Our creative director Nimu Muallam and I are avid users of GuavaPass, a subscription that allows us to access different workouts and gyms that fit our erratic schedule—hot yoga on a Friday night or even an intense class of Plana Forma at 7 a.m. on a work day. Either way, we always make sure to try out new workouts that pop up especially when it’s near our office.
The most recent one was Pound Fit, an intense cardio class famous in the US and is currently offered at Platinum Fitness in Makati. I was told it was like playing the drums incorporated with dance moves, and I thought to myself, “Oh, this is totally doable.” After googling videos, I knew I was wrong. Pound Fit features moves with intense hand-eye coordination, which I very much lack, not to mention there’s no stopping within the hour of the workout. Oh, damn.
On a rainy Thursday night, Nimu and I arrived at Platinum Fitness. There was a significant number of people, mostly first-timers, so at least we knew we were in good company. Each person needs to get a pair of Stabilo-bright drumsticks that weigh a quarter pound each, and right after we find our spots on the “dance floor.”
My workouts are almost always never intense, I purposely attend yoga and pilates because I don’t like panting. So when our instructor walked in with so much high energy, and said, “I’m supposed to tell you this after, but you will actually do about 500 squats in this class. You won’t notice it because there are variations.” I look at Nimu with wide eyes and slightly panicked—500. SQUATS. Will I survive this?!
But as soon as the music played and blared through the speakers, I got into the groove and forgot about the number of squats I’m about to do. Music ranged from The Greatest Showman and songs by Bruno Mars—all songs you can easily dance and sing to which made it super fun! Everyone gave out such a great energy that even if I missed a few steps, I would just try my best to get back into the groove. I wasn’t shy or as conscious as usual, and realized that I was really having fun.
Right after the class and during the cool-down session, I could feel the sweat trickling down my back and chest. My face was as red as a tomato and my pixie cut felt like I just got out of the shower.
Overall, it was a fun workout that had a strong sense of community. Everyone just grooved to the beat and enjoyed every moment, much like dancing in a club, but instead of high heels you’re armed with your favorite trainers. So if you’re looking for a cardio workout that will get your heart rate up and have your entire body move, then I think you’ve found it—Pound Fit.
My legs and butt were in pain two days after, but I’ll definitely be back. So see you soon at the gym?
Photos courtesy of Pound Fit
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