I've been to a few of the yoga places in the area and while most have the same theme; zen and…read moretranquility. Life yoga has put a new and FUN style to Yoga. In the session I went to they used music to really set the mood. The facilities and equipment are clean. They have two rooms for yoga and hot room and a not hot room. You can reserve your classes online! All the staff are friendly and really show special attention to make sure your doing your poses right. -For people who think yoga is just for girls or too easy, im 220 pounds, play basketball, boxing, and used to run marathons. - But these yoga poses really challenge you. I mean who knew attending or moving your leg in different places could hurt and make you sweat. - After the first session I already felt more mobile. My hips, ankles, and knees used to be in pain and click a lot from my many basketball injuries. But after the hour long session. I felt like a new man. Stress free after all this studying. Can't wait to go again. Definitely a must if you're studying or inured or both!

My one and only choice for practicing yoga in Manila. Neat, clean, fresh, tasteful, arty and full…read moreof happy people in this yoga studio. After practicing yoga while working in Paris, shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei, while I enter YogaHive in front of Salcedo Village, it's really a love at first sight effect that I decide right away to join the membership for the superb attitude of receptionist, passionate yoga teacher and enthusiastic maintenance crew here. "Indulge" is the word I would describe to have my practice but I also feel it could be a ceremony to help me to ease body tension and relax my mind. We are pampered to start each journey with yoga mat and strap prepared thoughtfully from the center. No doubt there are many great studios in Makati but it would be a different experience to join us at YogaHive!

Took a class here right after they had opened and loved it! Came back after my month-long vacation…read moreand promptly enrolled in their unlimited monthly program! The teachers are young and teach enthusiastically! The studio is beautiful as well! Love it here!!!

Nowadays, people are very much into achieving a healthy lifestyle by means of working out and…read moreeating healthy. I've tried a lot and would stick to at least two types every now and then just to mix things up. One thing that has stuck with me is yoga. It's a practise that I hold close to my heart for much deeper and valued reasons (other than staying fit and keeping your calm). I learned about Nancy Siy's free-for-all yoga classes from my teacher at a Surf and Yoga retreat in Zambales. Anytime someone says something is free and interesting, it should be worth checking out. I remember on my first session sometime 2013, I was the only student she had. Later on, we would be at least three in class. Today, we were eight! It was also a nice break from being in a studio. We always practise under a tree in the middle of the park and under the bright rays of the sun! We're always sweating buckets during and after each session. Props to us for handling 35 degrees of heat while holding our poses! Would you believe on the first day she already taught me how to do the head stand? I really was proud of my progress with my Jivamukti classes. I know you're wondering what Jivamukti is. It has a strong emphasis on ahimsa, which means non-harming, and compassion for all beings. It's also a vinyasa-based physical style. When I started Jivamukti, our lesson for the month is about letting go. It was so fitting of what's present in my life about two years ago because I had just been broken up with. So when I zone out and reminded that there are things I've to let go, I started feeling really better. I would really think about myself and how else I can challenge myself during and even after practise. The zoning out is really true! And within two month of constant reminders (I remember crying in one of our session because of what Nancy had said and made us listen to), I was feeling okay and have moved on completely with life. Yoga can be a deep and personal experience. The combo with Nancy's free-for-all-yoga class is something worth trying, too! You got the outdoors, the calorie-burning poses to deal with and learning how to challenge yourself. Not a bad way to start your week, right? Free-for-all-yoga classes are held every Sunday at Legazpi Active Park from 9:30am - 11am.

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!

I've been coming to Bliss Yoga for over a year now and it still feels like my little sanctuary in…read morethe middle of Makati chaos. Walk in after a stressful day, leave my shoes at the door, and the moment I step inside everything just quiets down. The 90-minute Vinyasa classes hit different--long enough to really sink in, sweat it out, and come out feeling reset instead of rushed. Instructors read the room so well; some days they'll push you harder, others they give you space to breathe and modify without making you feel like you're slacking. The community is low-key and kind--no Instagram posing, just people actually there for the practice. Small studio, but it never feels claustrophobic. Honestly, it's become the best part of my week. Five stars, no question.

My go-to yoga place. Convenient location especially if you work in Makati since it's right next to…read morethe Dela Rosa footbridge. Studio is small but it doesn't feel crowded even in a packed room. Intimate and quiet ambiance makes you focus on your practice. Instructors are legit and at the top of their game as they coach you through the poses. Everyone's down to earth and welcoming. If you're looking for a no-nonsense studio that does yoga with authenticity with nice classmates and caring instructors who helps you deepen your practice, this is your place. It's a secret gem in Manila :)

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.

With the number of yoga studios that are popping up all over town, I decided to try Echoyoga on the…read morerecommendation of a friend. Immediately I felt a sense of community when I entered the studio. I was warmly greeted by the receptionist who ensured I was properly prepared for class. She set me up with a mat and showed me around the facilities which include restrooms and showers. Echoyoga has one main room where all the classes are conducted. Windows are often open and a nice full breeze flows into the room. While all the teachers are very experienced, I personally took classes with Marilen and Will who were both outstanding. The pace of both classes was perfect as was the level of attention. Will expertly managed the class by accommodating all skill levels seamlessly and Marilen led the fixed Ashtanga sequence with strength and vigor while magically maintaining a sense of calm throughout the room. Of all the studios I've tried around town, this one felt the most like home with personal attention in classes as well as an honest heartfelt energy from each teacher and staff member at the studio. I will definitely be coming back!

My older brother had been inviting me to go to yoga classes in Echoyoga Shala on Kalayaan in…read moreMakati. I've tried a lot of private and public classes but would feel either too bored or not challenged enough to want to continue. Some yoga studios also don't focus so much on the quality of their classes and just like to sell packages and I like that the Echoyoga has a variety of classes that helps and caters to the needs of beginners to advanced practitioners. Classes vary from Gentle Flow, Vinyasa Flow, Mysore, Guided Ashtanga Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Led Ashtanga. They also have discussion sessions as well as breathing classes to help you understand the importance of proper breathing. Walk in or drop in students pay a nominal fee of Php500 per class, and a range from Php1,000-4,000; Unlimited classes are from Php5,000-6,500. A different approach to traditional yoga practices. Its not always too full or packed with students so its pretty great if you're looking for a practice that is not too congested. The teachers are well-trained and certified; you can also talk to them about your personal goals and they will prepare and guide you in the right direction. I think what is great is that their practice is focused on a better understanding of your practice as well as a better approach to a sustainable and balanced lifestyle.

There are so many yoga centers popping out in Manila, it's now harder to choose where to take…read moreclasses. My little suggestion: look for a place that's most convenient to you. You don't want to add more expense with regards to gas and parking do you? Luckily, this branch of Bikram Yoga Manila is relatively near my house. It's just a small center - the staff are very friendly. And because Bikram Yoga literally means yoga in a sauna, the ventilation of this place isn't so cold. Management wants to make sure that you don't get sick from entering a hot and then cold place. I suggest you arrive 10-15 mins the class so that the staff can fully train you what to do. Don't forget to bring a long towel, a beach towel would do, as you need to place this one top of your yoga map because the session will make you sweat like a pig! This form of yoga is not for the faint hearted. You shouldn't attend Bikram if you have colds, it's important that you're breathing properly. It's a good feeling once you finish a session! You feel a lot lighter! Tip: they usually hold Charity Tuesdays (a discounted class that is held at the last class of Tuesday) The donate the proceeds of the class to a charity.

I took the 90 minute hot yoga class. I have only taken one bikram class in the US years before so I…read morewasn't sure what to expect. I will say it was hot but not as hot as I remembered my last class to be. The class was a bit pricey for my experience. It was a good stretch and okay workout.

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.