Manila is a city that constantly keeps its finger on the global pulse and takes up international fads as readily as it forgets them. From Cronuts to kouign ammans, Barre to Bikram, it seems like every major food, fashion, and fitness trend has its moment in our metropolis. Some stay only a little while, and others endure longer, but it does take something extraordinary to hold the attention of the citizen who is constantly in search of something new and exciting.
Electric Studio is that extraordinary experience that will find a permanent place in the fitness culture of Manila and perhaps eventually the entire country. While indoor cycling has been gaining a steady following in the United States and elsewhere for some time, this is the first studio in the Philippines dedicated solely to this total body workout. It started with the vision of its founders, indoor cycling enthusiasts who believed in the value of a fitness class focused on positivity and empowerment. Across multiple time zones and against many odds, they worked hard to bring their idea to fruition and open their beautiful start-up space in Bonifacio Global City, off of Burgos Circle. Just like the workout it aims to promote, the space is full of positive energy, with bright, sparkling new facilities and a dedicated, cheerful staff who radiate their belief in the brand and its mission. The staff, or “crew” as it’s called, is truly exceptional and is responsible for the incredibly efficient service riders experience from the moment they arrive at Electric Studio until the moment they leave. Starting a new, unfamiliar workout class is understandably daunting for most people, but the welcoming atmosphere of this studio should put anyone new to cycling, or to group workouts for that matter, at ease.
The Electric Studio experience starts with a change of shoes, and it really is like getting into one’s battle gear, except in preparation for something infinitely more fun. Special cycling shoes that attach to the pedals on the studio bicycles are included with every class. The studio currently offers Pure Electric 45-minute and Power Hour 60-minute sessions, but a 90-minute Endurance class that will push riders to their limit is also in the works. No matter which session you opt for, every minute of it will be spent doing a workout that is nothing short of addictive. From the music to the expert instruction, down to the energy created in the room by fellow riders, the Electric Studio experience is unlike any other. Fans of other fitness classes will find no comparison here, only a singular combination of dance party, bike ride, and cardio fitness class that is made all the more special by each instructor’s individual teaching style. They say taking every instructor’s class at least once is the only way to get the full experience, and it’s not surprising that many first-time riders choose to do exactly that. A five-class introductory package will get anyone started on the right foot and seems to be the way in for most people new to the brand. For those who worry that indoor cycling doesn’t work other parts of the body as much as it does the leg muscles, one class will be all it takes to convince you otherwise. Core strength is key here, as riders spend a majority of the class in a position that keeps them hovering over their bicycle seats through the sheer engagement of their abdominal muscles. As for upper body strength, there is a good chunk of the ride dedicated to arm exercises using free weights. As much as cycling is certainly about developing leg strength, there is a total body workout in every Electric Studio class that riders will be pleasantly surprised to have.
Summer may be over in the Philippines and the time for New Year’s resolutions long past, but the need for a workout that promotes positivity, empowerment, dedication and endurance is present year-round. Long-time fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike will find the answer to that need in Electric Studio if they’re willing to go along for the ride.