MANILA, Philippines—If you got that “stiff-and-hard-to-achieve” system of staying fit, Parkour is here to end that old-fashioned mentality.

A newly built gym for Parkour activities is set to open in Pasig in line with the celebration of the 6th year anniversary of Philippine Parkour Group this March 15.

“Parkour is a functional and creative movement of a person who tries to overcome certain obstacles through an entire leg,” Robby Apelo of Parkour Philippines said.

“And this is what sets us apart from other training centers. Here, we show you how to be healthy and strong. It tests your strength and endurance. You get to play around with an assurance of getting fit during and at the end of the training,” Apelo added.

Parkour enthusiasts use their bodies and their surroundings to propel themselves while trying to maintain as much momentum as possible in a safe manner.

It includes obstacle courses, running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, rolling or depending on what movements are deemed most suitable for a given obstacle.

“This is not your typical fitness center where you lift weights after weights after weights. Here, you use your body weight. Now that doesn’t only test you physically, but develops your discipline entirely,” Rayven, a trainer for Parkour enthusiasts said.

He said movements throughout are really ninja moves-inspired, from body conditioning, to core muscle training, down to the lower body’s focus.

“It is definitely the body’s way of moving fast while burning fats. Everyone, (kid at heart or not), would enjoy their Jungle-like training experience as it take you back to childhood carefree days of playing luksong tinik, climbing walls and monkey bars,” he added.

Ninja Academy also offers martial art classes, arnis, krav maga.

“Parkour is for everyone. As long as you can move, jump, and run, this is for you,” Apelo said.

Kimche Limpahan was one of the participants who tried the Parkour activities on its soft opening.

“Parkour is all about free flowing. You become physically and mentally fit,” Limpahan said.

She added that Parkour is not just about overcoming the obstacles but learning lessons one could apply in life.

“When you master the skills, you could use those skills for self-defense and to help others as well,” she said.

Other fitness centers maybe perfect as viewed and heard – so perfect that you can’t perform nor achieve them; they only leave you at a failed status. But with Parkour and its exciting activities, you can say to yourself, “I did it, the fit and free way.”

Ninja Academy is set to open in #155 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue in Rosario, Pasig City this March 15.