Are you a gym girlie or in your running era? While these workouts can be enjoyable and effective, they can get quite repetitive. They might not also be everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s perfectly okay! Whether you’re tired of your usual exercise routine or just looking for something new, there are many exciting, empowering, and fun ways to stay active.
We round up some of the best fitness classes for Filipino women in the metro. These will get you moving, sweating, and smiling in no time!
Pilates
Pilates is the queen of low-impact, full-body workouts. It’s especially great if you want to tone up, improve posture, and build core strength without breaking your back (literally). Pilates in Manila can be done on a mat or with a reformer. Mat Pilates is bodyweight-based, meaning it doesn’t require equipment beyond a mat. It is designed to challenge your balance and stability. On the other hand, reformer Pilates uses a machine to provide resistance and support, allowing for a wider range of exercises, and can be tailored for rehabilitation, strength, or flexibility.
Where to Try: Onelife Studio, All Core Pilates, Option Studio, Bikram Yoga Manila
Aerial Hoops or Silks
These classes combine strength and artistry as you learn poses and tricks on suspended hoops or silks. The exercise involves three main tricks: climbs, wraps, and drops. It’s a full-body workout that challenges your upper body, balance, and courage. If you feel intimidated by aerial hoops or silks, many studios offer group fitness classes for all experience levels.
Where to Try: Elite Aerial Arts, PoleCats Manila, Fame Artists’ Studio, Stardanz Fitness Studio
Dance Fitness
Dancing is a joyful way to stay fit. Dance fitness classes like Zumba, K-pop choreo, or even dancehall and hip-hop get your heart rate up while letting you unleash your inner diva. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, everyone is welcome. You just need to find the right dance fitness studio!
Where to Try: 88 Hype Studio, Groove Central Dance Studio, G-Force Dance Center, Dance HQ Manila
Indoor Cycling or Spinning
Indoor cycling is high-energy cardio wrapped in rhythm and community. You’ll cycle to the beat with music, lights, and powerful coaching. The classes are designed to burn calories, tone legs and glutes, and leave you feeling energized. To make the class even more fun, many studios offer themed rides, like 90s hits or K-pop. Don’t forget to wear moisture-wicking gear from your go-to activewear brands for optimal comfort and performance.
Where to Try: Electric Studio, Ride Revolution, Saddle Row, Cyclehouse MNL
Kickboxing or Muay Thai
When it comes to women’s fitness, combat classes aren’t usually at the top of people’s lists. But it’s about time that it should! Self-defense classes like kickboxing and Muay Thai help unleash your inner warrior. These workouts are intense and empowering, improving your strength, coordination, and stamina. Not only do they sculpt your body, but they also help relieve stress and sharpen your focus.
Where to Try: Stark Fitness, Fusion Fitness, The Lab, Surge Fitness + Lifestyle
Barre
Don’t underestimate the power of small, controlled movements. Barre, inspired by ballet, yoga, and Pilates, is deceptively intense! This workout focuses on toning and sculpting your muscles through tiny, repetitive motions. It’s low impact, but you’ll definitely feel the burn in your arms, core, and legs. Barre is perfect for those who want to build lean muscle and improve balance without jumping or heavy lifting.
Where to Try: Jal Yoga, B+B Pilates Studio, Speranza Pilates Studio, barre3
Fun Runs
Okay, we promised no running—but fun runs are worth the exception. With themes like color festivals, zombie races, and glow-in-the-dark night runs, these events are all about community and enjoyment. What’s great about fun runs is you don’t have to be a hardcore runner. Just show up, move at your own pace, and have fun! These events are a great way to explore the outdoors, meet like-minded people, and even support a cause while staying active.
Where to Try: Takbo.ph, Pinoy Fitness, Runrio
Yoga
Yoga is a beautiful mix of movement, breath, and mindfulness. It helps build strength, flexibility, and inner peace. It’s perfect for stress relief, improving focus, and even aiding digestion. Plus, yoga is easily accessible—you can practice in a studio, at home, or outdoors. If you want to work out with other people and learn more advanced techniques, you can check out group fitness classes at a studio near you.
Where to Try: Urban Ashram Manila, YogaPlus, Evolve Yoga & Fitness, Bikram Yoga Manila, The Yoga Room
Rebounding
If you’re looking for a workout that’s playful but packs a punch, rebounding is your new best friend. This trampoline-based workout improves cardiovascular health, balance, and lymphatic drainage. It’s low-impact on your joints but high in calorie burn—and fun! Rebounding feels like you’re playing while reaping serious fitness gains.
Where to Try: Fitness First, Bounce Philippines, FitandFierceBounceph, Boogie Bounce
Rowing
Rowing is one of the most underrated full-body workouts out there. It engages your arms, legs, core, and back—all in one smooth, rhythmic motion. It’s low-impact but high-intensity, making it perfect for those who want to torch calories without putting stress on their joints.
Where to Try: Saddle Row
Bouldering
Challenge your mind and body with bouldering. This form of rock climbing might just be your next obsession! It involves scaling walls without ropes or harnesses, relying instead on crash mats for safety. It may look intimidating at first, but bouldering is surprisingly beginner-friendly and builds strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. Each route or “problem” is like a physical puzzle, making it one of the most mentally engaging fitness activities.
Where to Try: The Bouldering Hive, Climb Central, Power Up Climbing, The Edge Climb Gym
Take Your Fitness Journey to the Next Level
Embracing fitness beyond your normal, day-to-day routine opens a world of possibilities! These diverse workouts nurture both body and soul, adding fun and excitement to your life. Step into these health-related fitness classes and discover the joy of moving your body your way—strong, confident, and unstoppable.
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