Doing fitness workouts are always fun to do with friends (of course, this can be done with the family members too!). Whether it’s yoga, an aerobic dance or a run around the village, you will hardly notice that you are burning those calories because you are having fun. Aside from establishing a healthier lifestyle, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and to strengthen the relationship.

Last week, I did just that. And I’m glad I get to spend it that way.

Sun Up to Sun Down

Women’s Health Magazine is celebrating 5 years in the Philippines and Sun Up to Sun Down is part of the birthday celebration.  Prior to the event, upon checking the schedule of activities, I knew that it will be a great way to spend the afternoon with friends.

 High Five to 5 years of friendship!

Dancing the African Jam

With the hot mommas Rochelle and Jen!

with the Women’s Health Philippines/ Summit Media Team

I’m happy to have been part of Women’s Health since the day the magazine was launched in Boracay in April 2009 and I’m definitely looking forward to more fun fitness articles and activities in the coming years!

The Gentle Warriors Get Fit for a StrongerPh

The Get Fit for a StrongerPh was organized by friends from The Gentle Warriors to gather funds for fellow Filipinos affected by Yolanda and reinforce a healthy lifestyle through movement, mainly fitness and dance. It coincided with the Cultural Center of the Philippines celebration of Earth Day for 2014.

Participants were treated to a whole morning of  Yoga,  Kendo,  Bollywood Dance,  Arnis and Cardio A-go-go Dance classes.  I arrived just in time for the full-packed Bollywood dance and made sure to find a slot for the Cardio A-go-go dance. We did get a little sweaty, despite the air-conditioned CCP Main hall but it was fun!

It was nice meeting new friends, and yes even runners who stayed and joined the classes.

Bollywood with Marlette

with the Health Junkie Tonette

When you are bored with the same, old gym routine, or may be you want to try something new, here are some activities for you to enjoy a fun fitness get-together with friends. These activities will get you in shape and motivated to exercise. When an activity has fun aspects you’re more likely to make it a habit because it doesn’t feel like exercise.

Dance Workouts

If you love to dance, you will definitely like  the Latin beats in Zumba. It is an aerobic workout that combines choreographed footwork and body movements from salsa, merengue, flamenco and other dances to sculpt the body, burn fat, tone abs, thighs, glutes and arms. Zumba is getting popular and you can see it done is most parks on weekdays.

Aside from Zumba, you can also check out World Dances like Bollywood, Hapa Haole Hula, African Jam, Bellydance and Latin Dance and Mixed Hiphop like Streetjazz, Mashup, Cardio A Go Go, Sensual Groove, Caribbean Hiphop, Easy Hiphop and Chair Cabaret. My favorites are Bollywood, Hapa Haole Hula, and African Jam. These are taught by Marlette Alano Besa who is a Yoga and Dance Instructor/Performer/Choreographer. You may get in touch with her for inquiries  at (0917)5206160/(02)5568605 or you can leave her a message at HipyogiFitness in facebook.

Hula-hooping

This activity is no longer just child’s play. Hula-hooping, or sometimes called just “hooping,” has emerged into a great cardio workout. Hooping can be done either indoors or out to slim waist, hips, buttocks and thighs while toning your abdominals and lower back muscles.

You can also contact Marlette, who teaches Fitness Hooping and learn different ways to use the hula hoop,  at (0917)5206160/(02)5568605 or you can leave her a message at HipyogiFitness in facebook.

Rope Jumping

Rope jumping is a cardiovascular activity that will workout  the whole body. It will help you strengthen your muscles and bones and improving your coordination. Fitness experts say that with just fifteen minutes of jumping rope burns about 200 calories. When jump roping, make sure to wear a good pair of cross trainer shoes to help absorb the impact and shock in the your feet.  You can check out jump ropes from different sports stores.

Pole dancing

Fitness experts say, pole dancing can be a great way to get fit and boost your confidence. Pole dancing is an aerobic workout that builds upper body strength, tones your arms and shoulders and improves posture.  The stretches in pole dancing class can reduce tension in the body and significantly improve the body’s flexibility.

There are already some group around the metro that can help you if you are interested in learning how to pole dance.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Indoor rock climbing is an an aerobic workout that builds muscle strength, balance  and strengthens your core. It’s quite similar to Yoga (on a wall) as you are constantly shifting your weight to balance, using your legs to push yourself up the wall and your arms to pull yourself up.

Instructors or spotters are available to assist beginners. There are now indoor rock climbing gyms across the Philippines and for sure you can find one in the metro that is near you.

Fencing

Fencing is a fast-paced aerobic workout.  It is  also an exciting mental and physical exercise as you will learn to anticipate your opponent’s next move and react to it.  With the intense arm and footwork, fencing burns calories and improves speed, flexibility and coordination and will also tone the buttocks, stomach and thigh muscles.

If you are interested in fencing, you can check the Philippine Fencing Association. There’s also a group that teaches Japanese fencing, Kendo.  Join Kendo in Makati City and head to the Dasma Village Dojo. The venue is in Dasmarinas Village Covered Basketball Court, Makati City and classes are classes are every Saturday from 10am – 12nn. You can contact them thru their facebook page: IGAKendoClub

Skating

This is another alternative to running because it is more friendly to the joints. It is a good aerobic workout that tones your lower body and builds leg strength. You can rent ice skates and skate during public sessions at the ice rinks inside the shopping malls.  If you don’t know how to ice skate, you can learn the fundamentals by enrolling in a learn-to-skate programs or by private lessons. If you are already into it, you can join in a hockey game or gear towards the competitive track by joining a skating club.

As for me, it is still running but would love to take dance classes every now and then. I would love to try yoga soon to stretch tight muscles. According to a runner friend, who is a yoga instructor, it will help in faster recovery after long races and hard workouts. Whatever works for you may not work for others, so pick activities that you like and you will enjoy.

Do you have any other activities that you love doing together with friends? Leave a comment to let us know.