Gone are the days when only the extemely strong-willed can keep a tight work out schedule. With the emergence of various kinds of fitness classes, exercising, as an activity, has become more flexible, inclusive, and most of all, fun. Manila’s fit crowd has taken particular interest in spinning, which has also proven to be a hit in the US and in other parts of the world. Numerous spinning studios have cropped up in the city in the aim of providing people with a more exciting way to achieve their fitness goals.

We talked to Kristina Sy of Electric Studio to learn more about the spinning studio and the fitness trend that’s sweeping the city.

Philippine Tatler: How exactly does Electric Studio offer a “full-body fitness experience”?

Kristina Sy: At Electric Studio, we offer riders a high intensity low impact cardio party. It is a fun and efficient workout that is friendly to your joints. We recognize that time is a valuable resource for all our riders so we created a complete full body workout in 45 minutes.

Our workout is one of the most efficient exercise programs that target the entire body. All our classes include cardio, weights and resistance training. We carefully selected movements that work the entire body in less than an hour. Upper leg muscle groups (quads, hams, and glutes) as well as lower leg muscle groups (calves) are put to work the entire journey with each pedal stroke. Upper body (arms and shoulders, upper/lower back, chest, and core) also gets lots of attention and adding weights to these movements compound results.

All our classes are for all fitness levels – our workout is scalable and our instructors coach riders on how to modify their workout. Each rider is in full control of their pace and resistance so they can turn it up or turn it down depending on their level of fitness.

PT: How is the progression of the training with every session?

KS: We focus on making sure that each ride is executed safely, therefore you can expect a warm up, interval training, weights, and cool down in every Electric ride. Although you will find these “parts” in class, every class is unique. Our instructors add their own unique personality, choreography, style, and music into each class so no Electric ride is ever the same.

Besides the physical, it was very important for us to have a mental discipline in our Electric rides. We understand that when the mind and body are both at play, bigger improvements manifest. We believe in guiding our riders through an inspirational journey.

PT: What’s the best way to “get in the zone” and prepare yourself for the amount of physical activity and to achieve your goal for the session?

KS: We always advice riders to hydrate, listen to their body and listen to the instructor. Eating at least 2 hours before class and arriving 30 minutes early is highly recommended. If it is a rider’s first time, we encourage them to focus on their form and find a pace that is comfortable to their body. Just like anything new, the first time will be a challenge. However, having a positive mindset to get better after each class makes all the difference.

Apart from being physically prepared, we ask our riders to leave their cellphones in their lockers and to be fully in the moment when they walk into the Electric Room. We know it is difficult to find time for yourself – so we created an environment where riders can shut out the outside world, re-focus and find purpose, strength, and motivation. We believe that fitness is an integral part of a happy lifestyle and wanted to build a place that helps fulfill this purpose.

PT: What is the best companion diet for spinning? Do you even need to fret over your diet?

KS: We don’t believe in diets and food fads. We simply believe in eating whole foods, season organics, and staying well hydrated. Electric is not based on a culture of calorie counting or looking a certain way. Our focus is on feeling great by taking great care of ourselves while surrounded by a supportive community.

PT: What is the role of music in the class?

KS: Music is part of our DNA. Our rides are led by inspirational instructors who craft unique curated playlists to get riders in the right rhythm and state of mind. Our music takes riders through an inspirational journey – allowing them to climb, sprint, jog, crunch, and press to new heights amidst a candlelit setting. You will never hear the same playlist twice, so no ride is ever the same. The experience at Electric Studio goes beyond strengthening ones body, it switches everything on — the body, mind and spirit.

PT: How did spinning become a bonding experience for groups of friends?

KS: At Electric, we believe in riding together, leaving no one behind. We do not foster competition, instead our riders share a “we can do this together” electric spirit that allows them to go beyond what they normally wouldn’t think of doing. Because everyone comes for the same workout, our riders build a strong bond from the moment they are greeted warmly by our crew, as they wait in anticipation for class, to the time they leave with a feeling of accomplishment. We’ve seen many friendships form at our studio – from our riders, instructors to our crew. We love seeing the camaraderie grow as riders continually motivate and encourage each other throughout each class.

Electric Studio recently opened its second branch in Salcedo Village, Makati.

Photos by Chris Yuhico