We celebrated all things fitness last month on Preen.ph with a range of articles like how to choose the right pair of training shoes, couples on Instagram who embody (literally) our #fitspiration and #relationshipgoals and mobile fitness apps that suit your activity level.
Reading up on athleisure and taking an interest in physical activity, I couldn’t help but notice the different “fitness tribes” that exist in Manila, and how they are distinguished by their apparel, accessories and, of course, the gyms and studios they pay memberships for.
While I’m familiar with only a smattering of archetypes, for sure you’ll recognize the telltale traits of these fitness freaks—maybe even yourself.
Badass CrossFit Chick
This girl doesn’t waste an ounce of energy with unnecessary movements. She needs all the strength she can muster for explosive moves like dead lifts, split jerks and muscle ups. Burpees, squats and box jumps are her warm-up movements.
You can recognize the Badass CrossFit Chick or Boot camp Bae by her choice of footwear, which would most likely be the Reebok R Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training and Fitness Shoes.
When doing weights, she’ll be sporting an unintentionally artful application of RockTape on injured shoulders, biceps, thighs—basically anywhere she needs recovery because quitting is not an option.
And no matter which level of CrossFit she’s at—Boot camp, medium Rx, or large Rx—a foam roller is a must.
Urban Yogi
In Manila we are spoiled for choice when it comes to barefoot studio classes: there’s barre3, Plana Forma, Pilates, PiYo, and of course, yoga.
There is no perturbing the Zen-like disposition of a yogi. She is soft-spoken, calm and strangely hypnotic. Have you ever noticed how a yoga teacher guides you almost completely by dictation, rather than demonstration?
After the class, you’re amazed at how she convinced you to do a Trikonasana (or Triangle pose), despite that tightness in your hips.
Not all yogis carry their mats; their studios provide those for them. Instead, they’ll have absorbent, no-slip microfiber yoga towels to cover their mats with and provide grip.
You’ll see them gliding around in leggings with digital prints, loose tank tops and rainbow-colored sports; their hair pulled back with headbands and braids.
She may or may not sport Lulu DK flash tattoos; they don’t necessarily enhance her practice, but they do add to that ethereal woodland creature vibe.
And if she’s truly serious about her practice (or probably does Plana Forma on the side), she’s bound to be sporting a pair of Nike Studio Wraps.
Spin Class Addict
If there is one thing most spin class addicts agree on, it’s that indoor cycling is like a party on a stationary bike. And after your first session, you’ll probably need bed rest—at least until you head back for more.
Since it’s still quite new in the country—despite the recent introduction of Electric Studio, the local counterpart to the popular SoulCycle in the US (and with Saddle Row due to open quite soon)—there are no definitive traits yet. But if we’re going by the look of the trainers, here’s what you’ll spot:
Give it a rest, Jane Fonda. Leave the spandex cycling shorts to the ’80s; spinners need fitted, moisture-wicking leggings for class. Up top, they’re probably sporting strappy sports bras that provide medium support with maximum ventilation because those classes get hot!
Tank top is optional. Last, a squeezable squirt water bottle comes in handy because in between the bicep curls and spirit fingers, you can only spare one hand to get a sip of water during class.