How to get long, lean and strong

MANILA, Philippines - Feeling burned out or stuck in a rut? Many factors contribute to that feeling we all get once in a while. Whether it’s a moment of laziness, or a lasting phase of unproductivity, we know that too much of it could lead to bad things for our careers and/or personal lives. To combat this, our first instinct would be to take a break or a long vacation to recharge. However, not everyone has the luxury or time for a getaway. Luckily, there is another, if not better, way to instantly pick you up — exercise.

It may sound like the last thing you’d need, as who would want to exercise when they’re already tired as it is? On the contrary, it may just be the re-boot your body needs in order to recharge itself effectively every day.

Active body movement involves engaging various body muscles. In order for your body to keep up, it sends blood and oxygen to the different areas engaged. This is the reason why you feel refreshed even after a tiring workout session. Now the question is, what workout is perfect for you and your lifestyle? Rexona came to the rescue this year, as it recently held the first RXN Fit Fest at SMX. The number one deodorant in the world collaborated with the top fitness clubs in the country for a one-of-a-kind fitness event that offers different ways for people to get fit and stay fresh as they move.

The event was kicked off with a personal favorite: barre cardio yoga, done in collaboration with Plana Forma. The full-body workout combines Pilates, yoga, and Physique 57. It is perfect for those who love the lengthening and strengthening effects of yoga, but look for the burn and quick results that cardio activities give as well.

“Though it makes use of static exercises — make no mistake, a session of Plana Forma stretches and contracts muscles to the point beyond exhaustion. It generates intense heat in the muscles that will remain and continue burning calories even after the session has ended,” explained Forma Move-Cardio coach Phillip Pamintuan.

At the Fit Fest, Rexona Fitness Squad members Gretchen Ho and Nicole Andersson led us, together with Forma  coaches Van Manalo (Plana Forma-Barre) and Celine Encarnacion (Forma Asana-Yoga) as we endured two hours’ worth of flexibility testing and endurance training. We were pleasantly surprised when traditional yoga poses like the Downward Dog and the Chair were given twists with the use of small, repetitive movements, providing an extra oomph to the already challenging workout.

“It doesn’t get easier, you only become stronger,” said coach Celine, as she tried to encourage those of us who were close to giving up.

The intense, yet surprisingly calming, session concluded with all eyes closed, our backs against the floor, as we were made to be aware of our bodies from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes.

Happy smiles and calmed faces exited the hall, as we freshened up to get ready for another challenging workout ahead.