreteachers, I used to get a great massage in the Fitness First Spa (now gone). Occasionally I'd still come here for special events. I came today because it was the only Fitness First gym I know open on Christmas day. The last time I was here was May 2015 so let's see if anything's changed. AIR-CONDITIONING/VENTILATION I remember writing on the club's complaint form a year ago because air conditioning was very bad. So bad that a lot of people would be leaving group classes especially RPM/cycling because it gets too warm in some parts of the room. But now it's very cold that I was shivering in the locker room. EQUIPMENT The tricep rope thing that attaches to the cable machine smells! Other machines were fine. Glad to see 2 preacher curl benches (gone in FF RCBC). Not all the workout benches used for the BodyStep class have the rubber that grips the floor! While they might be safe to use for BodyPump, be careful not to use them in Step classes. Bikes for RPM/Cycling are new-ish, can't complain about them. Yoga mats didn't smell bad. CLASSES I attended Crunch's BodyAttack and Ahlee's BodyStep class. Love both classes and teachers! It was my first time with Crunch who I think is one of the manager of the club. I kinda like the class atmosphere in this club, everyone's just doing their best to workout plus they seem to be enjoying what they're doing.

STEPS Dance School is one of the best dance schools in the metro. Headed by Sofia Zobel-Elizalde,…read moreSTEPS is found on Kalayaan Avenue in Makati (oddly enough, right where all the not-so-kid-friendly places are). STEPS is a good place to learn dance whether you're interested in just a class or two, or if you're quite serious about it and thinking professionally. Students are taught by the teachers directly from the professional ballet companies, and may even get to experience international guest teachers if they drop by. A handful of their top students have gone straight to professional companies, both local and international, and have even represented the country in international ballet competitions. Students will get to experience regular shows, along with summer workshops every year and may even get a chance to tour the country with the school's regular performing arm. It might sound like it's all about ballet, but STEPS also offers other classes like modern and contemporary dance, pilates, and jazz. They also have a dance shop where you can buy quality leotards, tights, and all of your dance needs. Their studio is also beautiful! If you want to train with the best and learn from the best, STEPS is the closest thing to a professional dance company!

I discovered this dance studio when I was walking from my place in Salcedo Village to Power Plant…read moreMall. It was rush hour in busy Kalayaan Avenue. Through a window display I saw some ballet dancers rehearsing. Their delicacy contrasted with the chaos of that friday night around P.Burgos Street and its surrounds. I was so beautiful that I got closer to check if it was a dance school or just some professional group gathering. Now I tell you: it's a dance school called Steps Dance Studio. Among all dance schools I've visited, this one seemed to be the most professional one, I mean, they really care about the beauty of dance instead of just using dance as a tool to lose weigh or something like that (unfortunately that's the approach we usually see, since dance classes are commonly offered inside fitness centers). Steps Dance Studio offers Classical Ballet (Royal Academy of Dance!), Modern, Jazz, Street Dance, TAP Dance, Pilates and Zumba. They always organize summer workshops, with a final concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Nice, isn't it? If you want to try your Pina Bausch days, then I recommend taking a look at this studio!

The trainers here do not give a damn what you think, they really will put you through the most…read moregrueling workout until you keel over from exhaustion, and it's just what I need to not need a forklift to carry my coffin when I die, instead of a hearse. I'm an admittedly, um, horizontally-challenged individual, and I wanted to get fitter, and I thought it would be nice to lose some weight while also learning something. Boxing seemed a solid way to go, so one afternoon I headed to the Elorde Boxing Gym in front of La Salle and signed up for one session with a trainer. I thought he'd just show me the ropes and let me ease into what I hoped would be a nice routine. I was wrong. He made me run lap after lap around the gym, and THEN we went through rigorous warm-up routines. Before the warm-up was even over, I was puking my guts out in the bathroom. But I soldiered on. I did shadow-boxing drills over and over again, and then he paired me up with a petite college girl who then proceeded to wipe the floor with me a la Scarlett Johansson and Jon Favreau in Iron Man 2. It was humiliating, and I haven't gone back since. But that's more of a reflection on me than it was on the gym. There's no false advertising here. They give you what they say they'll give you. There's no coddling, no extended rests. You sweat and you lose weight. Nothing less.

I've been coming to Primal Ape for almost a year now and it still feels like the best decision I…read moremade for myself. I walked in super nervous--zero lifting experience, just some random home workouts--and thought I'd probably embarrass myself within the first five minutes. Nope. The coaches (shoutout to Coach Anton especially) scaled everything perfectly for me from day one. They're tough when you need a push but so patient and genuinely happy when you hit a new PR, even if it's just a little one. The box is massive, the energy is electric, and somehow the community makes you want to show up even on days you feel like dying. I've made actual friends here--people who cheer for you during the WOD and ask how your week was after class. It's cheesy to say, but it really does feel like a second family. The workouts are brutal (those damn burpees still haunt me), but seeing my body get stronger, faster, and more capable week after week is addictive. I'm sleeping better, eating more (and enjoying it), and honestly just feel like a more confident version of myself. Five stars aren't enough. If you're even a tiny bit curious, just go try a class. You won't regret it.

Simulan na ang pagsusuri mo...The first rule of crossfit: never shut up about crossfit. And I'm…read moreabout to fulfill that rule. Yep, I used to make fun of the cult (albeit lovingly), but now I'm part of the cult and quite happy about it. Primal Ape is a Crossfit box that offers two fitness packages: Crossfit and Bootcamp. If you avail of the Bootcamp package, that's all you get, but if you sign up for Crossfit, you can also take Bootcamp classes. The crossfit package is naturally pricier, though. You can google the difference between Bootcamp and a WOD (Workout of the Day). But basically, bootcamp is mostly bodyweight. Crossfit's where you do all the #doyouevenliftbro-level weights stuff. Both are exercises done in groups, although the coach keeps watch of everyone. No spotting, though. But that's okay because the coaches will teach you how to handle the weights properly, and also, they're bouncy weights. Like literally, if you drop them, they bounce! I heard that Crossfit gyms are called boxes. And from what I've seen, Primal Ape's box is HUGE compared to most other Crossfit establishments locally. It's literally an entire warehouse. As of the time this review was written, construction is not done yet, since right now it's very new. The establishment has no aircon, which I like. SWEAT HARD. NO PAIN NO GAIN. Ahem. Equipment include rowing machines, weighted balls, kettlebells, barbells, ring rows, pullup stations, mats, foam rollers, jump ropes, wooden boxes (for jumping on and off, I don't know what you call them.) The entire box also spans a 100m run. I was with Primal Ape since its roots. Well it's actually still roots level right now, haha. But during their beta testing, I availed of a 2 week free trial for Bootcamp, and I liked the workout AND the environment in the box so much that I never stopped until I signed up for the actual Crossfit package. Which, by the way, shouldn't deter you if you're new to it, since there is a Foundations class. And mind you, I never ever used any equipment or worked out at a gym before doing crossfit. Okay, so you know what you're getting into and so you know how much you, too, can do this, I might as well give you my physical background: I used to do Bikram Yoga, and I work out nearly everyday (I stream cardio, abs and HIIT stuff on Youtube), but I'm also anemic. I have been completing the WODs just fine. Well, okay, not just fine, my butt gets kicked every single time, but in the best possible way. Take note these workouts are ruthless and brutal, but very rewarding. But if a scrawny little pipsqueak like me can handle them, then YOU can. Provided you don't have health concerns that directly conflict with this form of fitness, naturally. If getting into crossfit worries you about certain medical repercussions, I'd suggest consulting with a doctor before you go ahead and sign up for classes, or inquire with any of the coaches or partners at Primal Ape. They are very nice, honest and will tell you if you should take Crossfit or not. Speaking of the coaches and partners, they do a really good job at building the environment in the box. First timers are told to "sing, dance, or say something about yourself" which immediately warms people up to each other. The coaches and regulars initially only seem intimidating because they're BEASTS. But they're all really nice, and encouraging and motivating and understanding that fitness is a process and you can't be a great crossfitter off the bat. They'll help you push yourself. Head Coach Anton, who handles the WOD classes and the foundation classes (but also does some Bootcamp classes) is actually the Hulk. No, kidding aside, he's extremely helpful. His criticisms, praise and encouragement are quick, concise and effective.. Hey, just like CrossFit! Since I started with Primal Ape, I've been the fittest I've ever looked and felt. But I'm also eating a lot more, for the record. I'm normally squeamish about group exercises since I'm a terrible introvert, but I like the community a lot and I've already made some new friends. I feel a sense of very healthy and supportive "competition." But really, the only person you're truly competing with here is yourself, BOOM CHEESY FITNESS MOTIVATION LINE. True, though. I mean it. Some closing pieces of information: If there are certain movements you really can't do properly yet, the coach will tailor the requirements of the movements for you. The locker rooms are air conditioned, well equipped, basic and clean. Also, the rug will get you dirty for sure. You will get down on all fours and on your back a lot. It's easy to book classes, I do it through an app called MindBodyConnect. They offer classes in the morning, lunch break, and after work hours. They have morning and 4pm classes on Saturdays. The gym is closed on Sunday. You'll need lots of sports bras and a change of clothes. The sweat is merciless. You will learn to love Burpees... ... enough to make you hate them a little less.

First off I was not able to work out at this location and am only reviewing my customer service…read moreexperience. We came in for our free trial in the hopes of signing up for a membership but no one showed up even though we contacted them the day before. The membership price looked very reasonable and we were excited to try it out. From what I can gather, the facilities are very nice and outfitted well. The following is my breakdown of what I can see from the outside (again never having gone inside) Pros: The gym looks very clean and the equipment is well maintained and new Plenty of weights, machines, and open area All the free weights are organized tidily, including plates, dumbbells, kettle bells, etc. (Even at 6am) Squat rack Water fountain Mobility, multi use open area Great lighting Cons: Nothing I can see from a gym equipment and space standpoint Would be nice to have a couple of additional free Olympic sized barbells for women and men No attendant at the time we arrived to sign us up

Crossfit MNL is a very friendly place for Drop-In. They are all very nice and they all speak…read moreEnglish. The floor where people work out is getting old and used, which is making it very "crumby"...literally. It's not great, but it's ok. The facility is decent where it does have showers. They have pullup bars everywhere. They only have hard balls for wallballs. I noticed they do not have rowers and I only saw one bike or GHD's. I assume those workouts are limited. Most of the workouts with did were barbell and pullup related. I actually went here during the Open and it was very easy to get on the list. Not exaclty organized. Not sure if they had a Friday Night Light set up like we do in the states. I would recommend going here again for the friendly service and very close to Greenbelt. Thank you for the drop-in!

Amazing Lagree studio! The teachers are all top notch and speak perfect English. It's so well run…read moreFrom the checking in to the instructions the teachers give in class. Love love this spot.

First tried Lagree in LA and I think they do it even better in Manila! Such a great work out! My…read morebutt is lookin like Beyonce's. The machines are the best out there and I love the staff! So much love went into this place. Everyone is so friendly, makes me feel like I'm at home :)

Everyone seems to be getting fit nowadays and I believe that there is no better way of doing it…read moreother than eating right and getting proper exercise. I was an active member of Elorde Boxing Gym in Don Antonio back in 2010 to 2013 and of all the sports that I've been involved to, Boxing and Muay Thai training is by far the most strenuous and most calorie-burning physical exercise for me. Elorde has definitely sweated a hell lot of fat from me! The biggest weight loss I had was with their Muay Thai and Boxing programs. For sure, you've seen a lot of Elorde branches around the metro. I've tried Lagro, Katipunan and Don Antonio branches and I can tell that all maintains quality services and facilities. All of the branches were accessible to me but I find it more comfortable and at home with the trainers in Don Antonio because they train beginners and advanced students better than the others that I've worked with. They know how to engage and motivate their students one step at a time with proper combat and martial arts discipline and eventually hardcore training! Also, the best part about Elorde training is the mandatory post work-out massage that's surely gonna pass you out. If you're looking for an indoor activity to sweat you out this coming rainy season, I suggest you try Elorde Gym. To me, it's better to be fit with skill training than weights and other gym machines. You can check out www.elordeboxinggym.com for rates and details.

It started out as a random thought in one of our many conversations, but I'd like to thank my best…read morefriend for actually getting me to do Pilates this summer at White Space, because there's just so much to love about it. We were total beginners with no clue what was in store when we signed up for a trial. Now four regular sessions in, Mondays and Wednesdays have become our favorite days of the week because of them. Our wonderful instructor, Rissah, has a meditative approach to teaching the class. I love how we do warm-up and cool-down centering to send our daily worries away as we slowly melt into our mats. I love how some workflows are intense and others are more relaxed as she adjusts the main exercises for the night depending on the general mood of her students. I love how, even if I'm sore from all my muscles being stretched out to the max, I still have a fulfilled smile on my face when the hour's up. This beautiful space is more than just a weekly reminder to stay healthy, inspired, strong, focused, and mindful about myself and everything around me. I guess I've found my happy place.

There's a reason why I've already convinced (not coerced, promise!) even the most inflexible…read more(that's what she said) of my friends to turn to yoga for fitness: I just can't stop raving about Yoga Plus Express at at DLSU, with its state-of-the-art facilities and budget friendly rates (Php 3,000 for a monthly subscription). Now on my second month on the mat, my flexibility and strength have considerably improved, based on before-and-after photos! Whether you're looking for a workout or a means to unwind, there's a yoga practice there for you! Hot, Flow, and Warrior will get your sweat flowing, while Yin will rejuvenate your mind and body. There are classes offered daily, on weekdays: 6:30 a.m. (except Fridays), 8:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.; and on weekends: 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 20% discount is offered to students. Yoga Plus Express at DLSU is open to the public, even non-Lasallians.