“Beforewe give you an exercise program, it is crucial that we first analyze your posture and movement,” said Raymund Gorospe, Sky Fitness Phils. GM. “By doing so, we will be able to pinpoint your physical strengths and weaknesses, and create a program that is designed just for you.”

Sky Fitness, the Singapore-based functional-training studio, is now in Manila. Located on the 2/F OPL Building on Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City (tel. 478-2248/49), Sky Fitness offers state-of-the-art fitness and wellness technology vis-à-vis the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) developed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine in the US.

How different is this gym? For starters, you don’t do the usual static stretches before and/or after exercising. Instead you perform self-myofascial release (SMR) exercises.

SMR, said Gorospe, is a movement preparation for workout. It is a soft-tissue therapy that relaxes the muscles and stimulates the stretch reflex of muscle and overlying fascia. Circulation is increased and the body becomes flexible.

“Our body has several body imbalances due to faulty movement patterns. SMR helps correct the muscular imbalances that result from tightness of the muscles. Once SMR is done the muscle will be relaxed, which prepares us for a better workout,” Gorospe said.

Individual needs and goals

Gorospe said OPT is the industry’s first and only comprehensive training program based on scientific research that provides “great results specific to individual needs and goals.”

The OPT models follow three phases to optimum fitness or sports performance: Stabilization, Strength, and Power.

“It uses head-to-toe fitness and performance evaluation. We assess posture, movement, strength, flexibility, and performance. We need to correct imbalance first, which is partly what the Stabilization phase is for, before we give them an exercise program,” he said.

By the time you’ve achieved the Stabilization phase, you would be ready and able to maximize your strength endurance training, the second phase of the OPT. Each phase prepares you to be at your optimal best for the next one.

And it’s not just that. Sky Fitness Phils. is also equipped with the latest training system technology called the Sky Genesis. Sky Genesis is a system where members, upon enrollment, will undergo diagnostic tests to check on their physical and mental well-being.

Sky Genesis is composed of four state-of-the-art machines that will analyze your body. There’s the In-Body Analyzer that computes the body’s fat, muscles (including different muscle tissues), fluid contents, and more, at 98 percent accuracy, said Gorospe. The Bio Wellness Scan looks into the body’s organs to see which ones are functioning well (85 percent accuracy).

The Acu Graph is akin to an acupuncture minus the needle. It’s a noninvasive procedure that analyzes the body’s stress levels and weak muscles, with specific exercise recommendations to address each issue. Last is the Magneto Therapy, a 30-minute therapy with 22 functions to address specific problems, such as arthritis or even wrinkles.

“It will take about five to six sessions before you can get results from the Magneto Therapy,” Gorospe said.

Sky Genesis is free for new enrollees. Succeeding analysis, though will be charged.

Sky Fitness also offers Pilates, yoga, and Redcord workouts through its partner Options Studio at the ground floor. There’s also posture assessment and functional movement screening that will address any weaknesses that may hinder your fitness progress.

The Whole Body Vertical Vibe is an express workout system where, according to Gorospe, you get the benefit of a 60-minute workout in just 15 minutes.

They also offer Health and Joint Program, a therapy to help those having difficulty doing daily activities perform well; resistance training; lean mass management program; dietary planning; sports conditioning; and pre- and post-natal programs.

Sky Fitness has 11 fitness coach, all trained and certified, and one nutritionist. This month, it will open its Injuries and Rehabilitation program.

There are no membership fees. Instead, Sky Fitness charges P950/month for miscellaneous fees. All enrollees are required to have a fitness coach for personal training. PT packages start at P1,550 per for 12 sessions.