Finesse (Rowing) at Saddle Row Powerplant
For a long time I’ve always associated rowing with the likes of golf and tennis, expensive sports that don’t feel very accessible. This is also because it’s history is tied to the Ivy Leagues and more affluent communities. But after going through the different fitness experiences in Metro Manila, I realize that the experience has become easier to try and get into thanks to Saddle Row Philippines, the first boutique studio of its kind that offers it in convenient locations, part of the ClassPass roster and at prices that aren’t so different from your indoor cycling studios.
What is Saddle Row?
In 2015, they opened their doors in Metro Manila as a premier boutique fitness studio that specializes in both indoor cycling and rowing. Committed to safe and smart fitness experiences that are similarly low-impact but effective. They’re also located in two primary business districts in Metro Manila – BGC and Makati. While there are other opportunities to be able to row outdoors with the Philippine Rowing Association, they are still the only one catering to a growing number of indoor rowing enthusiasts.
They also do a lot of brand partnerships and activations with their studio. When I tried their rowing class, they were also preparing for an event with Gap Fit. They also have had partnerships with WeWork, Regatta, Burt Bees, Blackmores, GoodHausPH and more. I got a taste of the rowing experience at WeWork’s Fitness For Founders event months ago, but it was a very short trial class that was jampacked so I don’t think I really got the fullness of the experience. After trying out their Resistance Class for Indoor Cycling in BGC, I’ve been meaning to try their famous rowing class. As a marketing professional myself, I have such an appreciation for brands that come together. I’ve got to say, the devil works had but the Saddle Row marketing & partnerships team work harder!
What are the Saddle Row Powerplant facilities?
Similar to their BGC branch, the Saddle Row Powerplant has a very modern interior with cement finishes, black industrial doors and gold and pink accents. Out of all the boutique fitness studios in Metro Manila I’ve seen so far, Saddle Row has always given me a stronger premium feel for their waiting areas and lobby. They have lockers where you put your own code and water dispensers that you can use to refill your bottle.
Besides their indoor cycling and rowing classes, they’re Powerplant Makati branch is also known for their Float Manila sensory deprivation chamber which you have to pay extra for to use. It’s basically a temperature controlled salt bath designed to help you relax and a great way to break after an intense workout. I’m not sure why it’s not an option to buy this on their website but you can buy it at a discounted price of ₱1462 (from ₱2250) on Booky.
I know having bath towels included in the prices for boutique studio experiences is not required, Saddle Row charging Php 50 for it has actually been a deterrent for me. When I sneak my workouts mid-day and have afternoon meetings, I don’t like having to bring a heavy gym bag with a shower towel the whole day but I also don’t want to pay another Php 50. You will also have to bring your own shampoo and soap.
What is Rowing?
A full-body indoor workout, they use rowing machines that simulate the feeling of rowing water. Sometimes referred to as Crew in the US where it’s associated with the Ivy League and whose origin is dated all the way back to the Egyptian empire. It’s said to burn an average of 700 calories per hour. It’s also low-impact and use muscles from the upper body, lower body and core. It’s also believed to be great for cross-training and an overall efficient workout.
What is Finesse Advanced?
Saddle Row offers three different kinds of rowing classes – Finesse, Crew and Circuit. Finesse is the most basic of the classes, catering mostly to first timers where they focus on teaching you the right form and build strength. It’s great for people who aren’t familiar with the machine and need a little more conditioning before proceeding to their other classes where you row as a team (Crew) and increased intensity (Circuit).
My Finesse Experience
Unlike indoor cycling, their rowing class don’t need you to wear special shoes and they don’t include small towels. The first time I tried to take this class at the Central Square BGC branch, I was dumb enough not to bring shoes and had to move towards the indoor cycling instead. This time, I came prepared! I always find their staff and instructors to be very pleasant and understanding.
When you sign up at the front desk, they give you your machine number and you are meant to find your machine and settle in. I booked a 12:15pm class under Tinoy Borromeo, the same instructor I had during the WeWork Fitness for Founders event, and I was looking forward to seeing how he taught the class in a more organized setting.
Strapping in your shoes is straight forward and the instructor will show you the numbers you need to watch out for so you know how intense you are expected to go at certain points in the class. Your machine will have three colors of resistance bands that you will use during the class: black, silver and blue.
During the class, it will be a mix of cardio rowing that is focused on intensity and speed, rowing with resistance bands where you will be given the choice to use either the black or silver resistance bands depending on how hard you want to go and mat work where you’ll be doing exercises with the blue and silver resistance bands. The instructor demonstrated each part of the workout before starting.
The music is similar to ones you will hear during their indoor cycling classes and it will be a mix of fast intense sounds and slower, recovery focused ones. Tinoy’s playlist was the right intensity for a first timer like me and I really appreciated how despite having a pretty full class of first timers, he was really particular about checking individual forms from the mat work to the actual rowing.
Would I go again?
Among classes designed primarily for beginners in the different fitness studios, I think that this one was very informative and well taught. Using new machines always intimidate me, especially because I’m still building my own body’s coordination with moves I’m not familiar with, and I appreciate beginner classes that are designed to put emphasis on form.
Personally, I felt the intensity of this particular rowing class didn’t match the first time I did indoor cycling but it does attack different muscle groups and I feel like you need more than one class to really get a feel of the machine and maximise your workout. The Finesse class works great for what it’s meant to do – get you comfortable with the machine and make sure you have proper form. I actually can’t wait to do more classes and be confident enough to jump into their Crew and Circuit class where I think I’ll be able to get the gist of the workout.
While not as intense as the VersaClimber at Rise Nation for it’s starter class, it’s a good half-way full body workout that definitely sets you up for their more difficult classes without being too overwhelming. I actually think that this class would be one of my top of mind workouts to invite friends who are new to the boutique fitness life for this reason. Location-wise, they’re also located in great premier locations at Rockwell and Central Square that you can quickly set a meeting at after your workout.
How to try it?
There are actually multiple ways to experience Saddle Row. Their studio trial rates are Php2000 for 5 classes (Php400/class) to be used within 15 days. From then, classes can cost anywhere from Php 600 – Php 900 depending on your package. You can buy through their website, ClassPass and Booky.
If you decide to book through ClassPass, use my code to get Php1500 Off your first month!
