Pumped up for the season

(Conclusion)

This is the conclusion of my two-part mini guide to gyms frequented by celebrities in Metro Manila.

Planet Infinity — If Fitness First is the McDonald’s of fitness centers like I mentioned in my previous column, then Planet Infinity is the Shangri-La Hotel of gyms.

Of course, the membership and monthly dues of Planet Infinity do not come cheap. But the amenities it offers are worth the price. It has an infinity pool and the best maintained equipment. You can actually live there since everything in this fitness center spells comfort. The last time I was there (for inquiries only since I couldn’t afford it), Beverly Vergel had her laptop with her and she said that it’s practically her home. Piolo Pascual also works out there.

Unfortunately, Planet Infinity lost its edge over most other gyms after it canceled its 24/7 operations. These days it’s now only open 24 hours on certain days of the week. The remaining days — it closes at 1 a.m. or maybe earlier on weekends. If you are a celebrity who keeps erratic hours, that still won’t do. A 24-hour gym is still best for movie and TV stars with irregular work schedules.

Slimmers World — It’s the best value for your money gym. Why do you think Roselle Monteverde-Teo who inherited the business acumen of her mother (Lily Monteverde) sticks it out with Slimmers World? Roselle is a practical woman. She enjoys the comforts of one of the major fitness centers in the country (Slimmers World has branches in Olongapo City and Cebu — even in Bangkok) for so little an investment. (On occasion, this gym sells lifetime membership at discounted rates and you can work out there anytime for the rest of your life without worrying about monthly dues.)

While it no longer has steam room facilities (after it caused a fire at the Atlanta branch in 2001), the shower and changing areas are serviceable (the stalls have water heaters). Best of all, you don’t have to worry about losing your valuables because aside from the fact that the locker room has a CCTV camera, a staff member or two are always posted there and pose as deterrent to thieves with itchy fingers.

The aero (different types to choose from) and even belly dancing sessions are fun because there is an overall congenial atmosphere in Slimmers World. The staff members are generally polite and friendly.

The downside — short operating hours (only till 9 p.m.) and it can get crowded from 5 to 7 p.m., particularly on Mondays (that’s the situation in most gyms because clients have to shake off excess calories from the Sunday family lunches and dinners).

Slimmers World, however, is the most receptive when it comes to client concerns. Just go ask and they will attend to your needs.

Gold’s Gym — While it is not as spic ’n span as Fitness First, Gold’s Gym is still the most ideal fitness center for everyone, particularly those from show business (it’s the gym of the stars — with no less than Sam Milby and the Star Magic talents working out there) because all its branches end operations at midnight (save for the extremely well-maintained one in Waltermart in Muñoz, which closes at 10 p.m. because it is housed inside the mall).

It’s not surprising to see Jake Cuenca, Polo Ravales and Iza Calzado rushing in at some of the Gold’s Gym branches at past 11 p.m. to sweat it out before or after a taping. Thanks to its long operating hours that begin at 6 a.m., even those who work in call centers and anyone who leaves office late are able to squeeze in their workout fix.

Gold’s Gym also offers some of the best group classes for aero, hip-hop, plus yoga. Even Helen Gamboa is able to keep her body in shape by attending the morning zumba classes in Gold’s Gym Galleria.

Facilities in this fitness center are basically maintained properly — although the one in Wilson is undergoing renovation (but wait till they’re done with it — it’s going to be a spa heaven). The people in the reception and the trainers are also courteous and helpful. There are also Gold’s Gym branches in practically every corner of the metropolis (even abroad — you can work out at their centers there) and that can be very convenient for the client.

Of course, I’m still wondering in my head why the walls in most Gold’s Gym branches are painted red. Interior designers will tell you that there is something in this color that can affect a person’s behavior. My biggest quarrel, however, are the droplights. I cannot understand why the lighting system was designed that way. Those hanging lamps add to the heat and may not be good for clients doing cardio exercises on the machines since their skin pores are open during workout sessions. I already called their attention to it and I’m still waiting for immediate action to be taken by management.

Generally though, Gold’s Gym is still highly recommended to those who are serious about getting in shape. I’ve seen results on its regular clients — thanks to an efficient staff that helps motivate its members.

Mojo Gym — I had never been to this fitness center in Quezon City, but I know for a fact that it is frequented by celebrities (Rocco Nacino, Luis Manzano, Sheena Halili, etc.) because of its proximity to the two major TV networks. I also know that it is one of the gyms that pioneered in boxing as a cardio exercise. 

Most clients, however, complain of overcrowding and that emits heat that can sap the energy of those who work out. There is also the issue of management not being receptive to complaints. That feedback I got from some of the clients themselves.

There was also a member who left because the atmosphere in the gym was becoming a bit too hardcore for comfort. Frankly, I don’t see anything wrong with that. Just go light with plenty of repetitions if you don’t want to buff up.

Getting in shape and staying healthy actually starts with the person. Fitness centers, however, can serve as a partner in the client’s goal to achieve and maintain a healthy way of life.