Take the Fitness First Branches Tour (Part 1)
I’ve met a handful of Fitness First Philippines members who have passport memberships, i.e. they are entitled to go to all the Fitness First branches, but have just gone to one or a couple of branches. Of course, it would help if you had your own car, because it would make it easier to go around, but whether you do or not, I think making the effort to do so would be really fun because you get to see the different set-ups and cultures of each branch.
Fitness First ABS-CBN If you want to test your mettle against individuals who have been exercising for more than a decade, then go to the morning classes at ABS-CBN, where the moms, whose daily schedules include a trip to the gym after having dropped off their kids, normally go. Before Fitness First was established, they had been going to other gyms already. But this also means they have the strong and forceful personalities that are so prevalent with this niche market.
Sporadically, you’ll probably see ABS-CBN actors and newscasters working out, so if star-gazing can be particularly motivating for you to go to the gym, then pass by the ABS-CBN branch.
It also has the most number of cycling classes in the evening, with 3 classes from Monday to Friday, starting at 5:30. They also have a different scheme regarding giving out the numbers for the evening cycling classes, wherein you’re allowed to get a number way before the usual 30 minute period, as in by 4pm you can get a number already. And for the other scheduled cycling classes, the 30 minutes is extended to an hour.
Be forewarned though, parking during business hours till the evening can be quite difficult despite the multi-level parking, because, aside from housing the ABS-CBN offices, the building plays host to several restaurants and bars. And make sure to bring your Fitness First ID because security is tight just to enter the building alone.
Fitness First Alabang This branch has the nicest lounge for its Body Care clients because it is quite roomy and elegantly decorated. However, the entrance to the premises from the lobby has been closed (to avoid the noise from the gym entering the more serene Body Care premises), so you have to go out of the gym entrance and go through another set of doors that lead to Body Care.
And be prepared to traverse 3 levels because the first level holds the lobby and locker rooms, while the 2nd floor has the studio and machines, and finally, the third floor stores the free weights. If you have knee problems, it might be best to strengthen your joints first before visiting this branch.
One of its advantages is the fact that Fitness First Alabang is contained within its own lot, so it’s one of two Fitness First branches that offers free parking to its clients, as well as the most extensive class schedule.
Fitness First Eastwood One side of the Eastwood branch faces the river (I don’t know whether it’s the Pasig or Marikina river), and someone wisely decided that some treadmills should be put there. On a good day, the glass window frames a picturesque scene straight out of an Amorsolo painting with a meandering river, a grassy green bank, wooden houses in the background, scampering children, and a tethered carabao.
It’s also the only one with 2 studios aside from the Manila branch. Moreover, the second studio has no scheduled classes in it, so it’s perfect for any mini-rehearsals you might need, plus you’ll always have room for abs, leg or a light weights workout.
And, although the Manila branch may be the biggest, the Eastwood branch gives that impression because it covers a lot of room for it is the only single level branch, which makes it perfect for clients with joint or heart problems. Plus, if you’re the type who doesn’t like crowds, then you’ll probably like Eastwood because no matter what time it is (including the after work peak hours) it’s usually not that full.
Fitness First Fort Bonifacio Doing a quick walk about the Fort Bonifacio branch is quite fun because it holds so much surprises, from an overhanging walkway to a hidden stretching area to a sight of the nearby mountains. It’s the only branch where the rowing machines are up against the glass walls and offer a real view instead of a wall or a TV monitor. Moreover, its architectural design is circular, with the classic detail of a view of the inner courtyard, in this case, instead of the customary garden, it’s the passageways to the surrounding restaurants.
Aside from RCBC, it’s the only branch to offer Tai-Chi, held every Wednesday at 7am. Teacher Ed is really excellent because he is quite exacting with the positions, from the head poses to the angles of the foot. A tip though, the studio’s left side faces east, so sunlight angles its way into the room in the mornings. Aside from the Tai-Chi class, it would be better off to visit this branch 10am onwards.
If you’ve always liked hot pants or short shorts, then the Fort Bonifacio branch is the place to feel quite at home because it is quite customary for the clients to wear these leg-baring type of apparel, unlike in the other branches where leggings or knee-length shorts are more the norm.
And, since the Fort Bonifacio branch is the nearest one to the private subdivisions where a lot of the expats are housed, there are a lot of foreigners who go this branch aside from their Filipino counterparts, i.e., it means that the ambiance is very professional with minimal noise and a more courteous relationship between the staff and clients.
And if you’re planning to have a Shiatsu or Thai massage, it would be best to have it done at the Fort Bonifacio branch because it’s the only one with a room dedicated to this type of massage. The area is bare except for a light mattress on the floor, making it easier for the therapist to press your points during the Shiatsu or manipulate your body in the different stretches during the Thai massage.
Previously, the parking used to be free, but, recently, The Fort management started charging a flat rate of P20.
(To be concluded)
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